[M] Book of the Broken Road [OOC] [UC]

[Grungeknuckle]

-{Book of the Broken Road}-

The town of Skurthol has seen it's fair share of battle.
Once a mere Pravian keep on the border of the Green Mountains, it has changed hands many times before the Truce was enforced by the Empire to the south. This peace is a half-measured one, however. Elvish memories and hatred lasts long, and the heartland cities of Pravus still desire slaves. The skirmishes are secret, and they are silent, but blood still spills.
Traveling these lands is a treacherous trek. Beasts on both sides, the wild guardians of the wood to the west, and the warped abominations of war in the eastern wastes. The Stonemurk Ogres have become restless, and descended from their mountain, stalking the forests below. The swift and silent elves, grudges still fresh in their timeworn minds, slay those they do not recognize to be of the Green. And roving bands of slavers still stalk the border, snatching up those unfortunate souls who cross their path, regardless of race or nation.

You are a traveler on the Broken Road, a line in the sand made by the Empire, the border between the lands of the Green Mountains, and the Kingdom of Pravus. For reasons of your own, you are making your way to Skurthol, down this forsaken road, mired in blood and toil. Dusk approaches, and through the gathering gloom, you spy the flickering glow of a campfire. Graggsrom Henge, a set of crumbling ruins half-buried in the hillside. It's original purpose lost the the dust of ages, it is now used as a simple shelter for weary travelers.
One by one, you find this place, rest, and wait for daylight.

-{IC THREAD}-

Spoiler: INTRODUCTION 

Welcome, and thank you for taking a look at my Roleplay Game.

This is a high fantasy, sword and sorcery style game, magic is fairly common, and fantastical and dangerous creatures exist on the borders of civilization. It is a more group oriented game, meaning that characters are encouraged to band and work together to achieve a common goal, and maybe even form bonds and friendships. We will be using a basic point system to determine the strength of abilities and skills, with the charters starting out at a lower level of sorts.

Additionally, this will also be a Mature Roleplay, due to subjects such a slavery and racism, alcohol and possible drug use, and possible sexual situations.

I would like to run this almost like a standard table-top style, with myself acting as the GM. I will be accepting only a limited number of players, between 5 to 6. Characters will be accepted over a 2 week period, or until all character slots are filled. Conflict and skill attempts will be resolved using a 3d6 (3 six-sided dice) system, with a natural 18 being a critical success, and a natural 3 being a horrific failure. Although the numbers will be a little softer and play-by-ear, the general structure will go as follows:
GM: Describe the scene.
Player: Describe the actions they'd like to take.
GM: Describe the results, and how the scene changes.
And so on, and so forth...

As the GM, it is my job to craft a engaging, interesting, and most importantly fun story, to help weave your characters into the world, and to effectively try to hunt down and murder them one by one. To answer a former player's question, there is no tutorial level.
You may want to consider making and proposing backups characters.

-Table of Contents-
Introduction
Rules & Guidelines
Building Characters
Accepted Characters
History & The Kingdoms
Religions & Pantheons
Notes on Magic
Races & Bestiary

Spoiler: RULES & GUIDELINES 

Character Submission: Please PM me your character profiles, with the RP's name and your character's name as the subject. If I believe they need any adjustments, I'll give you some suggestions. Once your character has been accepted, I'll add them to the character list below, and you may post the profile in the OOC Thread.
Powerplaying: The skill point system I'm trying out is intended to help avoid power-playing. All the same, though, let's avoid power-playing, auto-hitting, and all general god-modding.
Absences: If you know you're going to be absent from the game, having difficulty posting, or want to leave the game, just send me a quick PM. If you want someone to play for you while you're out, let me know.
Posting: We're going to try to keep posting once every other day. As for the contents of the post, I'm more of a "Casual Literacy" type of person. Correct grammar and spelling, and anything around the size of a paragraph or more is fine, as long as it moves the story forward. If you are waiting for someone to post, and after a few days they do not, you may treat that as if their character did nothing, took no action, and is either stunned or indecisive.
Dice: As stated in the introduction, we will be using a 3d6 dice system for certain checks, attacks, and saves, with 3 being a critical failure, 18 being a critical success. These dice can be rolled out of the forum, either with physical dice or a dice simulator, but it would be preferred if players would roll within the OOC or IC thread, using the [rollv]3d6[/ rollv] code.

Spoiler: BUILDING CHARACTERS 

Point System
For this RP, we will be using a point system to assign to various abilities and skills the characters have, in order to gauge how powerful or effective these are, on a scale of 1 to 10. A 1 is considered to be a beginner or novice's understanding or capability, while a 10 will represent mastery. Greater than 10 indicates that the character had dedicated significant time in this field, having designed new techniques, or discovered otherwise unknown knowledge, unique to themselves. As your character becomes more powerful, they will gain additional points, which can be added to existing skills and abilities, or be used to gain new ones. Such points can also be added to racial traits, as the character's natural abilities become stronger.

Character Creation Links: I'm always a fan of randomly generated characters, though I certainly don't require it. If you are interested, however, you can use the following links to help you create your character.
Character Names - Donjon
Basic Fantasy Character - Chaotic Shiny
Character Appearance - Springhole
Character Motives - Chaotic Shiny
Class Features - Chaotic Shiny
Magic Features - Chaotic Shiny

Custom Races
If you would like to use a race that is not listed, contact me beforehand, and we will work something out. I will need to know any special abilities or racial traits this race has, a physical description, an idea of behavior and/or culture, and how common they are.

Bio and Personality Questions
To help me get a feel for your character, and to help you flesh them out, please answer the following questions, and send your answers to me when you submit your character.

Spoiler: 8 Questions 

What does your character want right now?
What is their long-term goal?
What motivates them?
What are they most afraid of?
What do they value the most?
What could they never do?
What is their greatest regret?
What do they not want others to know?

Spoiler: CHARACTER TEMPLATE 

[B]Name:[/B] What is your character's name, and any aliases and nicknames?
[B]Race:[/B] What race is your character, and any sub-races?
[B]Origin:[/B] Which of the four regions is your character originally from, and any specific location?
[B]Age:[/B] How old are they, and the human approximation of this age?
[B]Gender:[/B] What gender are they?
[B]Appearance:[/B] What does your character look like? What kind of clothing do they wear? Either a physical description, an image, or both.
[B]Personality:[/B] How would you describe their general mannerisms, ideals, and personal quirks?
[B]Bio:[/B] Where did your character come from, and how did they get here?
[B]Class:[/B] Nothing official, just a descriptive name for someone with your character's collection of abilities and skills.
[B]Skills & Abilities:[/B] What can your character do, and how skilled are they? This is what the point system is for.
[B]Equipment:[/B] What equipment does your character carry?
[B]Other:[/B] Add any other relevant information.
[B]Player:[/B] Your name here.

