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Topic: A Shadow Over Drasnia Q&A
Subject: Drasnia
The Geography of Drasnia
Drasnia surrounds an inlet, or bay if you will that cuts into the west side of the continent, then begins to curve back out again just about where Drasnia was built. Additionally, the Reyal River runs inland from Drasnia. Therefore, Drasnia has a 'north' and 'south' side.
Most of the criminal activity goes on in the north side of town - this is because it is also the section where the docks for incoming civilian vessels are located, and therefore where most merchants, taverns, inns, brothels, etc. have set up shop. Therefore, it's the best place for criminal activity. Law enforcement is still zealous - but the laws permit most vices, the imperials turn their head the other way for certain crimes, and enough coin can buy you out of anything.
The north side docks are mostly controlled by the Sea Snakes, but the Hellkites run some of the docks further inland (i.e. on the west side), right about where the bay ends and the river begins.
In answer to Merideth's question - it's likely that Cay lives in either Hellkite territory, along the river, or south of the bay. However, it is not impossible that she lives in Sea Snake territory.
Along the river, the 'nicer' establishments are kept. Affluent merchants and visiting nobles usually stay there, and the inns and shops there are very expensive.
The south side of the bay consists (mostly) of residential and governmental sectors. Wealthy nobles, knights and members of the priesthood live on that side of the bay. The Trade Bureau, Church of Naxir, Imperial Garrison and the homes of most nobles in Drasnia (including Lord Granwythe) are also located here. Along the actual docks, however, one will fight the usual collection of taverns, inns, brothels, etc., but the filth doesn't cling so tightly on the south side. The Sea Snakes have tried running some small operations along the bay on the south side, but they've never lasted long, as law enforcement is so tyrannical there that it's difficult to walk from your home to the tavern without being hassled by an Imperial soldier for something.
Finally, I decided to use the town generator to see what Drasnia would look like through it.
This is purely academic, but I dunno, though it would be fun. Use it not as a blueprint, but a guideline, for what Drasnia would look and feel like.
City of Drasnia
Total population: 82599
Humans: 58645
Elves : 9912
Half-Elves: 6608
Dwarves: 7434
Halflings: 1239
Other (Half-Orcs, Orcs, Goblins, Dark Elves, etc.): 413
Total guard: 2652 (I upped this number by about a thousand, since there's essentially a military base stationed at Drasnia)
In addition, 1032 clergy tend to the spiritual needs of the City , and are overseen by 41 ordained priests.
Inns: 55
Taverns: 206
Blacksmiths: 138
Healers: 52
Weaponsmiths: 41
Armorers: 41
Bowyers: 52
Magic Shops: 24
Booksellers: 13
Merchants: 55
Leatherworkers: 138
Tailors: 236
Jewelers: 41
Cobblers 254
Fishmongers: 69
Furriers: 165
Carpenters: 165
Masons: 118
Posted on 2008-06-10 at 17:06:53.
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Topic: SW Patterns of Deception Q & A
Subject: Grugg!
k...grugg....this has gotten ridiculous.
We're all waiting on you...
If you post, I will feed you.
If you do not post, I will feed you...TO THE CROCS!
Posted on 2008-06-10 at 16:34:24.
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Topic: A Shadow Over Drasnia Q&A
Subject: ...
Just FYI, in response to Glory's most recent post - Nyx is a full-blooded elf, I believe.
Posted on 2008-06-09 at 17:08:29.
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Topic: Help Lou Design a Campaign Setting!
Subject: Wow.
Wyrmsting - thanks so much for your interest. I'm flattered that you'd be as interested in this project from the outset such that you'd provide so many resources.
In short, wow. And thanks. And welcome to the project.
I'm wondering how I'm going to get maps up for this - I think I might simply take a picture of one of the maps I have and upload that. However, I have a feeling that it'll probably turn out lame if I go about it that way...
Posted on 2008-06-09 at 17:05:12.
Edited on 2008-06-09 at 17:06:07 by Cap'n Lou
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Topic: Tann's Mom
Subject: Hey...
I originally didn't post here for no other reason besides not wanting to embarass Tann, but since he's been embarassed already, one more embarassment won't make any difference...
Welcome to the Inn, Tann's Mom!
Posted on 2008-06-09 at 16:14:53.
Edited on 2008-06-09 at 16:15:21 by Cap'n Lou
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Topic: Welcome My Brother
Subject: Welcome...
Welcome to RDI, suicidolt's brother!
Posted on 2008-06-09 at 16:13:22.
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Topic: A Shadow Over Drasnia Q&A
Subject: Merry Death.
