Post by SummerCrow on Feb 21, 2019 3:26:12 GMT -6
Upcoming 13th Age campaign running on Saturday or Sunday afternoon (TBD).
Character Creation Guidelines
House Rules
Common Character Knowledge
Icons
Major Locations
Major Events
Other Setting Notes
Character Creation Guidelines
- Campaign link: app.roll20.net/join/4307226/6wgVdQ
- Starting level is 2.
- Starting equipment: Your class equipment, basic adventuring gear (pack, bedroll, canteen), choice of either 250 or 1d6x100 gold
- Choose 1 Adventurer-tier magic item from the SRD (or the Vault). You won't start with it, but you'll receive it shortly into the campaign.
- Backstory requirement: At some point, your character had a run-in with an adventurer of some renown named Alistair. Though it may have been a brief encounter, you formed a strong connection to him. Maybe he helped you, maybe you traveled together for a time. Whatever the case, you consider him a friend.
- Players will be starting in Axis. They've each been invited to Alistair's retirement party. They may or may not know each other.
-NO BLOODY HALF-ELVES.
- If you want to use something from the Vault, just ask.
- If there's any icon you want more info before deciding to take a relationship with, you can ask questions that'll be answered to the level some mid-tier person in their organization would know.
- Starting level is 2.
- Starting equipment: Your class equipment, basic adventuring gear (pack, bedroll, canteen), choice of either 250 or 1d6x100 gold
- Choose 1 Adventurer-tier magic item from the SRD (or the Vault). You won't start with it, but you'll receive it shortly into the campaign.
- Backstory requirement: At some point, your character had a run-in with an adventurer of some renown named Alistair. Though it may have been a brief encounter, you formed a strong connection to him. Maybe he helped you, maybe you traveled together for a time. Whatever the case, you consider him a friend.
- Players will be starting in Axis. They've each been invited to Alistair's retirement party. They may or may not know each other.
-
- If you want to use something from the Vault, just ask.
- If there's any icon you want more info before deciding to take a relationship with, you can ask questions that'll be answered to the level some mid-tier person in their organization would know.
House Rules
Meaningful Death, yes
Lasting Wounds, when appropriate
Natural 1 ends turns, no
Lasting Wounds, when appropriate
Natural 1 ends turns, no
Common Character Knowledge
Icons
The Lord High Magus: One of the most complicated icons. Though loyal and nominally subservient to The High King, two (three, technically) previous Lord High Magi have been at least partially responsible for ending ages. The current High Magus, Vivian Loren, is considered by many to have been, bluntly, a mistake - unfortunately, the title is appointed for life in all but the most dire circumstances (see Aimie). And while Vivian's penchant for unhinged laughter keeps many hesitant to trust her and her bizarre experiments, she's yet to do anything too dangerous. Yet. She's still young.
The Blood Knight: A well-respected 'general' who devotes himself to the gods of death and destruction. Clad all in black and wielding a massive axe, he's a stern, forceful man who has little care for politics or proper speech. He leads a sizable army of outcasts, misfits, survivors, mercenaries, and once-retired warriors. They devote themselves to bathing in the blood of those they deem unfit for this world. Their most recent conquest was the Dark Mistress, a fight in which the Blood Knight himself proposed an alliance with the Dragon Empire, the dwarves, and the Triumverate. Two of the three answered his call. Since then, his forces have made camp in the ruined Golden Citadel to lick their wounds and resupply. They still make excursions to massacre any demons dumb enough to crawl up out of The Abyss. Rumors say he's soon planning to march south to challenge The Savage Lord.
The Longbeard Thane: The most respected dwarf, and the previous Dwarf King. Doraznam lives in the Forge, but visits Axis often to escort young dwarves coming to study human techniques (as a case of how not to handle jewels and metals), and always bringing a keg of fine Dwarven ale to trade for Axis' famous mead as a sign of friendship between the dwarves and men. He's as stubborn as any dwarf you'll meet, but friendly, charismatic, and good-natured enough that only a few find him grating. He can convince almost anyone to take his opinion.
The Triumvirate: A council made of representatives from the three major races of elves, they make decisions by a two-of-three vote. The current leader of the dark elves is a grizzled old woman, old even by elven standards; some say she was alive to witness the birth of the 4th previous Platinum Dragon. Most humans who meet her find her dark sense of humor and sharp tongue strangely charming, but other elves find her crude. The head of the wood elves is considered her opposite. A charming young man, bright and optimistic. He does not like humans, but tries to keep his prejudice in check. The representative of the high elves was recently slain during the attack on the Dark Mistress, and her representative is being selected now.
