Dice Press Start! OOC [Fabula Ultima]

[Nellancholy]

Well,I wouldn't say "we" just yet.

Not the whole party may be Seamite/Verdurean.

In terms of more personal conflict now,maybe there was a big celebration like the current king's coronation anniversary/birthday or a celebration of the previous king's accomplishment.

And on that day the current king wanted to present his kids to the world,but some of them are scheming/one of them is about to get kidnapped.

There are visitors from all over the continent,many with their own agendas,and we happen to be nearby as the kidnapping scheme kicks off.

 

[Zufaix]

but anyone feel like drafting a couple of Arcana/minor gods that appear in this world?

I don't mind crafting something up.

Map: We have a conceptual map.
We just have to end up drawing it.

I posted some map outlines in the google drive for us to use, so the only thing we would need to do is pick one and draw the borders.

Additionally, I think it might be a good idea like Nellancholy mentioned, to have each person in charge of a nation/area in order to divide up the work. Plus having someone be an expert on the lore of each area makes it easier to use Fabula Points creatively later on. Obviously everyone can share ideas for the nations at large, but giving one person the final say might make things a bit quicker.

 

[Lost Martian]

Alright I finally finished reading the core book, except the game master and bestiary section, and the player character section of the High Fantasy book. The loose idea I have in mind is a clockwork engineer who doesn’t put much stock in magic, even though he is slowly developing magic of his own. Probably would go Tinkerer/Sharpshooter/Entropist as far as classes go.

As far as minor gods/arcana, I can start doing some brainstorming them. But before I do that, I just want to know how crazy we can go with them. If it’s anything like the mythologies of Earth, things can get quite strange.

 

[Nellancholy]

Alright I finally finished reading the core book, except the game master and bestiary section, and the player character section of the High Fantasy book. The loose idea I have in mind is a clockwork engineer who doesn’t put much stock in magic, even though he is slowly developing magic of his own. Probably would go Tinkerer/Sharpshooter/Entropist as far as classes go.

As far as minor gods/arcana, I can start doing some brainstorming them. But before I do that, I just want to know how crazy we can go with them. If it’s anything like the mythologies of Earth, things can get quite strange.

Good to have you on board.

Our GM will suggest the kind of input you can offer about the arcana,but in the meantime,do you have any ideas about the other aspects of the world and its nations?

 

[Nellancholy]

With that said,now that we know the planned classes of every party member,I have a clearer idea of how I'm going to build my character,mechanically speaking

 

[Nellancholy]

Sounds interesting,we'll have to wait and see what our GM says about that

 

[Nellancholy]

In any event,I think I've already settled on an initial background for my PC already,which can also be used to introduce a mystery,artifact,and a threat each.

But I'll wait for confirmation about the arcana and the other nations to be fleshed out first.

 

[Zufaix]

Alright I finally finished reading the core book, except the game master and bestiary section, and the player character section of the High Fantasy book. The loose idea I have in mind is a clockwork engineer who doesn’t put much stock in magic, even though he is slowly developing magic of his own. Probably would go Tinkerer/Sharpshooter/Entropist as far as classes go.

As far as minor gods/arcana, I can start doing some brainstorming them. But before I do that, I just want to know how crazy we can go with them. If it’s anything like the mythologies of Earth, things can get quite strange.

Great to hear! Seems like you've got some solid class choices as well! As for worldbuilding I'm more than happy to hear any ideas you might have. Generally I find things flow more smoothly the more involved everyone is in this process. I'll lay out what I had for the pantheon in our world in another post, but we can change whatever we feel like.

Macon's Origin: In the beginning, Macon weaved intricate designs through woven tapestry. However, as artists often do he became frustrated with his own makings. There was nothing, no one around to appreciate his creations the same way he did. So he took his first limb and severed it and from it's ichor he formed his long term companion.

An Owl, and he gave her a name. Nuit, was to be his antithesis. Everything either of them were, the other was to be a polar opposite.

He wished for a debate about the infinite creation. He needed a perspective not his own. So she gave it to him. She gave him her opinion.

She wasn't the perfect antithesis he had hoped for. While they had many disagreements on subjects. She had her own mind. She could form her own opinions and through beauty often did they find common ground.

He came to the conclusion because of her counsel. This was not what he wanted. What he needed was to watch things decay to understand the ugliness of creation.

He touched his creation again instead of just sitting to the side and pondering it. He came to look at it wither. He decided that everything should thrive for a time and then cease eventually.

Because of this he came up with the idea of opposing forces. Not just opposing opinions. Off came four more limbs.

