I decided for this campaign I'd write all of my fluff before I even touch the stats. It's written for
DnD 3.5 and makes use of a few different rules. The names are just pulled out of my butt for right now and will likely change. Any suggestions or critiques are welcome.
The World of Farhynell
This is a Player-aide for the Farhynell campaign. Things typed in this font are out-of-character background information, and things in this font are in-character information.
Special Rules:
Mastery – For each level your character is, you start with 1 point of Mastery. Mastery may be spent before you roll any die to count that roll as a 10. This is to counter-act how it’s possible for a highly-skilled warrior to repeatedly roll 1’s and miss things. You may replenish Mastery in a few different ways:
Good Role-Playing – Doing something very in-character.
Excellent Tactics – Do something extremely impressive in a fight.
Solve a Puzzle – When you solve an in-game problem exactly the way it was written to be solved, anyone who contributed gets a point.
Ask the
GM – He may give you a condition to replenish a point.
Called Shot – Ask the
GM for penalties, and explain what you’re attempting.
Alignment - Rather than Good and Evil, use Light and Dark as alignment. For game effect purposes these function the same, but for role-playing purposes it expresses more of your character's nature and makes it more plausible for mixed parties.
Dating System:
The Farhynell dating system is based off of wars or other major events (such as an epidemic). It is now Grorg – 1572, meaning it is 1,572 years since the Battle of Grorg began (though it ended succinctly in Grorg – 34). Each year is divided up into two seasons, each consisting of 180 days – a Harvest season and a Planting season. The full date might be expressed as Harvest 57, Grorg – 1572 for it being the 57th day of the Harvest season, and 1,572 years since the Battle of Grorg began.
The Seasons:
Weather is roughly the same during both in each region, as a modern scientist might theorize that Farhynell only spins on one axis between two small suns and three small moons. One sun is a pinkish tint and the other is a vibrant orange, while the three moons are equally pale.
Past Events:
Smikrin – The Smikrin period was 150 long, hard years. People in all regions were subjected to the tyranny of one vile man, and all that were not his most devout servants became his slave. This is the only time in recorded history that all of the regions were under one ruler. Smikrin died of natural causes, and his follow-up was promptly assassinated in a tremendous show of free will and spirit. He ordered for all previous records to be destroyed, though a few underground libraries still exist to protect the extended histories.
Revolution – The Revolution period consisted of various races settling together in the appropriate regions and establishing their own systems of government. It was a booming and optimistic period that lasted for 367 years.
Black Angel – The Black Angel period lasted 15 years. The prompting of this period was a tiny bug which had infected the majority of the grain from the Invil region, which was the major supplier at the time. The bug left a toxin that was absolutely lethal, leading to the death of roughly 40% of the total population. The epidemic was beaten after all grain from that region was burned, which led to a few years of hunger, though with much less sickness.
Grorg – A battle fought between peaceful lands and warring Ogres. Named for Grorg the Inerrant, leader of the Ogre army, it ended with the capture and public execution of Grorg in Grorg – 34. This period is significant in drawing dividing lines which still exist and separate those races which warred against and with Grorg.
The Regions:
Invil began in Harvest 1 Revolution 1 when several farmers had gathered to plant crops in a central location. From there it grew and is now a booming area of industry. If you want something, there’s probably someone who knows how to make it in Invil. The region is situated next to the Sea of Life (so named for the sheer number of crops it provides) for it’s irrigation systems, which Gnomes helped with the engineering of. The population of this region consists of humans in a central area, with outlying villages of Gnomes and Halflings all along the outer rims.
The Kradmor Mountains hold the typical Dwarven stronghold. Friendly to all but extremely territorial, it is customary for a party visting the mountains to fly a flag or banner with an image of whatever race they are (called a Peacemaker) shaking hands with a Dwarf to state their intentions. Kradmor is the oldest known region, having been founded in Smikrin 76. A few Gnomes live in this Region, but mostly Dwarves in vast, underground (surprisingly well-lit) caverns.
The Sephoral Meadows house the roaming tribes of Barbarians (the proverbial hippies of Farhynell) as well as many a magical or nomadic people. At times there are territory issues when traveling through this Region, but since most of the people are nomadic, it is rare. The general populace consists of tribal Humans, Orcs (some well to do and others certainly not), Gnome and Halfling villages, and a few Goblin strongholds as well as the odd magical race such as Fairies.