The High King: King Ingram Kivisar, ruler of the Dragon Empire from his seat in Axis. The king is generally well-respected, though some question his excessive spending which seems to have become worse of late. Among the upper class, he is popular for his lavish parties. The commoners like him well enough, especially in comparison to his father, as a fair ruler known for making calm, considered decisions rather than reacting rashly. Of particular popularity, he forth stricter requirements for handing down harsher punishments such as execution. He replaced the governor of each city (citing corruption) and installed one for Axis, allowing him to focus on the empire as a whole. He has two lovely daughters and a popular son well-known for his prowess on the battlefield - he personally led the human forces against the Dark Mistress, and it's said he defeated her in a duel.
The Platinum Dragon: When the Platinum Dragon is ready to die, all metallic dragons from across the land are called to his home in Moonwreck. He chooses a suitable heir, performs a ritual to pass along his power, and then joins his predecessors in the white, sandy soil. Legends say that if the Platinum Dragon were to ever be killed by other means, his power would leave this world. For that reason, the Platinum rarely leaves Moonwreck. The current Platinum has only been in power for 130 years, and was chosen for the role at a scandalously young 340. As a result, he is known for being cautious, even paranoid, and indecisive; however, he can become shockingly forceful and stubborn about the most seemingly inconsequential things. Some say he seems to be possessed by spirits in these moments.
The Untamed: The Untamed's true name, race, and appearance are all unknown. What is known is that they are a powerful shapeshifter in charge of nature itself. They have the ability to sense large changes from anywhere in the empire, and often reveal themselves in a fitting form if they are unhappy with it. The current Untamed has been unusually - and violently - protective of natural areas compared to their predecessors, but no one's been able to determine why just yet. The previous Untamed was slain approximately 3 years ago, by a hunter of little renown, who mistook her for a common deer. An logging camp was destroyed by the new Untamed within a week, with several similar attacks in the next few months until it seemed to calm down a bit.
The Deathless One: The most infamous icons, everyone knows her name: Aimie Lunavela. A powerful vampiress who makes her home in the Necropolis. She was The Lord High Magus in the 4th age... and the 5th. By the beginning of the 6th age, her true nature and her tinkering in the dark arts came to light, and she was forcefully banished from the empire. She returned and conquered a small island in the 9th age, erecting the Necropolis and repelling all attempts to reclaim it using a powerful barrier of negative energy that saps the life from those who enter uninvited. She marked the end of the 9th age with The Massacre of Omen. Once a month, she leaves her island to slaughter a random innocent in a violent, bloody, and public display. Occasionally, she allows some of her livestock to escape her hunting grounds and spread tales of her cruelty. Sometimes she comes to drag them back later. Sometimes she just leaves her mark on their wall. Sometimes she comes back again. Some children tell fairy tales that if you smear blood on a mirror and whisper her name three times, she'll appear.
The Savage Lord: Not much is known about this icon, even his race. He makes his base far to the south of the empire. He leads an army of semi-intelligent monsters, including kobolds and goblins. He occasionally raids the southern edge of the empire. It's easy to tell when at attack was led by the Savage Lord, and when it was made by random monsters: there aren't ever any corpses or survivors found after one of his attacks.
The Grand Oracle: Although this cheerful young lady, Towa Flores, is nominally the head of the Church of Light, the oracle has no interest in the organized side of her religion. She is typically accompanied only by her two closest friends. They travel between cities, always in disguise, delivering huge sermons and doing small good deeds alike. It seems as if half the people in the empire know a guy who swears he met her in person once when she performed some small miracle. In one famous incident, her group, disguised as performers, walked into a corrupt church and turned it into a literal circus for the day. In another famous incident, she saved a small child from The Deathless One by offering herself as a sacrifice in his stead - she's one of the few to have survived such an encounter, though even the witnesses can't properly explain how she drove Aimie back.
The Jack: Nothing is known about Jack him(her?)self, but Jack's organization is the empire's most poorly kept secret. Based in Shadow Port, those in the know can hire Jack's troupe for all manor of unsavory work. A few members are known to use playing cards as codenames, leading some to believe there are only 13 proper members.