Awaiting posts from...well, really, everyone, since no one has posted up until their arrival at the Hydra's Breath. But mostly Merideth. Hurry up and post, Merideth!
Posted on 2008-06-09 at 06:41:34.
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Topic: Help Lou Design a Campaign Setting!
Subject: etc
I plan on posting up some information later today, or tomorrow - things have been lame though. I'm in the middle of my work week (I work Friday-Tuesday) and my car is inoperative. Let's just say that, on top of everything else, it's another kick in the pants.
I'm also a bit ignorant about how to get maps on here, since I haven't had a working scanner for years and on photoshop/MS paint I'm the equivalent of a 1st grade art student.
...
However, I will outline some of the ideas I'm toying with for this setting. As usual, I want to build on the foundations and arctypes set by previous fantasy realms/settings, while at the same time avoiding the tired stereotypes. Some of the concepts I want to flesh out...
-While elves and dwarves are typically portrayed as having the oldest civilizations, in this setting it will be humans - after all humans are the race of versatility, expansion, construction of large nations, etc. Why wouldn't they be the first?
-Elves are not immortal, nor are they incredibly long lived - let's say they have double the lifespan of humans? (though this is something I'd like to flesh out further)
-Prejudice is a commonplace thing - in the time period of our Drasnia campaign, this takes the form of full-flegded racism and oppression. But in other places and other times, it will still exist, merely in other forms. I'm trying to aim for realism in this one, while not taking it over the top. I've found the utopian visions of the various 'PC' races viewing each other as equals to be wildly unrealistic
-Like in Audalis, I have maps and a general concept for one, large supercontinent. However, I'd like there to be a second to the east, with opportunities for campaigns in 'eastern fantasy' settings. This is, of course, something to work on much later, and I'm entirely not sure if it shouldn't be split into another setting altogether
-This will be a land with a lot of history, which I think is a very fun part of campaign setting design; thousands of years before the modern age, there will have been Empires, wars, etc.
-In many settings, the elves and dwarves have one nation apiece; sometimes the gnomes and halflings get one too. Often, however, the humans have several. I think Tolkien is somewhat responsible for this; while he may not have followed that model to a T, in his world you get the feel that there is some kind of racial unity where the elves and dwarves are concerned. Not so in this setting - many nations will be gregarious, but as far as leadership goes, there will be many nations under the leadership of many races. I have some ideas for about three Elvin states, as of yet.
These are just some attributes of the setting that I'm tossing around...
Posted on 2008-06-08 at 17:37:30.
Edited on 2008-06-08 at 17:50:50 by Cap'n Lou
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Topic: SW Patterns of Deception Q & A
Subject: Grugg
Grugg, come on, man. We've been waiting on a post here for days...
Posted on 2008-06-08 at 17:22:33.
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Topic: Star Trek: Operation:Persephone - Q&A
Subject: BTW
Another problem;
I brought this up before, but I never checked back on it and it seems I'm still listed as a Cerberus crewman instead of a Charon crewman on Trek tools - as such, I can't edit character info.
Wondering if anyone could fix
thanks,
Lou
Posted on 2008-06-07 at 16:16:34.
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Topic: Today is a good day...
Subject: I dunno you THAT well but...
Happy birthday to Vorrioch
Posted on 2008-06-07 at 16:02:47.
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Topic: A Shadow Over Drasnia Q&A
Subject: ...
I'm sure there would be cemetaries, on the outskirts, likely.
Posted on 2008-06-07 at 06:13:32.
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Topic: Star Trek: Operation:Persephone - Q&A
Subject: so...
so essentially we're all still waiting in the Cap'n's ready room for everyone to say their piece?
Posted on 2008-06-06 at 17:52:36.
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Topic: Star Trek: Operation:Persephone - Q&A
Subject: question
Question - are all officers meeting Captain Gavison for dinner or just the XO? I remember reading mentions of 'dinner with the captain' or some such several times, but wasn't clear on the details of this.
Posted on 2008-06-06 at 06:01:37.
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Topic: What's in an Adventure
Subject: Rising Suns Over Moonlight Valley
The PCs are traveling through a strange region of wilderness, one that is not very often passed-by, even by other adventurers such as themselves. Somewhere, they take a wrong turn (let's say there's an avalance blocking the road, the bridge is out, etc.), and wander into a strange, wooded valley.
And whom do they find? Drow!