Soon more of his children were formed and by proxy of them. He formed the stars, Poivre the flame, Sel the earth, Sucre the wind, and lastly Pimenter the water came to form the lands, the air, and the waters.

Poivre took the form of the first canid and from his maw. He gave the molten core shape. He gave many shape and form. He connected roads of constellations, illuminated the heavens both day and night, and soon his job was done. So he took a nap for a fourth of the calender.

The next to perform a task was Sel, the first turtle. He took what his brother already provided and made the land. The ground, the trees, and all plants. The next thing was to make the land creatures which he made

This is some great work! It's certainly more detailed than what I had, but I'll go ahead and leave it in another post for anyone to take a look at. I'm mainly basing it around the idea of this "Canvas of Existence" where all of the gods place their mark on it in some way that builds up the world as it is.

Also we dont have to take the Arcanum mechanics straight from the book either. I believe it states somewhere that making custom ones is part of the fun. But we don't have to flesh it out too much unless we have an Arcanist in the party.

 

[Zufaix]

The Major Gods

In the beginning, there were three: the eternal artisans who shaped the world as their masterpiece, each contributing their own essence to the grand canvas of existence.

Lyvion, The Weaver of Realms: With hands steady as the stars, Lyvion wove the fabric of existence from threads of light and shadow. They are the architect of order, harmony, and craftsmanship, the one who laid the foundation upon which all is built. Their work is precise and methodical, a perfect balance of beauty and structure that underpins reality itself.

Nirael, The Breath of Life: From the canvas of Lyvion’s design, Nirael unleashed a torrent of vitality. They painted the world in vibrant strokes, filling it with life, growth, and passion. Their brushstrokes are wild yet purposeful, imbuing the masterpiece with color, movement, and emotion. Wherever there is life, Nirael’s spirit flows, celebrating the beauty of creation.

Kharros, The Shaper of Change: Kharros came last, wielding the tools of chaos, transformation, and destruction. They shattered the stillness, introducing imperfection and unpredictability. With every break, they created space for new beauty to emerge. Their hand ensures that the canvas is never static but always evolving, a work of art that defies completion.

Together, they form the triumvirate of creation: Lyvion, the steady hand; Nirael, the vibrant heart; and Kharros, the restless spirit.

---

The Arcanum (The Minor Gods)

While the creators shaped the grand strokes of the world, the Arcanum filled in the details, crafting the intricate layers of reality. They are the guardians of the canvas, protecting it from within.

Elyndra, The Brush of Seasons: Governs the rhythms of nature through the cycles of seasons, renewal, and life’s endless loops.

Tharos, The Prism of Light: Illuminates existence through light, perception, and inspiration, bringing clarity and creativity to mortals.

Myndris, The Voice of Echoes: Guides sound, memory, and song, shaping the symphony of existence and the stories woven within it.

Vyrannis, The Sculptor of Stone: Embodies the steadfastness of earth, endurance, and strength, anchoring the world in resilience.

Caelir, The Painter of Horizons: Commands the sky, wind, and exploration, inspiring journeys both physical and spiritual.

Sylvalla, The Gardener of Veils: Tends the forests, keeps secrets, and cloaks the world in shadows, nurturing mystery and growth.

Zoryth, The Alchemist of Flame: Transforms through fire, ambition, and the spark of innovation, igniting change and forging progress.

Itherion, The Keeper of Threads: Oversees fate, time, and balance, weaving the unseen connections that bind all things.

Nahlara, The Weaver of Tides: Directs water, emotion, and change, shaping the currents of both nature and the heart.

Orrvex, The Artisan of Dreams: Crafts dreams, illusions, and desire, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.


Let me know your thoughts!

 

[Nellancholy]

I think this is a good idea for a pantheon,too. Each arcanum reflects a few different aspects,and it's possible that some of the nations in the world acknowledge certain arcana differently or not at all.

I'm in favor of going with this,though you do have the final word.

The nations themselves await fleshing out by each member of our group,too.

 

[Nellancholy]

Zufaix do you think something like a Google doc to collate all the locked in elements of the setting so far before we transfer everything to the world sheet would be good? or are you alright keeping track of everything we say in this thread?

Maybe even editing the first post might help.

 

[Zufaix]

I can either do a google doc, or keep it in a separate lore thread. Whichever everyone thinks is easier. We also don't have to have anything on the first page of the world sheet, I was mostly using it for the map outlines they provided.

 

[Nellancholy]

Sure,I can go with whatever the group agrees on.

I'm just feeling enthusiastic about this,been looking forward to it so I'd really like this to get off to a good start,hopefully in a timely manner.

 

[Zufaix]

Sure,I can go with whatever the group agrees on.