The Council of Scales: A collection of the 5 (currently) strongest chromatic dragons. When one dies (naturally or otherwise), the title is passed on. In order of how recently they inherited their titles. The current White is a cocky young man known for being a bit arrogant after recently coming to power. He isn't expected to last long. The Green is a cautious, soft-spoken young lady not much older than the White. The Blue, a 'refined' (read: stuck-up) middle-aged man, is considered the most difficult of the council. The Red is an unsurprisingly hot-headed woman. Few expected her to last as long as she has, but her brute strength is stunning. The black is an old man who rarely speaks, and little is known about his true personality. He's known as the calm, rational leader of the council. They meet in Drakenhall every 10 years, or for special occasions. The current Green and Blue make their home there in an uncomfortable alliance, though the Green's territory is traditionally the Spider Wood. The White is most often seen in the Dragon Wood. The Red's home is officially the Blood Wood, but she's known to wander where she pleases. The Black's home is unknown.
The Dark Mistress: The Dark Mistress is believed to be the source of all demons in the world, a powerful summoner hated by almost everyone. Velka is also youngest of the current icons at 19. Despite her young age, she wields extremely powerful magic and has a genius mind for tactics, logistics, and diplomacy. Most say she inherited the title by murdering her mentor, the previous Dark Master. Before she could grow used to her newfound strength and develop her forces, she was beset by a combined assault from The Triumverate, Blood Knight, and the Dragon Empire's army. Though one of the Triumverate was slain in the battle, she was captured. Her arrival in Axis was one of the most celebrated, publicly attended events in literal ages, with people cheering as the prince paraded his prize down the streets in chains. Since then, she has disappeared. Most say she's rotting in the deepest part of the dungeon, but dozens of other rumors have arisen.
The Dweller Below: A fairy tale told to small children. A horrible creature lurking far beneath the empire that gobbles up entire villages when children don't go to bed on time.
Heroic Icons: Lord High Magus, Triumvirate, High King, Great Oracle
Ambiguous Icons: The Untamed, Blood Knight, The Platinum, Council of Scales, Longbeard Thane
Villainous Icons: The Jack, The Dark Mistress, The Savage Lord, The Deathless One
Nonexistant: The Dweller Below
The Blood Knight: A well-respected 'general' who devotes himself to the gods of death and destruction. Clad all in black and wielding a massive axe, he's a stern, forceful man who has little care for politics or proper speech. He leads a sizable army of outcasts, misfits, survivors, mercenaries, and once-retired warriors. They devote themselves to bathing in the blood of those they deem unfit for this world. Their most recent conquest was the Dark Mistress, a fight in which the Blood Knight himself proposed an alliance with the Dragon Empire, the dwarves, and the Triumverate. Two of the three answered his call. Since then, his forces have made camp in the ruined Golden Citadel to lick their wounds and resupply. They still make excursions to massacre any demons dumb enough to crawl up out of The Abyss. Rumors say he's soon planning to march south to challenge The Savage Lord.
The Longbeard Thane: The most respected dwarf, and the previous Dwarf King. Doraznam lives in the Forge, but visits Axis often to escort young dwarves coming to study human techniques (as a case of how not to handle jewels and metals), and always bringing a keg of fine Dwarven ale to trade for Axis' famous mead as a sign of friendship between the dwarves and men. He's as stubborn as any dwarf you'll meet, but friendly, charismatic, and good-natured enough that only a few find him grating. He can convince almost anyone to take his opinion.
The Triumvirate: A council made of representatives from the three major races of elves, they make decisions by a two-of-three vote. The current leader of the dark elves is a grizzled old woman, old even by elven standards; some say she was alive to witness the birth of the 4th previous Platinum Dragon. Most humans who meet her find her dark sense of humor and sharp tongue strangely charming, but other elves find her crude. The head of the wood elves is considered her opposite. A charming young man, bright and optimistic. He does not like humans, but tries to keep his prejudice in check. The representative of the high elves was recently slain during the attack on the Dark Mistress, and her representative is being selected now.
The High King: King Ingram Kivisar, ruler of the Dragon Empire from his seat in Axis. The king is generally well-respected, though some question his excessive spending which seems to have become worse of late. Among the upper class, he is popular for his lavish parties. The commoners like him well enough, especially in comparison to his father, as a fair ruler known for making calm, considered decisions rather than reacting rashly. Of particular popularity, he forth stricter requirements for handing down harsher punishments such as execution. He replaced the governor of each city (citing corruption) and installed one for Axis, allowing him to focus on the empire as a whole. He has two lovely daughters and a popular son well-known for his prowess on the battlefield - he personally led the human forces against the Dark Mistress, and it's said he defeated her in a duel.