But not ordinary Drow. These Drow have emigrated to the surface to escape from the evil ways of their race - they do not worship Lloth, they have an egalitarian, peaceful society, and they're incredibly friendly to the PCs. And to keep their isolated valley pleasant for them, these good Drow have cast spells to keep it perpetually in twilight, making it idyllic and peaceful.
However, not long after the PCs arrive do they find that the local Paladin order is launching an attack on the Drow...their first step - to enlist the aid of local mages to break the Drows' spell and cast sunlight all over the valley, crippling the Drow and making them completely defenseless. Will the PCs fight these obviously prejudiced Paladins who are attacking the Drow merely for their skin color, on account of stereotypes? Will they yield to the authority of the local laws? Will they negotiate a peaceful solution? Are these poor, good-natured Drow doomed?!
Coming up next:
"No Snooze is Good Snooze"
Posted on 2008-06-05 at 22:37:23.
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Topic: A Shadow Over Drasnia Q&A
Subject: equipment.
Btw, post up the equipment you bought with standard starting funds here after/before/during your first post...
Those standard starting funds do NOT include the 50 that Vadim gives your character in game; this equipment is what you have prior to the start of the game.
And get postin' people!
Posted on 2008-06-05 at 22:27:26.
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Topic: The Embodiment
Subject: Character profile
Here is my full character profile - it's rather long, but I think I needed to include everything to really describe all the aspects of this character. I'm interested in coming up with character connections to others in the party after Maurius struck out on his own to become an adventurer...I've already talked with some of you.
Maurius Vispansius Dio
Background-
Maurius Vispansius Dio was the first son of Caius Marcus Dio, from a respected family of the mercantile class of Drannon. One of Maurius’ ancestors purchased citizenship for his family name, meaning that Maurius was born a citizen, a fairly respectable trait in Drannese society. When Maurius was five, his younger brother Anton Marcus was born. The two were always comrades in their youth, but somewhat competitive. When he was seven, his father’s brother died, and as per the Drannese tradition, Maurius’ father inherited all of his brother’s possessions, as his brother had no sons. That included his brother’s wife – he took her as a second wife. While Caius Marcus always believed that he was doing her a favor (taking care of her by taking her in after her husband’s death), Maurius watched as the woman began to resent him for not truly loving her, yet keeping her in marriage. This was one of the first instances of Maurius growing to resent some Drannese customs.
Maurius was being groomed to run the family business, which was one of the most lucrative in all of Drannon. But by the time he was 15, he was displaying an aptitude for music, composition and writing that was extraordinary. As a young man, he often snuck out to play at taverns, took day trips down the river with young girls and consorted with lower-castes. His father often forbade him from this type of behavior, and Maurius found himself scolded often. Ultimately, at the request of Maurius’ mother, Caius Marcus allowed Maurius to pursue a musical career. Maurius’ ultimate goal was to be accepted as a court musician in Drefast.
As the young man came of age, he began to question many elements of Drannese culture, and found it rife with hypocrisies. While women were supposed to be completely chaste, men were supposed to be skilled lovers by the time they were married. And while Drans valued order to the extreme, the nation was divided and controlled by greedy, warmongering lords. Additionally, every law on the books was negotiable if you had enough coin. All these contraditions troubled him. Meanwhile, Maurius found himself growing tired of the epic war songs and dreary tragedies that everyone wanted to hear bards play – this was another contradiction to him, as the Drans, in his view, hadn’t done anything worthwhile or ‘epic’ in decades. Additionally, he was being pressured to ‘hurry up and marry’ by his family, when all he wanted to do was sit back and play music. Eventually, however, he gave in, and took a wife – Sarah.
Shrotly after the wedding, Maurius resolved that the couple would travel south and move to Pardinal, where he had relatives, so that he could escape from the duties that plagued him in Drannon and simply live out his life in peace. The two set out, on horseback. They were not even out of Drannon, however, when disaster struck. A warlord was attacking the Lia villages, and during the confusion of the skirmish, a rider-less horse ran out towards the two, who were simply passing through. His wife was trampled by the beast, and she died shortly thereafter. Maurius briefly returned to Drefast to bury her and mourn the loss. He tried to decide what he would then do with his life – he thought of joining the army, but that would place him a step down as far as the social class structure in Drannon worked, which would be unacceptable to his family. He attempted to help his younger brother and father run the family business, but found himself becoming restless. Finally, he tried thieving, but found that he could not handle a life of crime on his conscience.
Ultimately, Maurius made the decision to leave behind everything in Drannon. What was originally the laid-back, passive attitude of a man who simply wants a quiet life had turned into a desire to mold himself into something worthwhile. Maurius wanted to leave Drannon and become an adventurer, a mercenary, or any sort of man that could make a name for himself. He left Drannon, as all that was left for him there was pain and broken traditions that he disassociated himself from in the first place.