I'm just feeling enthusiastic about this,been looking forward to it so I'd really like this to get off to a good start,hopefully in a timely manner.

Same here! Sorry if it feels like things have been slow. If I was smarter I would've had more stuff prepped before posting an interest check, but hindsight is always 20/20

Either way, I'll work on getting something documented for what we have so far while we wait on everyone to decide what part they would like to be in charge of.

 

[Lost Martian]

I too am really looking forward to getting this going. Is there any part of the world building that you would like for me to focus on right now?

 

[Nellancholy]

I too am really looking forward to getting this going. Is there any part of the world building that you would like for me to focus on right now?

You may choose to elaborate upon one of the nations surrounding Seam/Verdure:

• A knightly kingdom
• A mercantile state (the founders of Seam/Verdure left here centuries ago)
• A theocratic empire
• The remains of a once-great empire

You can also contribute:

Any mysterious events, phenomena or artifacts on the landmass this story begins in

Any major threats present whether they are related to the initial conflict or not

 

[Zufaix]

Feel free to put any contributions on this thread and I'll move them all to a lore thread.

 

[Zufaix]

Hey guys! Just checking up on how everyone is doing. Feel free to ask any questions if you're stumped or having a block so we can help out!

 

[Nellancholy]

I'm waiting for everyone to provide their initial contributions before I give my character profile (which itself contains certain amounts of worldbuilding)

 

[Nellancholy]

With that said,has everyone settled on which starting weapon they want to give their character? If we have someone covering ranged weapons I might start with the Chain Whip since it matches my planned stat spread the most,but otherwise I might start with the Shuriken or Pistol with a couple ranks in Sharpshooter.

 

[Lost Martian]

OK, I did a little brainstorming and came up with some rough ideas for world building. I’ll start with the nations:

• The Knightly Kingdom of Scion is a proud land, located northeast of Seam, bordering the coast and containing many varying size islands. Known for their heroic lineages, most of the knights in service of the divinely ordained king can trace their families back to the heroes of ancient times when gods still walked the World. Most self sufficient, Scion will be drawn into war to protect weaker nations in what they view as unjust wars. This has led to Scion being seen as a fair place where justice and liberty reign, that is as long as you don’t insult the king. Resource wise Scion is known for rare metals, fishing, and certain crops like potatoes.
• The Mercantile state of Glimmur is located south of Seam, and is one of the oldest nations. Once home to a great empire that spread across the continent, said empire would be destroyed in a great cataclysm allegedly caused by the gods. From among the ruins, various merchant lords would flood the region and take command. For many centuries most of the continent’s business was done here, with all kinds of business allowed. That included the sale of monsters, magical items, and even slaves. A few centuries back a massive slave rebellion would happen, leading to most of them leaving Glimmur and heading north, forming Seam. When relations were established between Seam and Glimmur, Seam would use political pressure to get Glimmur to end the slave trade, though rumors exist that it still happens secretly.
• The theocratic empire of Ascensia is located west of Seam, controlling the entire west coast. Formerly many smaller kingdoms, they would be united by their mass adoption of the Lightbringer Fellowship, a religious sect who would prey on those in trouble, offering them the help of the Lightbringer, said to be the last god to still walk the World. In an effort to solidify their power, they would unite into Ascensia. The Church of the Fellowship would then select a devout noble as the first emperor. This lineage would remain unbroken to modern day, that bloodline said to have been touched by the Lightbringer. Most of Ascensia’s interactions with other nations is to have them convert to their religion. They don’t bother trading with anyone as the empire is pretty self sufficient as the former kingdoms that make it up had a whole variety of resources.
• The fallen empire of Glacius is to the far north. Created by some of the strongest warriors of the ancient age, Glacius was meant to be the power in the world after the gods departed the mortal realm. With their long ships, the warriors of Glacius spread across the World, taking territories in their own continent and traveling to far off lands that are now lost to time. With fighting and raiding as their primary ways of making money, Glacius had to rely on other nations’ resources to survive. This included buying crops from Scion and slaves from Glimmur. However Glacius would begin to decline as the other nations rose in power. The thing that would really weaken them was the introduction of the Lightbringer Fellowship to their lands. The religion would get popular with citizens who were tired of fighting. Eventually there would be enough of them that a province of Glacius would break away and join Ascensia. Now seen as a dying land, the emperor of Glacius is trying to retain what little power his country has as it falls off the world stage.