Spoiler: FORMATS FOR SKILLS/ABILITIES/MAGIC ITEMS 

[B]Ability - Ability Name:[Points][/B] Description
[B]Racial Ability - Racial Ability Name:[Points][/B] Description
[I]Skill - Skill Name:[/I][B][Points][/B] Description
[I]Spell [Casting Style] - Spell Name:[/I] Description. Spells are a subset of a magical ability, and it's that specific ability that determines how powerful the spells are.
[B]Magic Item - Item Name:[Points][/B] Description

Spoiler: Sample Character Build 1 

Name: Laensus "Len" Cronfare
Race: Human
Origin: Cykursh Provices
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Appearance: Len is tall and broad-shouldered, but not heavily built. He has lean, stern features that make him look older than he actually is, and a jaw that always seems to be clenched. His hair would be a dark amber if he let it grow, but he shaves his head, the only hint of his color coming from his sharp, scowling eyebrows, set over green eyes. Tattoo's deck his arms. Rather than being decorative, they act as almost a permanent wizard's spellbook, mapping out the routes and channels of the magic he uses.
Personality: Len is pragmatic and group oriented. Keep together, keep safe, and keep your goal in sight. He has a sensitive spot for the poor and less fortunate, children especially.
Bio: N\A
Class: Cykursian Rook
Skills & Abilities:
Ability - Sympathetic Attunement:[1] Len can entwine the energies of his own magic with those around him, bolstering both. The magical abilities of those in close proximity to Len increase by one point, and Len's magic increases by one point for each active magic user in close proximity to himself.
Ability - Tower's Stance:[3] Specially trained to make the most of heavy armor, and hold his ground against groups of enemies.
Ability - Swordplay:[2] Trained in the proper use of a sword, specifically wide, swinging strikes.
Ability - Shielding Spells:[6] Though not skilled with offensive spells, Len is well-trained in the use of defensive spells. He has only adept with a single set of spells used by his order, shielding spells. He may only have one spell active at a time. Casting requires a vocal incantation and the opportunity to concentrate, and Len must have access to a crystal or metal object, weapon, or armor that can properly harmonize the spell.
Spell[Shielding Spell] - Three-Point Shield: A basic arcane ward, creating an invisible shield of force that protects the warded individual from one side. Can be sustained for an extended period of time.
Spell[Shielding Spell] - Reflective Shield: An unstable arcane ward, creating an invisible shield of energy that cover's the warded individual from one side. Once struck, the shield dissipates, exploding violently in the warded direction, and blasting all nearby enemies on that side.
Skill - Basic Repair:[1] Len is adept at simple armor and weapon repair, fixing minor gashes and chinks in armor and weapons, and knowing what types of materials are needed for replacing straps and ties.
Equipment:
Magical Item - Crystal-Set Armor:[2] A dull-grey set of heavy armor, with large crystals inlaid into the shoulders, chest, and gauntlets. Designed for use by Cykursian Rook Novices, to help them focus and enhance their spells, or extend their magical influence outward and enhance their Sympathetic Attunement abilities.
Rook's Longsword (Heavy and single-edged), a heavy cloak for those cold Cykursian nights, 10 torches, a tinderbox, 10 rations, a waterskin, a flask, a pair of dice, a small well-worn book of Cykursian myths.
Other: N\A
Player: Grungeknuckle

Spoiler: Sample Character Build 2 

Name: Oraim Orlandri
Race: Elf
Origin: Green Mountains
Age: 72, 24 human equivalent.
Gender: Male
Appearance: Oraim's has the typical lithe, thin body of an elf, with the added muscle and broad shoulders of a warrior. His dark, umber hair is cropped close to his temples. He has very light, green eyes, and the angular features associated with elves. Oraim prefers a leaf motif, which is apparent on both his armor, and the clothing he wears.
Personality: On the surface, Oraim appears calm, and in control. Beneath this serious disposition is a tempest of rage and vengeance. His people have suffered a terrible loss, both in blood and tradition. He would see his people returned to their former glory, and beyond that, believes they should be the rulers of all. Allies are mere pawns. Friends and Love are distractions. All that matters is the survival of his kind, even if that means the extinction of others.
Bio: N\A
Class: Elvish Warden
Skills & Abilities:
Racial Ability - Instinctual:[4] +4 bonus to any check or skill involving the Senses or Natural energies and knowledge.
Ability - Dance of the Whirlwind:[3] A sword technique, utilizing swift motion, high agility, and speed, meant to strike strike several foes at once. This requires Oraim to have enough space and mobility to move around.
Skill - Historical Knowledge:[2] Oraim has studied the history of his people, or at least all that remains. He has some knowledge of pravian history as well, though this is mostly used to keep track of the lands stolen from his people.
Equipment:
Magical Item - Stonecaller:[3] A longsword with an amethyst inlay running along the length of the thin blade. When the blade is driven into the ground, it creates a small but durable wall of stone before the wielder, about 10 feet wide, by 6 feet tall. The wall loses integrity once the blade is withdrawn from the earth.
Magical Item - Hawk's Shield:[2] A small metal shield, shaped in the profile of a wing. When loosed by the wielder, it circles them, and attempts to automatically intersect any incoming attack.
Magical Item - Drink of Lineage:[1] A potion that increased any racial effects by half, for 1 hour.
Green-Hued Elven Scalemail, 10 candles, a tinderbox, 10 rations, a waterskin, 50 ft of rope, a small bell, eloquent elven robes, a finely-crafted elven medallion.
Other: N\A
Player: Grungeknuckle

[Grungeknuckle]

ACCEPTED CHARACTERS

#1 - Nayla Corthain - Half-Elf Wandering Monk by Splat

#2 - Othelen Ventinus - Blessed Human Frontier Diplomat by Minkasha

[Grungeknuckle]

HISTORY & THE KINGDOMS

The Seventh Age has come to the world of Tho le'Rahn, the Era of Spreading Dawn. The Civilized Kingdoms are slowly emerging from a dark age of strife and war, stretching back nearly three thousand years. Much knowledge of this time has been lost, however, scattered and blurred by the flames of conflict. And beyond that age... nothing but vague and shifting myth.
For the first time in generations, the war between Pravus and the Green Mountain natives has ceased. A peace treaty, Urankir's Accordance, has bound the two sides into an uneasy peace, strictly enforced by the knights of the Solthalen Empire, and backed by the Cykursian Mages of the distant howling north. This peace has remained for nearly 23 years, and has never been a perfect one. Some seek to return to the old ways and break the truce, finding glory once more in battle and blood. Others pray that it remains, if not for the mere sake of peace, then for a chance to turn their eyes away from the kingdoms, and out beyond the known borders...

Spoiler: THE KINGDOMS 

The Cykursh Provinces
The most northern of the three kingdoms, the Cykursh Provinces breaks up into a chain of ice and snow covered islands along it's north-eastern cape. At some point the trees simply stop, and to travel further north beyond that, a vast frozen nothingness. Because of this, it's cities, few and far between, are located along the coast and warmer, southern region. The people of Cykursh are isolated, aloof, and reclusive. They care little for the happenings taking place outside their snowbound kingdom, and are more interested in their own internal affairs, and magical studies.

Spoiler:  

Cycursian cities are unlike any other, and utterly unmistakable, as a single, massive tower, reaching high into the sky, and deep down into the earth. No farmlands or small villages surround the city-towers, as all farming and growing takes place inside, with the use of arcane light and elven magics produce the needed food. Some cities may be specialized, acting as the base for military training, farming, trading, or as a school for magic users. Elves and humans have lived side by side in such cities for centuries, and at this time, it is near impossible to find any family of pure human or elven blood.
Dom Kreh Holl, the largest city and the center of it's power, is built around a massive library. It is here that the Cykursh Provinces are ruled, overseen by a council of 12 magistrates. Each are responsible for their own section of the Provices, and are elected by said region's own circle of scholars and wizards. Within the Magistrates' council itself, there are actually 13 seats, with the final being symbolic, a seat reserved for "Wisdom."
The Cykursh Provinces are, in many ways, considered to be the antitheses to the Kingdom of Pravus. While magic is incredibly important to Cykursians, and part of their everyday lives, the knowledge required to use that magic, and the wisdom that may be learned in turn, is far more substantial. Knowledge is it's own reward. Should power come with that knowledge, well, that is a fortuitous side benefit.
Among their small military, of which nearly half are magic-users, are elite individuals, warrior-mages of unrivaled skill who have been given the title of "Stormraven," and are distinguished by black, feathered cloaks.
For the most part, Cykursians follow the faith of The Balanced Line.