Philosophy & Outlook
Maurius once wanted nothing out of life but to work a simple job and raise his family – he would be what one would call “True Neutral” (in traditional D&D terminology). However, the death of Maurius’ wife galvanized him into realizing what he truly believed – that old traditions, government regulations and the squabbles of the ‘powers that be’ are responsible for the inability of the common man to live his life to its fullest. He blames the meaningless conflict between two warlords for the death of his wife, and sees crusades, absolutist philosophies and power struggles as wastes of time and life. In a way, he almost despises the ‘Lawful Stupid’ Paladin as much as the evil wizard – while the dark wizard may be vile, at least he admits it. But the Paladin will end up killing or ruining the lives of hundreds in the course of his crusade, and this will never figure into his conscience, something that Maurius despises about those who believe themselves to be absolutely in the right.
Maurius now embodies the Aristotelian virtue ethic – he believes right and wrong are not defined by actions, but by one’s character. One should not ask – "is this action right?" One should ask – "am I acting in a way, overall, that is consistent with the character of a noble, virtuous person?" Maurius wishes to make a name for himself not to become famous or make money, but instead to shape himself into a ‘good’ person. While he despises bureaucracies and self-righteous enforcers of the law, he would draw his dagger in the blink of an eye to defend a commoner who was being wronged. Because of his interpretation of morality, he doesn’t believe in any steadfast moral principles – i.e. killing is never right, etc. Rather, he believes that you know, deep down, what kind of person you are based on your overall beliefs and actions, evaluating morality on an action to action basis is meaningless to him.
Skills-
Maurius is a skilled bard, storyteller and writer. As such, he is knowledgeable about the finer points of theater and music, and excels at performances and lying. His birth also afforded him a decent education, and he knows Drannese customs, law and culture very well. He prefers to think his way out of a situation rather than fight it out, and falls back on his perceptive ability and knack for bluffing or outwitting his opponents. He is good at impersonations and knows how to negotiate a good deal or bribe (come on…he’s a Dran!). He knows how to use a dagger or short sword and defend himself, but only because basic self-defense is a prerequisite for travel in Drannon. And as a Dran, he is an excellent rider – the Drans are known for their horses, whether it be breeding, riding skill or anything else…Maurius is no exception. Since Maurius dabbled in thievery, he has some thieving skills, but nothing to even brag about. And Maurius is humble enough not to brag about it, but he’s something of a charmer – if need be, he can use his good looks, warm smile and honest demeanor to get into someone’s good grace…or seduce someone. Because of limited past experience and the time he’s spent traveling, he’s discovered he has a knack for directional skills, navigation and survival in the wild.
In many respects, Maurius is a jack-of-all-trades, but master-of-none. He speaks a bit of a number of languages, but only common fluently. He knows how to use most simple and widely-used weapons, but none to the point of mastery. He has a working knowledge of the geography and customs of most places in the world, but the only place he is an expert on is Drannon. Often, Maurius finds himself getting out of situations or succeeding by the skin of his teeth with the aid of some cobbled-together skills, which is why he worships the goddess of luck, Shinara.
Appearance & Personality-
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 175 lbs.
Eyes: Green
Hair: Dark brown, wavy
Skin: Lightly copper-toned
Maurius, for the most part, looks like a typical Dran, with short, slightly-wavy hair and no facial hair. He is extraordinarily tall for a Dran, but of typical height among others. His green eyes are seen as a mark of beauty in his culture, and his features are overall what one might call ‘attractive’. He has a warm smile and charming demeanor, making him a natural-born stage performer and ladies man. His skin and hair are somewhat lighter than what is normal for the Drannese – it is said that one of the ancestors of the Dio house married a Pard.
Maurius carries himself with confidence. What was previously a devil-may-care attitude and playful outlook on the world has become a steeled desire to make himself into something other than a rich, privileged merchant’s son. He is less jovial than he has ever been because of the death of his wife – he is searching for something, though he’s not sure what, which usually leads him to have a far-off look when he’s quiet. However, he hides his grief very well, mourning internally, and can still be very personable. This sometimes leads to him being playful and jocular one moment, then pensive and somewhat adversarial the next.