As for mysterious events or artifacts, of major threats, I was thinking:

• People are getting kidnapped all across the land. However they would resurface a few months later, now working as mercenaries with magitech built into their bodies. Who is doing this and how are they controlling them?
• Rumor are going around of an artifact found in the sands of Glimmur, an ornate cup that bestows immortality to anyone who drinks from it. Whether it is true or not, many people, including criminals, merchants, and rulers want to get their hand on it.
• Odd looking people are showing up all across the world, having no idea how they got there. Most know nothing of the world, and sometimes can’t even speak the language. It is said a powerful storm accompanies these outsiders to the world. So where are they coming from?
• While most accept the Lightbringer Fellowship as a real religion, there are radical elements among the believers. Sneaking into foreign lands, the Fellowship attempt to sow discord and advance their faith. This continues to get worse as now they are killing those who oppose them, as they try to change the ruling power of nearby nations.
• It is said that in the most northern reaches of Glacius there is a weapon of the gods. Created only to immediately dubbed a mistake, the gods fought this weapon all the way to the ends of the world. With the help of the mighty warriors of Glacius, they were able to freeze the weapon. Now the Emperor of Glacius alone knows of this frozen calamity, and that if it were ever to defrost it could potentially destroy the world.
• Once one of the mightiest Chimerists in Seam, Niro was exiled for the methods who used to gain power. Corrupting himself with demonic magic, Niro gained the ability to absorb a person’s skills and magic by devouring their brain. Using this terrible power, Niro has traveled across the continent, seeking out powerful individuals before killing them and consuming the brain. Most knowledge of him is considered hearsay and rumor, but the rulers of Seam know that he exists for true, and are trying to find a way to stop him.
  
  Anyways that’s what I got right now. Still really looking to starting this, and would like to know the party composition if we’ve all decided. Like I mentioned before I plan to do Tinkerer/Sharpshooter/Entropist.

 

[Nellancholy]

I think those outlines of the nations are quite interesting,we could totally go with those if everyone agrees.

And vote on several of those threats we want to address,though the final decision could probably wait till we resolve the first act and get the party together after escaping the scene of the kidnapping.

As for my starting classes...

Either Sharpshooter or Rogue as my physical damage starting class,and then one level each in Entropist and Orator.

What do you all think of the above?

W War123 ERode Zufaix

 

[Nellancholy]

So,PC backstory. I'll just share it here,maybe it'll help everyone iron out details of their own.

I was thinking about playing as someone from the knightly kingdom,which we can now agree is named Scion.

She was raised somewhat in seclusion, trained by her immediate family in the ways of a minor knightly order who were charged with protecting a shrine devoted to one of the Arcana,maybe even one that has been lost to time. This order is characterized by a unique art of swordplay that manipulates dark energy through their weapons to absorb and briefly replicate the other elemental forces.

About ten years ago,catastrophe struck when the young knight's aunt killed the rest of the family and burned the shrine down,retrieving an artifact known as the Eye of Blight located within the main altar of the shrine and leaving the knight as the only survivor.

Since she fled from her home,the knight has become a wandering mercenary/vigilante,taking coin to fight on any side in a conflict but also often fighting outlaws and other dangers of her own volition. But above all, she has always been tracking down the only surviving member of her family for revenge.

That brings her to the capital city of Seam/Verdure on the fateful day, as she has heard rumors of a woman matching her aunt's appearance journeying to the city.

---

So this backstory introduces three elements,which I think we can integrate into the campaign varyingly depending on level of interest.

• A mystery: What is the Arcanum that the hidden shrine was devoted to? Why had it been covered up and allowed to fall into obscurity?
• An artifact: The Eye of Blight is a diamond prism that just barely fits into one's palm. It is utterly dark, reflecting no light, and colors in its immediate surroundings seem to become dull and lifeless. One can attune to it through an ordeal in which one communes with it in perfect darkness and silence for a week without food or sleep. Its attuned bearer can use it to absorb magic cast in their surroundings, and even unravel long-lasting enchantments. How did such a powerful threat come to be hidden in the shrine?
• A villain: Why did the older woman from the knightly order turn on them all of a sudden and steal the artifact? It is likely that she has become an ally of one of the major villains in the story, or she may have her own agenda.

 

[Nellancholy]

Tentative character sheet,still might switch from Sharpshooter to Rogue,and can only fill in the bonds once everyone's ready,I suppose

 

[Lost Martian]

Fabula Ultima:

I’m glad that you guys like the nation lore I came up with, though all the nation names I came up with more place holders than anything else.

Nellancholy
Since you’re doing both sharpshooter and entropist like I was planning, perhaps I’ll switch up what my magic using class is, just so the party has more variety. Also, I probably missed this somewhere in the thread, where did you get the character sheet that you embedded in your post?