The Kingdom Of Pravus
Land of the Crimson Sky. This is in no way an exaggeration, as the deeper one travels into Pravus, the more an eternal dusk seems to hang overhead, turning the Sun and sky a deep red. A gnarled and ridge-strewn mountain range lies at it's center, Pravus' vast and ancient cities dug into its crags. The land itself almost seems scarred, as if a terrible wound was seared shut with profane magics. The people of Pravus are not unlike the land itself, hard and hungry and sharp, grasping outwards for more land, more power, always more. For centuries it has been the instigator of many wars, claiming to be the rightful ruler of all lands, and the world's only true salvation.
The rest of the world, however, sees it as a cesspool of slavery, cruelty, and dark magic.

Spoiler:  

The vast majority of Pravians are humans, living as commoners and nobles. Most other races are slaves, common folk if they're lucky. There are powerful dwarven mining clans, however, mining and forging the coveted Pravian Steel, Superior to most other metals.
Within the Kingdom of Pravus, there is no such thing as a fat, lazy noble. The meager common class and slaves are ruled over by powerful noble families, who's members are each deadly warriors and cunning spell-weavers in their own right. Family means everything to these "True Pravians," which means keeping the bloodline strong, and weeding out weakness. Like the Cycursians, Pravians have an obsession with magic, but for different reasons, valuing it for it's capacity for sheer power. If you can't handle the consequences of that power, then you were too weak to wield it in the first place. Abominations, undead, demons, there is nothing the Pravian Nobility is not willing to attempt, with the only true sacred thing being strength. But for those who are willing to stomach them, Pravians make decidedly powerful allies. Many claim a dragonblood ancestry, and though this may be an empty boast, they have the ferocity and might to back it up.
Kekoshima is both the name of the massive spindly mountain at the heart of the Kingdom, and the city built within it's ridges and peaks. It is here that the Thone of Pravus sits. Among the Nobles, those that can prove themselves to be the most brutal and powerful have the right to rule, the right to claim the crown. At any time, another may challenge the current ruler for this right through singular combat. Former kings and Queens sometimes may step down, and become advisers to the new, more powerful ruler. For the last ten years, Daer Sunderhaus, The Sorcerer of Seven Swords, has stood as the Witch-King of Pravus. He is unpopular with the nobles, both for adhering to the Solthalen-Enforced Peace treaty, and for the fact that he does not come from a noble bloodline.
Pravian Warriors who die in combat, and who are considered worthy, are given the honor of being brought back as a form of undead known as a Gaunt. Inteligent and powerful, they have all the abilities and talents they had in life, magnified tenfold through undeath. Though most are used a elite soldiers, some take to ruling border-land villages.
Most slaves and commoners cling to the faiths and beliefs of their homeland. The Nobility, however, all follow The Blasphemy of Kekma'lok.

The Solthalen Empire
For the last thousand years, the Solthalen Empire has been the bastion of progress, and civilizaiton. An empire built on faith and military supremacy, the Solthalens have spread their influence far and wide, becoming the wealthiest and largest of the three civilized kingdoms. Their cities shine like crown jewels, decadent archways, and streets marked with sculptures of Deities and Heroes. This is a land where Military, Temple, and Law are one and the same. This is a land where, if you are willing to conform, and live by their ways, you can find peace, and protection. And most of all, this is the land that enforces the peace treaty between the kingdoms, for no other reason than such peace suits their needs... for now.

Spoiler:  

The Solthalen Empire is a primarily human civilization, a prime example of Man's tenancy to expand rapidly and build quickly. If not for the strong ties between the Temple and Law, binding the minds and souls of the populace with a strong sense of comradely, the empire would have fallen in on itself and broken up several times over. Elves are not a common sight, especially in the cities, but there are elvish villages within the bounds of the empire that have accepted it's rule. Dwarves are slightly more common, and are sought after as craftmen and soldiers. There is a distinct difference in culture between the large, opulent cities, and that of the rustic villages, with the common folk living much, simpler, quieter lives. Faith takes an enormous role in the lives of both, however, and is the driving force of the empire.
The largest city, and the Empire's capital, is Apygos-Pol, marked by gilded marble towers, and shining domed temples. The current ruler is Emperess Anola Ventinus, who's family has ruled the empire for the last seven generations. The emperor/empress traditionally has three advisers, each one representing the three factions of Law, Temple, and Military.
Among the most skilled knights of the Solthalen Empire, some may be chosen to join the ranks of the Imperial Dragoons. These "Dragon Knights" ride and fight alongside domesticated wyverns, each of which is specifically trained by their particular knight. These Dragoons are normally kept within Apygos-Pol, but in times of great need are sent out on special missions, or onto the battlefield itself, to devastating effect.
Though it goes without saying, the vast majority of the Solthalen Citizenry follows the Solthalen Pantheon.

The Green Mountains
This is the edge of the known lands. This is where the map fades, and ends. A swath of wilderness, stretching from the frozen limits of the Glasswood in the north, down the Wesswall Coast, the seaming depths of the Bajmadi Jungle, to the impassible Cliffs of Kordruck in the south. The natives of the Mountains are wild and free, with no great love for the "civilized" kingdoms of the east. Though the various tribes have never officially allied, and in many times have fought against one another, they will push are one against the oncoming wave of progress and order.

Spoiler:  

There are a vast number of different races living in what is commonly known as The Green Mountains, simply due to how wild the terrain is, and how large it is. Elves, Trolls, Ogres, Goblins, Naga, Satyrs, Human Barbarians, and many other races make their living here, competing for resources on the edge of the known world. Their cultures vary greatly, from living in harmony with the natural world, to ekking and carving out a rough existence, to living very primitively in caves.
Though there are very few roads and paths, winding and sometimes disappearing within the wilderness, some cities exist, of which there are five primary ones.
Thoribyr is the mountain stronghold held by a powerful human barbarian tribe.
Nellaser and Finrufean are two elven cities, sequestered away within the deep forests.
Keshm'shal is a very rare Naga city. Traders and outsiders are not so much welcome as they are simply tolerated. Outsiders are only allowed in certain parts of the city, however.
Hengestegg is less of a city, more of a general meeting area, used for trade and as a crossroads for various races. There are a large number of goblins here, and most consider it to be a goblin city, despite the fact that they have little control over it.
Most of the human and elven tribes worship Firstmother. Most of the more savage races worship their own gods, or one of the Old Gods.

The Vast Unknown Wilds
Everything beyond the reach of maps are generally known as The Vast Unknown Wilds. They contain deep jungles, murky swamps, towering mountains, and crumbling ruins of lost kingdoms. Few have dared to trek out into these lands. Even fewer have returned.

