Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hey everyone!

Heretical Fun House is launching a kickstarter centred around Slavic myths, history and culture - Gardar Realm!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hereticalfunhouse/gardar-realm-slavic-inspired-tabletop-rpg

It is a setting best described as “Slavic mythology on steroids” — a pseudo-industrial setting, where steam engines meet Slavic magic, Slavic Gods, and slavic creatures.



This project is completely hand-drawn by me - Creative director at Heretical Fun House - Comrade Dmitry! It takes inspiration from the entire spectrum of slavic mythology and was born out of a desire for a Slavic RPG setting, that isn’t Witcher. I have nothing against Geralt or his creator, but there is just so much focus on the Polish fantasy, that whenever someone mentions something Slavic, whether myths or creatures, people usually respond with - “Oh, it’s like that quest or monster in Witcher 3, right?”

So, what are we offering y'all?



While it is compatible with 5E you don't need anything extra and the setting allows you to choose from a plethora of races to play as, fight against against fantastical beasts, uncover unique artifacts, deal with colorful factions, and choose whether to serve or oppose gods. Regardless of what you choose, we hope that you will no doubt find yourself in the middle of a unique and memorable adventure every single session.

The kickstarter pledges will offer you a variety of rewards from basics PDFs of the TTRPG to custom characters, artifacts, and even locations that you can design within the realm!

The project goes live on January 31st and you can follow it now to get notified upon launch!

Stay tuned for more!

Like the artwork style. Very nicely done.

 schoon wrote:
Like the artwork style. Very nicely done.

Thanks!

I also love the artwork. Reminds me of Bilibin.

 Altruizine wrote:
I also love the artwork. Reminds me of Bilibin.

That's some very high praise, thank you!

Always nice to see some new ideas. And I agree about the art.

The kickstarter is live!

Come check it out!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hereticalfunhouse/gardar-realm-slavic-inspired-tabletop-rpg

For those curious we also have a starter version of the content that you can user in your own games:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qgrcd1y01safvres0uw5x/Gardar_Starter.pdf?rlkey=t7y2lgsrk2eqbf4ripxwyfnjd&e=1&st=9l12mxyw&dl=0

It includes one of the Classes that we have created for our setting alongside some monsters to deal with!

Have fun!

Hello there, travellers from far and wide!

It's been one a few days since we launched and we're already above 25% funding! That's amazing and your support has been nothing short of stellar! ?

With 55 days to go, the realm's future is looking bright. However, we still have a long way to go to hit our target. If you've been waiting to pledge, now's the perfect time to jump aboard and answer the call to adventure!

What's Next?

We know that funding is just the beginning of our project, so our team is working to boost the coverage and to keep it more engaging for everyone both existing and future backers. With that in mind we shall start sharing more of the lore from Gardar with you!



We shall start with faction introduction as that will give you a bigger chunk of info to sink your teeth into! While there are many Gods to introduce, some of them are specifically tied to certain factions, thus we will do a combined approach of covering the God, the faction, and the Ruler of said faction.

The Followers of the One True God



Self-proclaimed to be the One True God, this figure was last to emerge from the Karkolist Oak. It did not care for other Gods, instead it was jealous of their offspring. It saw the creatures created by the Old Gods and felt a desire deep within, desire to own them, to influence them with its will. To that end it decided to craft three personas to sway the hearts of mortals - the Redeemer, the Creator, and the Divine Presence.

First, he assumed the role of a wandering prophet, the “Redeemer”. In this form he approached mortals and began offering them a pathway to a “better” spiritual enlightenment, away from the “chaos of the Old Gods”. Then, as a mad “Creator”, he brought his people to western lands and reshaped them to his liking, driving away the Volots and other non-humans. Finally, the “Divine Presence”, he granted the land to his “children”, who felt their souls drawn, almost forcibly, to the One True God.