The Platinum Dragon: When the Platinum Dragon is ready to die, all metallic dragons from across the land are called to his home in Moonwreck. He chooses a suitable heir, performs a ritual to pass along his power, and then joins his predecessors in the white, sandy soil. Legends say that if the Platinum Dragon were to ever be killed by other means, his power would leave this world. For that reason, the Platinum rarely leaves Moonwreck. The current Platinum has only been in power for 130 years, and was chosen for the role at a scandalously young 340. As a result, he is known for being cautious, even paranoid, and indecisive; however, he can become shockingly forceful and stubborn about the most seemingly inconsequential things. Some say he seems to be possessed by spirits in these moments.
The Untamed: The Untamed's true name, race, and appearance are all unknown. What is known is that they are a powerful shapeshifter in charge of nature itself. They have the ability to sense large changes from anywhere in the empire, and often reveal themselves in a fitting form if they are unhappy with it. The current Untamed has been unusually - and violently - protective of natural areas compared to their predecessors, but no one's been able to determine why just yet. The previous Untamed was slain approximately 3 years ago, by a hunter of little renown, who mistook her for a common deer. An logging camp was destroyed by the new Untamed within a week, with several similar attacks in the next few months until it seemed to calm down a bit.
The Deathless One: The most infamous icons, everyone knows her name: Aimie Lunavela. A powerful vampiress who makes her home in the Necropolis. She was The Lord High Magus in the 4th age... and the 5th. By the beginning of the 6th age, her true nature and her tinkering in the dark arts came to light, and she was forcefully banished from the empire. She returned and conquered a small island in the 9th age, erecting the Necropolis and repelling all attempts to reclaim it using a powerful barrier of negative energy that saps the life from those who enter uninvited. She marked the end of the 9th age with The Massacre of Omen. Once a month, she leaves her island to slaughter a random innocent in a violent, bloody, and public display. Occasionally, she allows some of her livestock to escape her hunting grounds and spread tales of her cruelty. Sometimes she comes to drag them back later. Sometimes she just leaves her mark on their wall. Sometimes she comes back again. Some children tell fairy tales that if you smear blood on a mirror and whisper her name three times, she'll appear.
The Savage Lord: Not much is known about this icon, even his race. He makes his base far to the south of the empire. He leads an army of semi-intelligent monsters, including kobolds and goblins. He occasionally raids the southern edge of the empire. It's easy to tell when at attack was led by the Savage Lord, and when it was made by random monsters: there aren't ever any corpses or survivors found after one of his attacks.
The Grand Oracle: Although this cheerful young lady, Towa Flores, is nominally the head of the Church of Light, the oracle has no interest in the organized side of her religion. She is typically accompanied only by her two closest friends. They travel between cities, always in disguise, delivering huge sermons and doing small good deeds alike. It seems as if half the people in the empire know a guy who swears he met her in person once when she performed some small miracle. In one famous incident, her group, disguised as performers, walked into a corrupt church and turned it into a literal circus for the day. In another famous incident, she saved a small child from The Deathless One by offering herself as a sacrifice in his stead - she's one of the few to have survived such an encounter, though even the witnesses can't properly explain how she drove Aimie back.
The Jack: Nothing is known about Jack him(her?)self, but Jack's organization is the empire's most poorly kept secret. Based in Shadow Port, those in the know can hire Jack's troupe for all manor of unsavory work. A few members are known to use playing cards as codenames, leading some to believe there are only 13 proper members.
The Council of Scales: A collection of the 5 (currently) strongest chromatic dragons. When one dies (naturally or otherwise), the title is passed on. In order of how recently they inherited their titles. The current White is a cocky young man known for being a bit arrogant after recently coming to power. He isn't expected to last long. The Green is a cautious, soft-spoken young lady not much older than the White. The Blue, a 'refined' (read: stuck-up) middle-aged man, is considered the most difficult of the council. The Red is an unsurprisingly hot-headed woman. Few expected her to last as long as she has, but her brute strength is stunning. The black is an old man who rarely speaks, and little is known about his true personality. He's known as the calm, rational leader of the council. They meet in Drakenhall every 10 years, or for special occasions. The current Green and Blue make their home there in an uncomfortable alliance, though the Green's territory is traditionally the Spider Wood. The White is most often seen in the Dragon Wood. The Red's home is officially the Blood Wood, but she's known to wander where she pleases. The Black's home is unknown.