RELIGIONS & PANTHEONS

Spoiler: Firstmother 

The faith of Firstmother is the worship of a powerful, benevolent spirit. Though there are many other spirits out there, some very powerful and worthy of respect, Firstmother is the oldest, wisest, and most powerful. Most importantly, she is the one who created the world, and gave life to all mortal races. At first, there was peace and harmony among the races, as they grew and lived side by side. The newborn races decided to make a gift for Firstmother, as a way of expressing their love for her, and set to work, doing so. Though the thing they made was crude, like the cobblings of a child's, they were proud of it. But then they began to squabble. Who among them would have the honor of presenting their creation to Firstmother? The many races vied fiercely for this honor, arguing that they were the strongest, the most clever, or the most beautiful, and therefore should be the one to present the offering. Disagreement broke into combat, and as the first blood was spilt, the nature of their creation became apparent. They had made Strife, and it forever created a rift between them and Firstmother, who was now unable to reach her beloved children.
The races that worship Firstmother each portray her in their own image. They believe in a process of reincarnation, in which each soul is reborn to a new life. With each life, they are given a chance to live their lives better, to become closer to Firstmother, in the hopes of one day re-joining her. All worshipers share a hatred for dark magics, believing this to be what was used to inadvertently create The Strife.

Spoiler: The Balanced Line 

Those that follow The Balanced Line believe in two forces that shape the universe, the cold, orderly, destructive Acerbus, and the burning, chaotic, creator Fhate'ul. Neither of these entities are treated as gods, or even beings that exist in the physical sense, but as the prevailing properties of the universe, like gravity, or heat. These two forces flow around one another, not in battle, but in an eternal, cosmic dance. Though opposing, they balance one another. Followers reflect and meditate on this balance, and try to find it within themselves, and may even learn to attune themselves to these forces. Concepts of Holy and Hellish sides are of less concern to these followers; What most consider to be Good is a manifestation of balance between Acerbus and Fhate'ul, and Evil, an imbalance. They do not question the existence of the gods and spirits of other faiths, but simply believe that the actions and properties of even these divine beings are dictated by the forces of Acerbus and Fhate'ul.

Spoiler: The Blasphemy of Kekma'lok 

In the beginning, there was a vast nothingness. From the inky darkness of the eternal night came a being of the darkness' pure essence, the god Kekma'lok. From his will he shaped the stars, the sun, and the world. From the still earth he drew forth the forms of life, and into it he seared soul and breath, drawn from his own blood. These early creations he carefully cultivated, observing their survival, ensuring that they multiplied. But his intentions were not benevolent. Kekma'lok desired slaves to build monuments to honor his glory, and souls to sate his hunger.
For generations the races of this world toiled and suffered under his rule, being forced to sacrifice their own to his whims and gluttony. But such toil made them strong, and cunning, and covert. They stole magics from Kekma'lok, and wielded them against him. They took their prideful god by surprise, and the dread deity was vanquished, and cast down into the underworld.
The tale does not end there, however, as the war is not yet ended. The souls that die in this world join the battle beneath. And Kekma'lok will rise once more, in a final bid to claim the world of the living. To this end the worshipers of his downfall seek to harden themselves, to prepare themselves, and the world, for this final conflict, and end Kekma'lok once and for all.

Spoiler: The Solthalen Pantheon 

Followers of the Solthalen Pantheon revere a vast multitude of deities and spirits, each of which holds dominion over a particular aspect, element, or physical place. Prayers are made to various gods, depending on what the worshiper's require, such as respect given to the shrine of a small, local demigod of a road in hopes of safe passage, or offerings given to gods of earth and nature for a plentiful harvest.
The worship of the twelve major Arch-Deities and One Demon takes presidence over all others, however, as their domains are vast and powerful. Most of these gods are related in some way or another, with Anankhet and Bharaja as the two head deities. Rather than creating the world and the life upon it, the legend of these two gods says that they found this world, frozen and sleeping. Anakhet's light melted the ice, and the slumbering beings, including the mortal races, awoke, as did the Moon Demon.
Worshipers of the Solthalen Pantheon do not deny the existence of other gods, but say that they are distant, having abandoned their creations. According to their faith, Anankhet, Bharaja, and their extended family of deities take an active role in the lives of mortals, seeking to protect and nurture those that revere them.

Anankhet, Goddess of the Sun: Mother-goddess to all, first-born of the gods. It was her light that thawed the world, and brought life back to the plants and creatures. She is portrayed as a beautiful, white-haired, gold-eyed woman, emanating a blinding light. She controls the domains of Light, Life, Beauty, and Truth.

Bharaja, God of the Sky: Father-god to all. While Anankhet rested, pregnant with their children, Bharaja watched over her, and battled the Moon Demon, knocking out all it's teeth to create the stars. He is portrayed as a massive, muscular, blue-skinned, black haired man, sometimes with only two arms, sometimes up to eight. He controls the domains of Spirit, Strength, Unity, and Love.

Demon of the Moon: The nemesis, the hated one. Unlike the other beings rising from their repose, the Moon did not wish to be awakened, and wanted to return to an eternal, frozen slumber. It stalked the two young gods, and sought to slay Anankhet while she rested. After it was defeated by Bharaja, it hid, but plots to undermine and eventually kill Anankhet, and return the world to an icy graveyard. The Moon is portrayed in many ways, sometimes as a wolf-like creature, other times more serpentine, other times as a massive spider with far too many legs. When it appears as a mortal, it is often female. Those that die and are deemed unworthy by Urankir are consumed by the demon, digested forever within it's gullet. It's domains are Darkness, Death, Corruption, and Fear.

Tsumiko, Goddess of the Sea: Daughter of an unknown god of the Sea, who died protecting her when the oceans froze. She was found and taken in by Anankhet and Bharaja. She is portrayed as a pale-skinned woman with hair so dark blue it is almost black, and blue and green robes. Those that die a peaceful death, as well as sailors who die at sea, find peace in her realm. She controls the domain of Water, Change, Death, and Restoration.

Gythe, Goddess of Stone: Daughter of Anakhet and Bharaja. Portrayed as a broad-shouldered, muscular woman wielding two battle-axes. The firstborn of the triplet deities, she laid claim to the earth and stone, and all that lies beneath it. She is the patron of all those who work the earth, such as farmers, miners, and quarry-men, as well as blacksmiths. She demands respect and equal payment from those who would take from her domain, giving generously to those who provide offerings, and harshly punishing those who would steal from her. Her domains include Earth, Endurance, Order, and Craftmanship.

Xochauca, God of Flame: Son of Anakhet and Bharaja. Portrayed as a red-and-black-skinned man of massive proportions, with tusks and flaming red hair. As the second-born of the triplet deities, he claimed fire as his own. This is not just actual flame, but inner flame as well, passion and emotion, courage, love, and hate. For ages, his priests and clerics have been on the forefront of battle for the Solthalen Empire, not just sealing wounds but as powerful and fierce combatants. They were especially effective against Pravian soldiers, burning away dark magic, and ripping apart undead and demons with their bare hands and holy fire. Since this new age of peace, they have fallen from favor, but a new sect has emerged, focusing more on mastering and controlling this ferocity, rather than reveling in it. Xochauca's domains are Fire, Purity, and Destruction.

Sumadi, God of the Winds: Son of Anakhet and Bharaja. Portrayed as a thin, tan-skinned man dressed in simple monks robes, who's eyes are hidden by a brilliant and ornate silver helm, adorned with feathers. As the last of the triplet deities, he was left the air and wind, an element unwanted by his two other siblings. Sumadi found it to be a boon, however, as the winds brought every little whisper to his ears. Though not malicious, he is known to be a trickster, and his high priests often speak in riddles. His domains are Wind, Thought, Writing, and Freedom.