This did not go unnoticed and it was Rod who confronted the One True God, berating him for brainwashing humans and for being so envious. Instead of creating, he stole from others. Instead of negotiating he started conflicts. This was not just. The accusations were ignored and the young god instead said that he would not stoop down to the level of the Old Gods.

In his anger, Rod created Morozko, Lord of the North and charged him with controlling the waves of winter in Gardar, however he was pleased to do whatever he wanted with the land of the One True God. Thus the Trideviatoe Kingdom is a land of coldness, even in Summer months.

Trideviatoe Kingdom



The Trideviatoe Kingdom is as a religious bastion under the banner of the One True God. At the heart of the kingdom lies the magnificent Sobor-Grad with the Cathedral of Redemption at its center. It is a glorious edifice dedicated to the One True God in His Redeemer form. The cathedral is not just a place of worship, but also the Kingdom’s seat of power. Tsarina Anna resides there, governing in the name of the One True God and guiding the fanatical devotees in their spiritual crusade against the “pagans”.

The kingdom's infrastructure is very communal, with sprawling libraries and centres of learning emphasising the importance of knowledge and the pursuit of “proper” truth. A vast network of charities and communal kitchens ensures that no citizen goes hungry or uncared for and is eternally grateful to the One True God.

The kingdom also harbours a strong military presence, with skilled warriors trained to defend the faith and the kingdom's boundaries. These warriors are not only physical defenders, but spiritual warriors as well, maintaining a strict code of honour and righteousness, purging heretical thought, and embodying the teachings of their God.

The people of Trideviatoe Kingdom live very strict lives under the rules and guidance of their divine benefactor, although they prefer the say that they “exist harmoniously”. The influence of the Old Gods is absent here, with their churches and idols conspicuously absent from the kingdom's landscape. That does not mean they cannot manifest here, for even the One True God cannot fully bar all other Gods from his realm.

However, life in the Trideviatoe Kingdom is not only about following strict religious doctrines. The kingdom does have art, culture, music, and festivals. However their rituals and celebrations are almost entirely centred around their divine patron. Everything is under the watchful eyes of the One True God.

Tsarina Anna



Tsarina Anna is an imposing figure, emanating an aura of both regality and divinity. Tall and statuesque, her eyes hold a depth of wisdom that seems to surpass her mortal years. She has a commanding presence, with a posture that exudes authority, grace, and a touch of divine radiance. She is the mortal wife of the One True God. With her divine partner occasionally gracing the land with his presence, Tsarina Anna consistently represents the earthly embodiment of the kingdom's spiritual ideals.

Her attire, a blend of simple elegance with a touch of royalty, consists of flowing robes in ethereal whites, golds, and blues, adorned with symbols representing the Redeemer, the Creator, and the Divine Presence. A flaming crown, representing her dual status as both queen and divine consort, rests on her scarlet hair, which cascades down her back in gentle waves.

Being the mortal wife of a deity is no simple task, and Tsarina Anna embraces her unique role with dignity and responsibility. While her divine husband is occasionally present, Anna is the constant figurehead, guiding her people with an unwavering hand and ensuring that the teachings of their faith are upheld. Her voice, though gentle, is firm in its convictions, and her words are treated as divine commands by her subjects.

Tsarina Anna is deeply religious and strictly adheres to the kingdom's doctrines. Her faith is unyielding, and she promotes the practice of penance among her people, urging them to constantly seek redemption and align their souls with the divine. She believes in the transformative power of penance and sees it as a path to draw closer to the One True God.

Spread the Word!

To make Gardar Realm the most notable and amazing TTRPG out there, we need your help! Share the campaign with friends, family, and fellow adventurers, and let's shake up the realm together.

Social Share: Post on Twitter (we refuse to call it the new name), Instagram, Facebook and use the hashtag #gardar

Tell a Friend: If you know someone who'd be excited to venture forth into the realm, invite them along!

Thank you once again for being part of this thrilling journey. Together, we will make Gardar Realm a reality, and you'll be right at the helm as we blast off into the unknown!