The Dark Mistress: The Dark Mistress is believed to be the source of all demons in the world, a powerful summoner hated by almost everyone. Velka is also youngest of the current icons at 19. Despite her young age, she wields extremely powerful magic and has a genius mind for tactics, logistics, and diplomacy. Most say she inherited the title by murdering her mentor, the previous Dark Master. Before she could grow used to her newfound strength and develop her forces, she was beset by a combined assault from The Triumverate, Blood Knight, and the Dragon Empire's army. Though one of the Triumverate was slain in the battle, she was captured. Her arrival in Axis was one of the most celebrated, publicly attended events in literal ages, with people cheering as the prince paraded his prize down the streets in chains. Since then, she has disappeared. Most say she's rotting in the deepest part of the dungeon, but dozens of other rumors have arisen.
The Dweller Below: A fairy tale told to small children. A horrible creature lurking far beneath the empire that gobbles up entire villages when children don't go to bed on time.
Heroic Icons: Lord High Magus, Triumvirate, High King, Great Oracle
Ambiguous Icons: The Untamed, Blood Knight, The Platinum, Council of Scales, Longbeard Thane
Villainous Icons: The Jack, The Dark Mistress, The Savage Lord, The Deathless One
Nonexistant: The Dweller Below
Major Locations
Axis: The capital of the empire, and a massive, sprawling city partly surrounded by rivers. The home of The High King and his family.
Shadow Port: A city where the town guard has learned to turn a blind eye to just about everything you can imagine short of straight-up murder in broad daylight unless you're handing over a nice chunk of coin. It's easy to find one of the Jack's 'representatives' here.
Horizon: The Lord High Magus' home, as well as the home of the Imperial Mage College and many, many questionable experiments.
Santa Cora: 'City of Temples,' the home of the church of light. The Grand Oracle does wander back there fairly often. All religious practice is allowed, even to the dark gods.
New Port: A small but important port city on the edge of The Wild Wood. The place the previous Untamed was (accidentally) murdered. The city was badly damaged by the new Untamed. The Red frequently starts and ends her wanderings here.
Concord: A major port and trading city, and one of the few places where humans, halflings, and elves live together.
Drakkenhall: A city home to many dragons, and one of the few places you'll find multiple dragons living together in (relative) peace. The occasional fight breaks out, but it's often quickly suppressed by the Blue and Green. Also home to one of the largest populations of demi-human species.
Forge: The Dwarves' home city, a massive fortress city set on top of a mountain. But the real wonders are beneath the surface in a sprawling underground cavern. Frequently falls under attack by Dark Elves arguing over territory.
Gitterhaegan: Home to the gnomes. Everyone hates this place and no one wants to go here ever, especially for vacations.
Moonwreck: Neutral ground for the metallic dragons and home to The Platinum. Legends say the soil gains its unusual properties from all the dragon scales and bones, as most metallic dragons return here to die.
Omen: The largest island of The Midland Sea. Once a bustling land where all races were represented, now a wasteland where only the dead still wander. Its destruction marked the end of the 9th age.
Queen's Woods: Home of the Wood Elves, and the typical meeting ground of The Triumvirate. As if the stuck-up High Elves would let the filthy Dark Elves into their precious home, or deign to go underground...
Shadow Port: A city where the town guard has learned to turn a blind eye to just about everything you can imagine short of straight-up murder in broad daylight unless you're handing over a nice chunk of coin. It's easy to find one of the Jack's 'representatives' here.
Horizon: The Lord High Magus' home, as well as the home of the Imperial Mage College and many, many questionable experiments.
Santa Cora: 'City of Temples,' the home of the church of light. The Grand Oracle does wander back there fairly often. All religious practice is allowed, even to the dark gods.
New Port: A small but important port city on the edge of The Wild Wood. The place the previous Untamed was (accidentally) murdered. The city was badly damaged by the new Untamed. The Red frequently starts and ends her wanderings here.
Concord: A major port and trading city, and one of the few places where humans, halflings, and elves live together.