Halea, Goddess of Truth, and Hada al-Sur, Goddess of Secrets: The twin goddesses of what is Known and Unknown, daughters of Tsumiko. Raised in their Mother's undersea underworld, the two grew up, listening to the tales and wisdom of scholars and mages past. Halea is worshiped by Scholars and Mages, who freely share wisdom. Hada al-Sur, on the other hand, jealously covets her knowledge, and is the patron goddess of spies, liars, and all those who keep secrets for better or ill. Halea's domains are Knowledge, Magic, and Truth. Hada al-Sur's domains are Secrets, Deception, and Silence.

Celedan, God of Nature: Son of Gythe. Portrayed as a bald, hart-eyed man with beard of leaves. His followers shave their heads in a similar fashion. In civilized areas, followers bless farmlands and act as herbalists and healers. In the wilderness and on borderlands, they act as protector's of nature, ensuring a balance between civilization and the wild. There have been tales in recent years of the normally even tempered and incredibly gentle clerics of Celedan going feral and more bestial, calling themselves the Cult of the Fang and Claw. Though a number of the followers have gone missing in the wilderness, this has yet to be proven. The Domains Celedan controls are Nature, Growth, and Harmony.

Ord, God of Protection: Son of Gythe. He is portrayed as a heavily armored warrior, with his single right eye glowing in the grating of his helm. Known as the Silent God, Ord does not speak or direct his followers, and instead grants his boon to those who would seek out his strength in protecting others. Previously a very minor deity, the numbers of his followers have grown since the peace treaty. Ord's domains include Peace, Protection, and Resolution.

Urankir, God of Judgement: Son of Xochauca. Once the god of Contests, he was murdered by his sister Nkala. By intervention of his grandfather, Bharaja, he is sustained as a spirit, unable to leave his realm, relying on his priests and clerics to enforce his will upon the mortal world. Though still presiding over Contests, Urankir became the god of Judgement, judging the souls of the dead, determining which afterlife they are sent to. Warriors and Champions who seek glory in battle pass on to his realm, partaking in feasts and contests of might eternal.
His domains are Judgement, Might, and Courage.

Nkala, Goddess of War: Daughter of Xochauca and the Moon Demon. She is portrayed as a woman with short, black, smoldering hair, weeping blood. Legend says that one day, Xochauca was approached by and seduced by a beautiful woman, who sated his passions, and lulled him into a deep sleep. It was not until a child was left at the gateway to his realm that it was realized that the woman had been the Moon Demon. It was only until the child reached adulthood that her mother's corrupting influence took hold, as Nkala was taken by moments of blinding violence. In such a fit, she slew her half-brother, Urankir. Overcome by regret and grief, Nkala went into a self-imposed exile. Her realm became a place of punishment and suffering, the afterlife of murderers, honorless warriors, and those who have brought great death upon others. Redemption can be found in her realm, however, and once a soul has found atonement, they may leave. Those that seek rest go to Tsumiko, and those that seek honor go to Urankir.
Nkala's domains are War, Murder, and Pain.

Spoiler: The Old Gods 

Some religions are older than others. Some are so old, they have become lost, or forgotten, or the line between fable and truth has been blurred. This is the fate of many of the Old Gods, beings of vast power, who have slipped away into the shadows.

Mama Wijes, Goddess of Blood, Moon, and Motherhood: The mother of all things savage. Her rites are brutal, her creed unforgiving. Prove that you are strong and cunning, and spill blood in her name, and she will grant you her boon. Fail, and you will be forgotten, with the rest of the broken children.

Ezshrantu, God of Destruction: His followers are often wild and solitary. There have been times in the past when his cultist have attempted to summon him forth, to bring his glory to the material plane, and end the world. Though he grants his power to those who can find it, he has never answered the call. Only the most powerful of his followers have been able to make the spiritual journey to his realm, and upon their return, they have come back changed, their wild temperament becoming quiet serenity. They often die shortly afterwards.

The following five deities have a shared story.
Muur, God/Goddess of the Deep: Creator of the Dwarves. He\She is often portrayed a a bearded worman, though is refered to alternatively, depending on context, as Stonemother or Stonefather. The "Deep" impies all deep below the surface, whether this be water or earth.

Tanasaer, God of History, and Aramwel, Goddess of Eternity: The Scribe, and the Weaver, recording what has been, and crafting what will be. They created the Elves.

Kek-keh-til, God of Games and Trickery: A being of chaos, who's only apparent purpose is to mock others. He allegedly created Humans.

Shuriskree, God of Suffering: The Suffersaint. A being of pure hate and misery, who revels in pain, both his own and the pain of others. He created the Goblins.

The Legend of Creation:
It is said that there was an age, in which the Old Gods themselves walked the mortal world. The strongest of these were Muur, who's sheer strength was only matched by the wisdom and grace of the Deity couple Tanasaer and Aramwel. Both sides wanted control of the mortal realm, but were loath to battle for it themselves. So, a contest was proposed. Each would create a mortal race, to stand in their stead, and battle one another. Whosoever's race was left standing at the end of the conflict, would win.
Muur crafted themselves the Dwarves, from the strongest of stone, and gave the the strength and cunning to craft the most powerful weapons and armor. Tanasaer and Aramwel created the Elves, carving them from the supplest green wood, and granted them long lives, and whispered magic into their ears. The contest began, and it seemed as if the Elves would win.
Kek-keh-til decided to enter the contest. The other gods allowed it, believing he would make a joke-creature, something ugly and weak, that would die in humorous ways. He crafted Humans out of clay and mud.
Murr saw these beings and said, "These creatures are so weak! They crumble at the slightest blow!"
Tanasaer and Aramwel saw these being as said, "They are so clumsy and foolish! Wonderful, Kek-keh-til, you have made us jesters!" Believing this to be the joke, the other three gods went on with their contest, their own races easily cutting through the ranks of humans.
But as time went on, the humans changed, being molded and shaped by their experiences, like mud and clay. They learned how to make weapons and armor from watching the Dwarves, and Magic and Wisdom from the Elves. And to the other gods' horror, they mixed their own blood with that of the others, making a multitude of half-races. And worst of all, they did not seem to desire to win, attacking whomever seemed the strongest, even their own kind.
Kek-keh-til laughed, and clapped his hands in glee. His favorite game would continue forever.
Muur, Tanasaer, and Aramwel gave up in disgust, and left, their contest ruined.
Eventually, Kek-keh-til became bored, and turned his back on his creations as well, seeking out fun elsewhere.

There was one final god who took part in the contest, but in secret. While the others were distracted with Kek-keh-til's antics, he snuck in, and created the Goblins. He ripped off the flesh from his own arm, cracked and broke the bone, and gathered the blood, and used parts from his own being to create this new race. And when the others had left, he whispered to his people, "I will never leave you. You are a part of me, and I of you. Whenever you cause pain, it will be me. And whenever you feel pain, it will be me. I will always be in this world, just beneath the skin, waiting to be let out. I will never abandon you. And you will never escape me."

[Grungeknuckle]

NOTES ON MAGIC

As a High Fantasy setting, magic plays a big part in this world, and therefore, I think it's important to set a basis for how it works. Magic comes in a variety of forms, is used in various ways, and is drawn from a multitude of sources.