Maurius often dresses in the Drannese style of ‘bigger is better’. As the soon of a clothier, his bags are packed with the best threads on Antaron, often bright red, gold and yellow (for special occasions), or powder blue, light green, silver, or white for normal dress. Maurius is rarely seen wearing the beige or brown garb of an average adventurer. Even outside of Drannon, he avoids wearing colors of the classes to which he does not belong – perhaps a part of Drannese culture embedded in him. While he does not normally wear jewelry, he has a few gem-encrusted medallions and rings if he wishes to look important. But while Maurius dresses in style, he is not ‘fussy’ in any sense of the word; he spent his youth rough-housing with his brother, performing and singing drinking songs at the taverns, and making day trips down the river. Maurius is more than prepared to ‘rough it’, he simply roughs it in style. And besides – you never know when having someone important or ‘noble-looking’ might come in handy when traveling.
Because of the death of his wife, Maurius is apprehensive about women and relationships, almost to the point of a phobia. He develops friendships with women, but is scared of such a relationship turning into anything intimate.
Other general information:
Age: 32
Race: Human, Drannese
Nation/Birthplace: Drefast, Drannon
Religion: Equal worship/admiration for Telamor and Shinara
Posted on 2008-06-05 at 22:14:56.
Edited on 2008-06-05 at 22:18:01 by Cap'n Lou
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Topic: Staff Go 10/10!!!
Subject: Grugg's Haiku
Grugg is a monster,
fierce, cannibalistic.
Three words: Do not feed!
Posted on 2008-06-05 at 21:59:18.
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Topic: A Shadow Over Drasnia Q&A
Subject: Post NOW!
As soon as possible, preferably. The game has begun.
Posted on 2008-06-05 at 19:09:42.
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Topic: Help Lou Design a Campaign Setting!
Subject: .
Scarab, Glory, you're both more than welcome to help out on this - you're both writers for whom I have some level of respect.
Grugg, will be glad to consider any tidbits you throw in here or there.
As far as 'pre-Great Crash'...heh, yeah, I guess the inn is that old...weird to think about.
Posted on 2008-06-05 at 15:51:32.
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Topic: Help Lou Design a Campaign Setting!
Subject: Help Lou Design a Campaign Setting!
As some of you know, I'm currently starting up a campaign for evil players in a little port city known as Drasnia.
I gave a brief background of Drasnia and the history of the Empire of which it is a part, but, in fact, this is only a small part of a developing campaign setting.
I have a rough outline for what I want this setting to become, but I'm looking to develop every part of it. I have a detailed history for the setting, and two distinct time periods of play, as well as some general ideas about some of the cultures/nations involved. However, I'd like to collaborate with another person, maybe multiple other people, and create a wealth of information about this campaign setting. The creation of the campaign setting of Audalis, is admittedly, my inspiration for this, as it was clearly a collaborative effort.
If anyone is interested in working with me on this, post here and let me know. I can PM or post up details if there is any interest in this.
-Lou
Posted on 2008-06-04 at 21:20:17.
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Topic: Staff Go 10/10!!!
Subject: Haiku for Lyskhala
Lyskhala, dear friend,
Beautiful and wise are you.
Thank you for applause.
(By the way, why bother with material things like a house, when you can enrich your spirit with moving Haiku!)
((Because after the house I will consume you. Also, this is not a Applaud/Smite begging column.))
Posted on 2008-06-04 at 19:06:22.
Edited on 2008-06-04 at 19:10:10 by Grugg
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Topic: Staff Go 10/10!!!
Subject: Bribery
If you applaud me and inform me of it, I will compose a haiku in your honor. This is a standing offer to all who would applaud me!
Posted on 2008-06-04 at 18:40:57.
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Topic: A Shadow Over Drasnia Q&A
Subject: Well
I tried to leave that a bit open ended so that you could be the judge of that - what I..err rather, Dmitrova meant, was that the four of you hadn't worked together as a team before - but you may all know each other. You may have worked with one or more of your teammates separately at one time or another. Or perhaps you all worked together working freelance before you joined the Hellkites. Or perhaps you simply 'know of' each other. Who knows? Up to you.
Posted on 2008-06-04 at 18:30:57.
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Topic: SW Patterns of Deception Q & A
Subject: posted.
posted...
Here's where we stand.
There's two guards with blaster rifles at the door, and two more have just come in from the guild security forces that were on the landing pad, and those two are advancing on the prisoner with Susska's orders. Meanwhile, there are three guild security men outside assisting Kavtan in picking through the wreckage, but they don't have their rifles drawn, obviously. Meanwhile, Ninkanna has come off of the main street and onto the landing pad, and can see what's going on in the cantina through window.
Ninkanna and Kavtan are still wounded, by the way, and might think about seeking medical attention. 
Posted on 2008-06-04 at 18:19:46.
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