Drakkenhall: A city home to many dragons, and one of the few places you'll find multiple dragons living together in (relative) peace. The occasional fight breaks out, but it's often quickly suppressed by the Blue and Green. Also home to one of the largest populations of demi-human species.
Forge: The Dwarves' home city, a massive fortress city set on top of a mountain. But the real wonders are beneath the surface in a sprawling underground cavern. Frequently falls under attack by Dark Elves arguing over territory.
Gitterhaegan: Home to the gnomes. Everyone hates this place and no one wants to go here ever, especially for vacations.
Moonwreck: Neutral ground for the metallic dragons and home to The Platinum. Legends say the soil gains its unusual properties from all the dragon scales and bones, as most metallic dragons return here to die.
Omen: The largest island of The Midland Sea. Once a bustling land where all races were represented, now a wasteland where only the dead still wander. Its destruction marked the end of the 9th age.
Queen's Woods: Home of the Wood Elves, and the typical meeting ground of The Triumvirate. As if the stuck-up High Elves would let the filthy Dark Elves into their precious home, or deign to go underground...
Major Events
1st Age: Foundation of the Dragon Empire.
2nd Age: Nothing interesting happened. The strange ruins left behind on Omen are totally normal.
3rd Age: Refoundation of the Dragon Empire. Emergence of The Jack and the Longbeard Thane. The Red, White, Black, Blue and Green formally join together in the Council of Scales. Aimie Lunavela is appointed Lord High Magus in recognition of her efforts at Omen.
4th Age: This age, shorter than most at only 130 years, ends when Tarasque emerges and destroys half of Axis.
5th Age: A long-lived age in which Axis is rebuilt. Aimie conducts several experiments in secret which eventually led to the creation of an entirely new race, vampires. This leads to the emergence of an icon, the Blood Knight, who reveals her scheming. His battle to remove her from power (The Third Battle of Horizon) destroys much of the city, releases waves of dangerous magic across the empire, and marks the end of the age.
6th Age: Emergence of the Untamed as a result of the Third Battle of Horizon. One of the ages that ends on a positive note as the elves create their Triumvirate and end the warring between their tribes.
7th Age: Foundation of the Church of Light, emergence of The Grand Oracle.
8th Age: The Abyss opens and the 1st Dark Master ascends from below. The Blood Knight's forces drive back most of the initial wave of demons, but are unable to prevent the ritual the Dark Master used to lock the Abyss open. The 1st Dark Master is killed by the Savage Lord before he disappears back into the south. Another Dark Master soon takes his place.
9th Age: Aimie Lunavela reappears, now calling herself The Deathless One. She conquers a small island in the Midland Sea, erecting her home base, the Necropolis. She repels an attempt to reclaim the island, sinking an entire Imperial fleet. As punishment for their attack, she begins The Massacre of Omen. Those that didn't die in the initial attack or manage to escape still dwell there as her undead thralls. This ends the age, and marks the beginning of her reign of terror.
10th Age: The Age ends when The Blood Knight declares war on the Church of Light and slays the Grand Oracle. A new Oracle does not appear until the 13th Age. The current Black takes power near the beginning of the age, and the current Red near the end.
11th Age: Ended by a failed experiment in which The Lord High Magus attempted to create a barrier capable of protecting the entirety of the Dragon Empire. The experiment backfired, causing massive damage and killing him in the process.
12th Age: The new Lord High Magus repeats the experiment, despite attempts to stop him. The experiment succeeds, leading to one of the longest, most prosperous ages to date. The current Blue takes power early in the age. The 12th Age ended 20 years ago.
-24 Years: King Ingram takes the throne.
-20 Years: A Tarasque emerges near Anvil, destroying most of the city and marching south. The Blood Knight's forces rallied at his base at First Triumph and attempted to repel it before it could reach Axis. The previous Blood Knight is slain along with most of his forces and First Triumph, but he buys enough time for the forces of the Empire to rally and repel the monster.
-19 Years: A new Blood Knight appears.
-16 Years: The King's wife dies.
-13 Years: The new representative of the Wood Elves is elected.
-10 Years: The previous Green is poisoned. The new Green is the prime suspect, earning her more respect than disdain.
-8 Years: Vivian Loren becomes the new Lord High Magus.
-6 Years: After centuries, a new Grand Oracle, Towa Flores, emerges, and immediately proves to be a stubborn pain in the ass to the Church of Light, but is loved by the public.