Spoiler: Forms of Magic 

Powers
The simplest form of magic is a Power. A power is simply something that a character can innately do or use, something that's a part of them. Inhuman strength, the ability to read minds, or control fire, all of these are examples of Powers. Either they can be turned on and off at will, or they are simply always on. Some Powers a character is born with, others can be learned, and others can be granted as gifts from higher beings.

Spells & Prayers
Characters often have the Power to cast Spells, or call upon greater forces through Prayers. Unlike Powers, these cannot be simply turned on and off at will, and must be channeled, cast, or summoned. Characters must take a moment to cast a Spell, or utter a Prayer. While simple Powers just become stronger, Spells and Prayers can have variety, change, and a character can learn more of them as their abilities grow.

Divine Magic
Divine magic is Powers and the power to use Prayers, either given to a character by a higher being, like a Deity, or from the character having a deep understanding of and being attuned to a universal force, such as followers of the Balanced Line, or those who worship nature itself. To use Divine magic, characters normally require a holy symbol, preform rituals, or otherwise have some connection with this higher being or force. In addition, these abilities come with a price, as the character must gain or maintain this being or force's favor. Going against their creed or code of conduct may cause a character's divine magic to diminish, or be lost entirely.

Arcane Magic
The most magic-y of magic. A combination of art and science, users of Arcane magic twist and weave the forces of the multiverse with Spells, with the use of incantations, rituals, hand motions, magic circles and symbols, potions powders gems and candles, a whole plethora of wands, rods, staves, orbs, and talismans, and sometimes just sheer concentration. It is more difficult to learn and master than Divine, but does not require the caster to adhere to any moral path.

Born Magic
Some Arcane magic users have their magic within them, spilling from their very soul. This may come from a magical bloodline, exposure to some otherworldly force, or simply as a fluke of birth. Magic comes easily to these people, and they often need minimal training and study to control it. Such Arcane users have greater control over their magic, but their magic is restricted to a specific specialization, and casting spells tires them more easily as they are drawing the energy from within.

Learned Magic
A normal person can learn to use Arcane magic, if they have the time and dedication to study it, and the mind to comprehend it. Though many study and specialize in a specific school or type of magic, they can learn spells of other forms, having a very wide variety of spells. They do not have the ability to manipulate their spells in the same way that those born with magic do, and have less control over the effects, but are able to cast more spells without tiring, as the energy powering the magic does not actually come from themselves.

Mixed Magic
Sometimes a magic user will mix Learned Magic and Born Magic. For instance, someone born with magic will study it further as a Learned caster will, in order to give structure to their magic, and be able to draw from a source other than themselves. Alternatively, someone who has learned magic, and is otherwise perfectly mundane, may intentionally expose themselves to raw magical energy, in order to infuse themselves with it, and draw from within like a born magic user, giving them more flexibility with their otherwise ridged spells.

RACES & BESTIARY

Below are a sample of races and creatures that may be found in this fantasy world. As a general rule, races are beings that caracters can play as, those within the beastiary section cannot.

Spoiler: RACES 

Common Races
Humans, Elves, and Dwarves are the three common races of this world. Most individuals you encounter will be of these races, or of a mixture of these races.

Spoiler: HUMANS 

Found in almost every corner of the civilized world, and even in the corners that are not so civilized, humans have spread their infuence far and wide. There is no one type of human, with their physical nature varying as much as their temperament and personality. They are one of the more short-lived races, but also the fastest spreading, their cities and villages growing at speeds unseen by other races. Some may applaud this feature, while others may compare humans to a disease. Unless a village is exceptionally isolated, humans generally get along well with other races. Consequently, they are one of the only races capable of mixing their bloodline with others, producing half-breeds.
Humans speak common, a generally easy to learn and simple language, though it borrows many words from other languages as well. It has it's own simple script.
Human reach adulthood at age 18, and live to be roughly 60 to 70 years. Their height varies, from just over 5 feet, to just under 7.
Human Traits: Humans have no inherent racial traits. All human characters start with 8 skill points.

Spoiler: ELVES 

An ancient race with fey origins, elves are remarkably in tune with the physical and spiritual worlds. They are most notably found in the Cykursh Provinces, or the Green Mountains. Elves are dexterous and lithe, graceful bodies, and an ethical beauty to them. They do not grow body hair, and male elves do not develop facial hair. The hair they do grow tends to be very nature-based colors, ranging from earthen browns, floral greens, Autumn reds, and winter whites, with some elves' hair even changing with the seasons. Because of their attunement with both nature and magic, their extremely long lives, and their physical beauty, elves, especially those whom live in elf-only communities in the green mountains, tend to look down on other races as inferior. They are, however, very difficult to corrupt or tempt with prospects of wealth and power.
Almost all Elves speak Elvish, though it may vary by dialect, depending on region. This language has it's own script, beautiful and flowing, art in script form.
Elves age very slowly, not reaching physical adulthood until age 50, and live to be 300 years old. Even at a very old age, the effects of aging, such as aching joints, poor digestion, and weakened organs and immune system, have almost no effect on them. They are generally shorter than humans, ranging in height from 5 to just under 6 feet tall.
Elf Traits: Elf characters start out with 4 skill points. In addition, pick one of the traits from below:
- Observant: +4 bonus to any check or skill involving the Senses or Arcane Magic. (You have lived a life working with and studying magic, keenly picking out sublties and details in the ebb and flow of the Spellweave that others would have missed.)
- Instinctual: +4 bonus to any check or skill involving the Senses or Natural energies and knowledge. (The Fey-blood is strong in you. You have lived in the wilderness, become one with nature, existing in a state somewhere between that of an animal, and a woodland sprite.)
- Attuned: +4 bonus to any check or skill involving Arcane Magic, or Natural energies and knowledge. (You have learned to open your mind, to feel past the mere physical. The pulsing thrum of all magic is a music you can hear, whether it be Arcane, or Fey.

Spoiler: DWARVES 

A stout and hearty folk, with a strong sense of community, brotherhood, and tradition. They can be found predominantly in the Solthalen Empire either as documented citizens or traveling gypsies, or in Pravus, among one of the influential and dangerous mining families. The History of the Dwarves is a mystery, as they have no apparent homeland or cities. What remains of their original culture includes references to a "Mountain," but this is often spoken of as some sort of afterlife, a glorious dwarven kingdom that the worthy dead go to upon passing. Dwarves are not solitary creatures, and often seek purpose and usefulness within a society. If accepted into a community, a dwarf will often prove themselves to be extremely loyal and hard working, but also very stubborn and hard-headed.
Quite broad and burly, dwarves have the appearance of being tough individuals. Among those who cling to their traditions, braids, for both head-hair and beards, are common, and a symbol of pride.
Dwarves are notably shorter than most races, ranging from between 3 to 4 feet tall. They reach adulthood at age 20, and live to be 150 years old.
Dwarven Traits: Dwarf Characters start with 4 skill points.
- Stoneborn: +4 to checks and skills involving endurance and constitution, resisting poisons, and keeping balance and sure footing.

Uncommon Races
The following races are generally less common, especially in the profession of adventuring. As such, I will be accepting only one character of an uncommon race.