The Wynn
Fa’or Forests are the new home to the elves after the burning of the old forest long ago. Consequently, they are very testy about the use of fire, and you must receive the equivalent of a permit to do so. They are one with nature and make use of natural magic to support areas where lumber may be cut, in order to save the vast majority of the forest (one must also receive a permit for this). They are open to other races but relatively elitist in their ways. There are only a few humans who reside here, and the populace is completely wood Elven other than the lumberjacks that come through.
Eucepteria is the end result of families formed by wounded soldiers from the Battle of Grorg. With no one left to retun to, they established a camp in the region and it simply grew into what it is today. A healthy mix of industry and agriculture provide the basis for a strong number of schools and training facilities in this Region. Many come here to learn to do all manners of things at one prestigious academy or another, but mainly to learn the arts of war (be it through magic, subterfuge or martial prowess). Eucepteria is also known for having a few strict laws and a very good military presence. It’s populace consists of all manner of humanoids, including civil Elves (like wood Elves, except more accustomed to city life) and the odd monstrous humanoid performing a rudimentary job.
The Frosted Lands of Kontrar are an at best cold, at worst frozen series of mountain peaks, caves and valleys. It’s inhabitants dabble in what agriculture they can and make use of basic magic quite extensively to aid in their survival. Ancient secrets are said to be buried here. Many a hearty creature can be found here, as well as many well-survived monsters.
The Pathway of Farhynell is an extremely long road, stretching from one end of Farhynell to the other. It is believed to be stamped out by giants who lived there long, long ago.
The Unclaimed Region is a “neutral zone” of sorts, though a strong “anything goes mentality” leads to many gangs (mainly from the Divided Lands) and careless behavior here.
The Divided Lands are the Regions who fought alongside Grorg. Having their symbol of unity shattered, they began to war with one another, and few know the convoluted rising and falling of empires in this area. Recently talks have begun of reuniting these Regions with the rest of Farhynell.
(This next part begins the in-character section)
The History of Eucepteria
Many great wars and many ages had passed before Eucepteria was born. Those survivors of the Battle of Grorg who were of the humanoid races had gathered; they set up camp in the region. Heavy losses were suffered by they, for they were near the border lines of the Ogre Kingdoms, and bore the brunt of the fighting. It is these who, with each loss, had seen one less reason to return home; with each loss came a reason to start anew also. The wise and benevolent Eucepta of the civil Elves had gladly given her leadership over they and was adored by all till reign’s end in Grorg – 244. Lofiel of the civil Elves followed till Gorg – 441. Sodrax of the Dragonkind led till Grorg – 567. Grosamir of Man reigned till Grorg – 653, the Second of Grosamir till Grorg – 732, the third of Grosamir, who was called Anquil, till Grorg – 821. All of these had been appointed by the previous. Anquil, the third of Grosamir, had discovered the wise, friendly spirit of Dongan the Celestial encased in a statue. Seeing that his spirit was good, and eternal, he set about to release Dongan from his imprisonment. Succesfully done so, Anquil at his old age appointed Dongan to reign till his time’s end. So the times of peace have been since Grorg – 34.
Tariff’s End
As offered by Grosamir
None who freely offer shall be forced a Tariff by any leader of our Region. Give in times of need and support your local Guard Post, and a Tariff shall never be deemed necessary.
The Law of Service
As ordered by Sodrax
It is said by our Liege that all, upon completion of their learning, shall serve in the defense of Eucepteria for a period of four seasons. Let those, who do so first, volunteer for their position; the others shall be assigned by need. In this way shall Eucepteria be ready, and all will be able to come to her aid, if another war begins.
The Law of Worth
As conveyed by Lofiel
Any who is strong of heart and body shall not beg for what he has not, but shall work to achieve it. Any falling short of this will be sent away promptly.
The Law of Learning
As given by Eucepta
All shall realize the knowledge the world has to offer at the earliest age, so as to be of use to our fair Region and to themselves. Let each learn of her or his own interests and restrict not the lessons they ask for.
The Law of Appointment
As given by Eucepta
The next leader in line shall call on whoever he wishes her or his successor at the beginning of their leadership, and it shall remain a secret. In this way shall one avoid corruption in such choices.