-3 Years: The Untamed is slain in an unfortunate accident. The new Untamed shortly emerges, and begins to wreak havoc.
-2 Years: Towa Flores offers herself as a sacrifice to Aimie Lunavela to save a young boy. In an unexplained miracle, she survives the encounter. This occurs less than a month after the circus incident, and solidifies her reputation as one of the most beloved icons.
-8 Months: The Dark Master is slain, presumably by his apprentice. The Blood Knight forges an alliance with the elves and Dragon Empire.
-7 Months: Fourth Battle of the Abyss. The High Elf Representative is slain, but The Dark Mistress is captured. The Blood Knight sets up camp in the ruins of The Golden Citadel.
-6 Months: The Dark Mistress arrives in Axis. She's dressed in rags, paraded through the city, then proudly chained up above the palace gate for a week. She's been unseen by the public since the castle guard removed her.
-3 Months: Shortly after the most recent convention of the council, a young white dragon challenges the White and slays her in an honorable duel. He becomes the new White.
-1 Month: You receive a letter from an old friend, an adventurer named Alistar Starling. He says he's retiring to live in Axis, and is hosting a party to celebrate in one month's time. He dearly hopes you'll come...
2nd Age: Nothing interesting happened. The strange ruins left behind on Omen are totally normal.
3rd Age: Refoundation of the Dragon Empire. Emergence of The Jack and the Longbeard Thane. The Red, White, Black, Blue and Green formally join together in the Council of Scales. Aimie Lunavela is appointed Lord High Magus in recognition of her efforts at Omen.
4th Age: This age, shorter than most at only 130 years, ends when Tarasque emerges and destroys half of Axis.
5th Age: A long-lived age in which Axis is rebuilt. Aimie conducts several experiments in secret which eventually led to the creation of an entirely new race, vampires. This leads to the emergence of an icon, the Blood Knight, who reveals her scheming. His battle to remove her from power (The Third Battle of Horizon) destroys much of the city, releases waves of dangerous magic across the empire, and marks the end of the age.
6th Age: Emergence of the Untamed as a result of the Third Battle of Horizon. One of the ages that ends on a positive note as the elves create their Triumvirate and end the warring between their tribes.
7th Age: Foundation of the Church of Light, emergence of The Grand Oracle.
8th Age: The Abyss opens and the 1st Dark Master ascends from below. The Blood Knight's forces drive back most of the initial wave of demons, but are unable to prevent the ritual the Dark Master used to lock the Abyss open. The 1st Dark Master is killed by the Savage Lord before he disappears back into the south. Another Dark Master soon takes his place.
9th Age: Aimie Lunavela reappears, now calling herself The Deathless One. She conquers a small island in the Midland Sea, erecting her home base, the Necropolis. She repels an attempt to reclaim the island, sinking an entire Imperial fleet. As punishment for their attack, she begins The Massacre of Omen. Those that didn't die in the initial attack or manage to escape still dwell there as her undead thralls. This ends the age, and marks the beginning of her reign of terror.
10th Age: The Age ends when The Blood Knight declares war on the Church of Light and slays the Grand Oracle. A new Oracle does not appear until the 13th Age. The current Black takes power near the beginning of the age, and the current Red near the end.
11th Age: Ended by a failed experiment in which The Lord High Magus attempted to create a barrier capable of protecting the entirety of the Dragon Empire. The experiment backfired, causing massive damage and killing him in the process.
12th Age: The new Lord High Magus repeats the experiment, despite attempts to stop him. The experiment succeeds, leading to one of the longest, most prosperous ages to date. The current Blue takes power early in the age. The 12th Age ended 20 years ago.
-24 Years: King Ingram takes the throne.
-20 Years: A Tarasque emerges near Anvil, destroying most of the city and marching south. The Blood Knight's forces rallied at his base at First Triumph and attempted to repel it before it could reach Axis. The previous Blood Knight is slain along with most of his forces and First Triumph, but he buys enough time for the forces of the Empire to rally and repel the monster.
-19 Years: A new Blood Knight appears.
-16 Years: The King's wife dies.
-13 Years: The new representative of the Wood Elves is elected.
-10 Years: The previous Green is poisoned. The new Green is the prime suspect, earning her more respect than disdain.
-8 Years: Vivian Loren becomes the new Lord High Magus.
-6 Years: After centuries, a new Grand Oracle, Towa Flores, emerges, and immediately proves to be a stubborn pain in the ass to the Church of Light, but is loved by the public.