Spoiler: DROW 

The drow are a very rare sub-race of elves, found almost exclusively in Pravus. They are the descendants of elven slaves, who's bloodline was mixed with that of demons, through the use of dark magics. Those born of such a union lived and acted like most with a demon parent, appearing to be mostly elvish but with demonic features and traits, with powers pertaining to their demon parent's circle. Such features only continued for a single generation, however, with the following children being born as drow. These beings have charcoal-black skin, and white eyes, with no discernible pupils. They have either white or silver hair, or they are entirely bald. They continue to share the long lifespans (reaching adulthood at age 50, with a maximum age of 300) and physical height (5 to 6 feet tall) of their elven ancestors, but are no longer in touch with nature and spiritual magics. They are, in many ways, cut off from everything that could have made them elves.
The child of an elf and a drow is always a drow. Most drow still live their lives as slaves, and those that do not tend to live violent lives with gristly ends. Pravians see them as a slave-race, a little better than animals. And the elves despise them, seeing the drow as a perversion of everything beautiful and natural about the elves.
It is very uncommon to encounter a free drow, especially outside of Pravus. However, their lack of personal connections and tendancy towards violence means most free drow become adventurers.
Drow Traits: Drow Characters start with 4 skill points. In addition, pick one of the traits from below:
-Perverse Will: +4 bonus to any check or skill involving Demonic, Fel, or Dark magic, and to resist elements other than Divine or Holy. (From a young age, you felt them, the whispers of power, hissing in your ear, invading your dreams, bending your idle thoughts to a hellish intent. There was evil work to be done, and the magic that would see it completed came to you naturally, whether you wanted it or not.)
-Corrupted Blood: +4 bonus to any check or skill pertaining to physical strength, and to resist elements other than Divine or Holy.(You come from a land where only the strong survive. And you are strong. It flows though you, pumping through your veins, pounding at the edge of your fingertips. It's more than mortal.)

Spoiler: GOBLINS 

A twisted, primitive race of lesser humanoids, goblins are easily recognizable by the dusty-green skin, short stature, lanky limbs, and hunched posture. Aside from their long noses and large, ears, they have an almost simian appearance. Goblins are found in almost every kingdom, with tribes and clans in the Green Mountains, serving as slaves in Pravus, and living in the Solthalen Empire, either as roving bands of bandits and raiders, or working quite peaceably in the cities as manual laborers. In truth, goblins are not good for much else than manual labor. Though they have a sinewy strength to them, goblins are generally dull-witted, brutish, and short-sighted in their aspirations. Only a small number of them are literate, and although most understand the inherent value in gold and coin, few have the academic capability to be competent traders. They have little understanding of personal space and hygiene, living in heavily over-crowded caves and hovels, reeking of filth. The only reason goblins are able to survive in this type of environment is their powerful immune system, which allows them to, much to the chagrin of other races, carry and spread diseases, but without having any symptoms or ill effects.
Goblins are normally around 3 feet tall, give or take a few inches. They live short lives, reaching full maturity after 8 years, and living to a mere 30 years.

However...

Very, very, very rarely, in particularly large goblin tribes, a goblin can be born that is significantly larger than it's brethren. These goblins differ physically and mentally from the others, standing nearly 5 feet tall, are more heavily muscled and defined, with a blue-grey skin, sharper eyes with an obvious intellect, and green blood. Such individual will more often than not become the leaders of their tribes, with a mind for tactics and clever schemes. However, should such a goblin find this life beneath them, they may, very rarely, become adventurers. Even these beings have the inherent savagery of their race.
In addition to their extended mental and physical attributes, they have longer lives, maturing in the same amount of time, but living to be nearly 130 years old.
Goblin Traits: Goblin Characters start with 4 skill points.
- Suffersaint Freak: +4 bonus to any skill or check, if said skill is being used in an underhanded, clever, or otherwise tactical way. Same bonus to resist diseases.

Spoiler: NAGA 

A primal race of serpent-folk, found exclusively in the warmer, southern regions of the Green Mountains. Their faces and features vary from clan to clan, but most have a similar physical appearance, that of an enormous serpent with arms, covered in the same scales as the rest of their bodies. Their coloration ranges from dark greens, sea blues, and earthen tans and browns, very occasionally white or red, sometimes marked with stripes as well.
Though naga live in large tribes, they do not have the normal social graces of most societies, their own culture closer to a pecking order. Their minds are reptilian in nature, cold and incapable of empathy. A race that survives through calculation, their acts of self preservation and procreation are motivated by an instinctual need to preserver the bloodline. They understand very basic forms of fear and anger, essentially flight or fight, but appear to have no sense joy or love, at most having a rudimentary sensation of "satisfaction." Naga are motivated entirely by survival, and have no qualms about hunting and eating other intelligent races, or even their own kind.
"Standing" upright, Naga are between 5 to 6 feet tall, though their full body length, tail included, ranges from 10 to 12 feet. They have their own language with no written script, and venomous bites. Though they are intelligent enough to learn common, most see no purpose in leaning it.
Naga adventurers are almost unheard of, as they simply do not have the mindset required to go out into the world, seeking adventure, treasure, glory, and a higher purpose.

However...

Madness is an affliction that strikes all races. It is not unknown for a Naga's mind to be twisted in such a way, that it almost seems to reflect the sensibilities of the warm-blooded races. Such a being would be ill-fitted to it's own society, and may have left, or may have been driven out. Their clerics and sorcerers may be effected in a similar way, their minds touched by a previously incomprehensible force, awakening their psyche to new possibilities.
Naga Traits: Naga Characters start with 4 skill points. In addition, they may pick one trait:
-Viper: +4 bonus to skills and checks involving dexterity and reflexes, adding venom or suitable attacks, and swimming. (Your reflexes are sublime, you pounce forward in a flash. Most don't know they've been hit until a moment later, and by that time the venom is already working.)
-Serpentscale: +4 bonus to abilities and skills involving natural armor, adding venom effects to suitable attacks, and swimming.(You have faced many creatures, with barred fangs and flashing claws. Such weapons mean nothing if they can't even get through your hide.)

Spoiler: Half-Races 

With so many races, beings of mixed race are not uncommon. Almost all are half-human, however, as humans are one of the only mortal races capable of conceiving children outside of their race. Most Demons and Angels are incapable of reproduction, however through the use of dark magic, or through the will of their patron god, children may be conceived from such a union. Mixed race characters will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, as the distribution of features from each parent may not always be entirely 50\50.

Spoiler: BESTIARY 

Commonly known information of various beasts and monsters will be added here, with further additions as character encounter various monsters.

Spoiler: ANGELS 

While most would consider angels to be beings of pure good, and the polar opposite of demons, this is not technically true. An angel is a being created by a specific god or goddess, imbued with a small part of that deities power, and used as an agent for that deity's will. They do not necessarily have free will, their personalities and actions a reflection of the deity who created them. Fortunately, since most of the gods and goddesses are generally good, so are their angels. Angels are far more rare than demons, as they are specifically crafted by a god or goddess rather than spewed out of a hellish plane, however, for that same reason, they are far more powerful. Most are portrayed as winged humanoids, though this varies by the deity who created them, and the purpose for which they were created.

Spoiler: DEMONS 

Demons are the malevolent beings from the hellish realms, born of pure evil. They are separated into 7 different circles, each of which have has it's own hierarchy.
Sloth: Oldest of the demons. Physically resemble cephalopods, anemones, jellyfish, and other early forms of life. Nearly impossible to destroy, as “death,” or a state of non-activity, is their natural, preferred state.
Gluttony: Early, primordial demons. Resemble insects and crustaceans. They bring a wave of desecration with them, and leave nothing but wasteland in their wake.
Wrath: Brother-Circle to Lust Demons, driven by animal fury. Most live in a constant state of rage, simply seeking others to destroy. They resemble beasts and reptiles, armed with horns, teeth, and claws.
Lust: Sister-Circle to Wrath Demons. Although they do not have the brute strength of Wrath, they are equal to them due to sheer numbers, as unlike all other demons they are actually able to fornicate. The only demon class who can colonize and invade without constant access to a hellpit.
Greed: Twin-Circle to Envy Demons, either working with this circle, or at war with them. Unlike the earlier demons, Greed demons are generally intelligent, and have actual cities and societies in their realms. Most have a compulsion for collecting physical objects or favors from mortals, and are willing to deal. They appear to be generally humanoid, or at least bestial-humanoid.
Envy: Twin-Circle to Greed Demons. Sometimes they sell their wares to their twin, sometimes they attack in a desperate attempt to steal what they lack. Though they have cities and societies, these are generally poor replications or stolen pieces from other cities. Most are obsessed with what others have, either physical objects, or actual lifestyles. Some may be hired or bound by mortals, but generally cannot be traded with. They appear to be heavily-deformed humanoid beings, sometimes with missing features, sometimes with too many.
Pride & Vanity: A Dual Circle of highly intelligent, highly sophisticated demons. They are most often at war with themselves as with mortals, though these tend to be shadow-wars, using underhanded dealings and betrayals, rather than all out combat. Very eager to make deals with mortals, trading youth, beauty, and power for souls. Humanoid in appearance, with some resembling a clearly demonic version of mortal races.

Spoiler: DRAGONS 

There are legends of dragons throughout the three kingdoms, Pravus in particular, where the nobles claim dragons as their ancestors. However, legends are all they are. There is no trace of such beings having existed in this current age, no skeletons, no relics, nothing but vague stories and a few ancient tapestries. Some believe that they never were real, not in the physical sense, perhaps existing as the avatars of deities. Others believe they were real, lesser gods who walked the world, guardians of elemental forces, or the first born of the Old Gods. But where are they now? Did they die? Are they merely sleeping? Or did they leave, disappearing into the shadows along with the Old Gods?

Spoiler: OGRES 

Ogres, sometimes called Oni, are a brutal, barbaric, primitive race of giant humanoids. They stand between 10 to 12 feet high with slouched figures and disproportionately long arms. Their faces have a decidedly unintelligent quality, with sloped foreheads, heavy brows, and dull, animal-like eyes. They have tusks or thick fangs protruding from their mouths, and about half have either one or two short, stunted horns emerging from their foreheads or temples. Both males and females have receding hairlines. If they wear clothing, it is normally rough animal hides fashioned into a rudimentary loin-cloth. They are incapable of making weapons, and usually use logs, uprooted small trees, or appropriately shaped stones as clubs. Their hair is ragged, stringy, and greasy, and forms into a mane that runs half-way down their backs, sometimes with feathers, horns, bones, shells, and small skulls tied into it. Orgres live between 150 to 200 years, and reach maturity quickly, within just 5 years time. They form very loose communities, living and communing in camps and caves, with individuals moving freely between these sites. Despite this, individuals still stick to one general area, moving between the same 6 to 8 sites throughout their lifetimes.
Ogres are gifted with immense strength and toughness, but a very limited intellect. They can be outwitted, either by hiding from the beast until it loses interest or forgets you're there, or (and this works better if the two of you can communicate) being convinced that if you beat it in a game of riddles that it's not "allowed" to eat you. Beating an Ogre in a game of riddles isn't difficult, if you actually know any riddles.
Most Ogres know a smattering of common, and speak Giant, a very simple, guttural language they share with other giant beings, such at Ettin and Trolls.

Spoiler: UNDEAD (GENERAL) 

Undead come in two basic varieties, Corporeal and Non-Corporeal. Corporeal undead are physical beings, the re-animated corpses of once-living being, possessed by a demon, dark spirit, the shadow of the former soul, or pure arcane energy. Non-Corporeal undead are specters and ghosts, spirits or shadows of the dead who are unable to rest. Though there are many varieties of these creatures, all undead have a vulnerability to Holy and Divine magic. A priest or cleric of a good Deity, or at least one who is focused on Life, may use a symbol of their faith to drive back undead.

Spoiler: VAMPIRES 

Vampires are generally an undead body possessed by the soul of a demon. The type of demon generally determines the type of vampire.
Nosferatu have the soul of a Gluttony Demon, driving the creatures to kill and feed, not just on blood, but flesh and bone as well. They can enter private residences at will, blight crops, kill and consume livestock, and suffer no harm from natural daylight. They are strictly nocturnal, however, and are incapable of stirring while the sun is visible. Strong, with an almost boneless agility, and a hideous visage that strikes fear into those whom gaze upon it, the Nosferatu is a terrifying and relentless hunter. They are simple minded, however, thinking only of sating their bloodthirst, and can be outwitted and trapped. Though hacking them to pieces will reduce the physical body to a useless ruin of a husk, decapitation or incineration are quicker methods of destroying these creatures. A stake, wooden or otherwise, through the heart will not kill them, however, using this method to effectively nail the corpse to the bottom of the coffin, and keeping the creature from rising and feeding, will starve the creature to death. They are identified by a ruddy complexion, bloated flesh, and the constant dribble of blood that the creature seems to salivate.
Draqul are the more nuanced, cultured vampires, possessed by a Vanity Demon. They can remain awake during the daylight hours, though sunlight burns their undead flesh. They appear to be living beings, often beautiful, though they have no reflection in mirrors, and their shadows seem oddly disconnected. In addition to the usual undead vulnerabilities, they find the scent of garlic cloves to be uncontrollably repulsive, and cannot enter a private residence unless invited. Most have some capability to use dark magic to hide, dominate, or change shape. Those killed by a Draqul often bear the tell-tale sight of two small puncture marks on the neck, and may rise from the dead, becoming a thrall of the creature.

Spoiler: WYVERNS 

Wyverns, also known as lesser dragons, drakes, or wyrms, are large reptilian beasts, with a reputation for being savage and highly territorial hunters. While most have wings, they come in a vast array of shapes, sizes, and colors. All are armed with various breath weapons, the most popular being fire, though some are known to spout blasts of frost, lightning, acid, or belch forth noxious fumes. While most will attack and kill about anything that moves, the Solthalen Empire has managed to raise and tame a select few breeds, using them as mounts for their elite knights.

[Notty]

Grunge, this looks like a really interesting idea for a roleplay

Might I suggest some resources to help get the word out, and help recruit even more new members?

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to send me a message!

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[Grungeknuckle]

Finally got everything done.

[Splat]

Ooo, is this like the RP you had before? Of it is, could I use the same character I had for the old one?

[Megilwen]

I would use the same character as well if possible. I really wanted to play her more

[Grungeknuckle]

Same setting, not exactly the same story, though.
As the number of initial skill points characters get has changed, I would require you to re-submit your character sheets, along with the character questions.
I believe you both had origins in Pravus? As I'm looking to get a fairly even spread between the kingdoms, that would mean I'd only be able to accept further characters from the other three.
Additionally, as I'd be taking your Drow, and unusual race, I would not be accepting any other characters of unusual races, such as naga, or goblins. I may accept Megilwen's half-elf, as they are not too unusual.

[Grungeknuckle]

Re-arranged the Bestiary, and added Ogres.