-3 Years: The Untamed is slain in an unfortunate accident. The new Untamed shortly emerges, and begins to wreak havoc.
-2 Years: Towa Flores offers herself as a sacrifice to Aimie Lunavela to save a young boy. In an unexplained miracle, she survives the encounter. This occurs less than a month after the circus incident, and solidifies her reputation as one of the most beloved icons.
-8 Months: The Dark Master is slain, presumably by his apprentice. The Blood Knight forges an alliance with the elves and Dragon Empire.
-7 Months: Fourth Battle of the Abyss. The High Elf Representative is slain, but The Dark Mistress is captured. The Blood Knight sets up camp in the ruins of The Golden Citadel.
-6 Months: The Dark Mistress arrives in Axis. She's dressed in rags, paraded through the city, then proudly chained up above the palace gate for a week. She's been unseen by the public since the castle guard removed her.
-3 Months: Shortly after the most recent convention of the council, a young white dragon challenges the White and slays her in an honorable duel. He becomes the new White.
-1 Month: You receive a letter from an old friend, an adventurer named Alistar Starling. He says he's retiring to live in Axis, and is hosting a party to celebrate in one month's time. He dearly hopes you'll come...
Other Setting Notes
- Dragons are rare. Only about 100 metallic dragons and 300 chromatic dragons are currently alive, and that number's been relatively stable for ages. Most are technically citizens of the empire (some choose to live with the elves or dwarves, or alone in the north/south), even if they live on their own in caves in the wilderness.
- Half-dragons look like humans with obvious draconic features like horns, scales, or wings - though the form is not always the same. Half-dragons that spend time around humans slowly develop to look more human, while half-dragons avoiding humans usually become more bestial.
- All but the most dull-witted dragons have the potential to learn a basic polymorph spell to become more humanoid. Most will appear as bestial half-dragons. Those that work on the spell (older dragons, dragons that are particularly fond of humans like silver dragons, naturally talented dragons (icons)) can eventually become indistinguishable from normal humans.
- Like dragons, most demons can learn to use Disguise. Also like dragons, a Disguised demon looks like a tiefling; the more experienced/skilled the demon, the more human the disguise looks.
- Dinosaurs are extremely rare, and very valuable. A handful of high-ranking dragons keep them as pets. These were all gifts from The Black. He is the only one who knows where they exist in the wild, and he keeps the secret tightly guarded.
- Forgeborn exist, but the process to make them got lost in the previous empire so they can't be made anymore. They're able to at least fix up the ones that exist because it's just mechanical parts, but the whole free will and spirit part's kind of a big question mark now.
-In some smaller frontier towns with no real Imperial Army presence within a half-day's march, the church is very much the first and last line of defense, a sanctuary where people can take shelter from attacks by the many, many monsters. The church as a whole is also the empire's main group for fighting against Aimie's forces when they appear on the mainland, and frequently cooperate with the Blood Knight's forces against the demons as well.
- Half-dragons look like humans with obvious draconic features like horns, scales, or wings - though the form is not always the same. Half-dragons that spend time around humans slowly develop to look more human, while half-dragons avoiding humans usually become more bestial.
- All but the most dull-witted dragons have the potential to learn a basic polymorph spell to become more humanoid. Most will appear as bestial half-dragons. Those that work on the spell (older dragons, dragons that are particularly fond of humans like silver dragons, naturally talented dragons (icons)) can eventually become indistinguishable from normal humans.
- Like dragons, most demons can learn to use Disguise. Also like dragons, a Disguised demon looks like a tiefling; the more experienced/skilled the demon, the more human the disguise looks.
- Dinosaurs are extremely rare, and very valuable. A handful of high-ranking dragons keep them as pets. These were all gifts from The Black. He is the only one who knows where they exist in the wild, and he keeps the secret tightly guarded.
- Forgeborn exist, but the process to make them got lost in the previous empire so they can't be made anymore. They're able to at least fix up the ones that exist because it's just mechanical parts, but the whole free will and spirit part's kind of a big question mark now.
-In some smaller frontier towns with no real Imperial Army presence within a half-day's march, the church is very much the first and last line of defense, a sanctuary where people can take shelter from attacks by the many, many monsters. The church as a whole is also the empire's main group for fighting against Aimie's forces when they appear on the mainland, and frequently cooperate with the Blood Knight's forces against the demons as well.