Until next time, forge on, adventurers!

Best, Heretical Fun House Team

Hello there!

As we wrap up our first week, we are excited to bring you our second update on "Gardar Realm"! Great news - we are above 30% of our funding goal!

We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who has joined us so far on this journey. Your support is a very motivating boost for us!

And now it's time for another faction intro, only this time it's also a playable race - the Yagas!

The Yagini of Yar

Yagas originate from a distant plane of Yar, a world full of floating islands, dense forests of metallic trees, and skies filled with luminous, drifting motes of pure mana. The laws of physics are mutable here, and reality bends to the will of those who can harness its energies.

Yar was once a thriving realm, a utopia where the Yagas lived in harmony, advancing their technomagical crafts to unparalleled heights. However, a catastrophic event, known only as "The Shattering," disrupted the delicate balance of their world. The Shattering was caused by an experimental spell gone wrong, leading to a cascade of magical anomalies and environmental collapses.

The land itself began to tear up creating floating islands that drift apart or crash into one another. Mana storms ravaged the landscape, and the once-benevolent wildlife mutated into monstrous forms. As hard as it was the Yagas endured and adapted. Their crowning achievement were the Tsokangs - massive floating assembly halls. These structures can navigate away from the storms and even if they are close, the damage to the population is significantly reduced. In this extreme fashion the Yaga race managed to survive for centuries, slowly accepting their reality. Unfortunately for one of the Tsokangs the universe had other plans. In an act of ultimate jealousy by Stribog, the Tsokang of the Northern Star was swept away to Gardar and damaged in the process. Now the Yagas have to adapt yet again.



Technomagical Refugees
An essential part of their life is the Izba. This multipurpose structure, appearing as a hut perched on chicken legs or other peculiar protrusions, serves as a dwelling, a magical workshop, and a walker transport. Its seemingly bizarre form belies the cutting-edge magic and technology embedded within it. The Izba is shrouded in enchantments to blend in with its surroundings, creating a captivating sight when it moves about on its “legs”.



The Stupa, a personal levitation device, is another noteworthy invention of the Yagas. It allows the Yagas to scout and travel with ease, and the sight of a Yaga suspended in air aboard a Stupa is a spectacle few would forget.



Societal Shift
Yagas often organize into local orders or sisterhoods called covens, each governed by a Leader Yaga. The Leader Yaga directs the actions of the sisterhood, ensuring harmony and coordination. These sisterhoods also include Warrior Yagas, who defend their sisters and, if necessary, engage in territorial expansion.



However, not all Yagas find comfort in sisterhood. Some, traumatized by their abduction from Yar, choose to break away, becoming solitary figures fueled by revenge. These rogue Yagas are known for their unpredictable nature and are feared and respected in equal measure.

Spread the Word!
To make Gardar Realm the most notable and amazing TTRPG out there, we need your help! Share the campaign with friends, family, and fellow adventurers, and let's shake up the realm together.

Social Share: Post on Twitter (we refuse to call it the new name), Instagram, Facebook and use the hashtag #gardar

Tell a Friend: If you know someone who'd be excited to venture forth into the realm, invite them along!

Thank you once again for being part of this thrilling journey. Together, we will make Gardar Realm a reality, and you'll be right at the helm as we blast off into the unknown!

Until next time, forge on, adventurers!

Best, Heretical Fun House Team

Hello there, fellow travellers!

We are excited to bring you our third update on "Gardar Realm"! As we enter Week 2, we have reached an incredible milestone together: 33% of our funding goal!

We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who has joined us so far on this adventure!

Before we address the pledge upgrade let's dive into another faction intro - the Hansa Union!



The Borderlands
The borderlands between the Kitezh Kingdom and the Trideviatoe Kingdom simmer with constant skirmishes, a peculiar state of conflict neither side truly seeks to escalate into all-out war. Knyaz Oleg the Seer of Kitezh and the clergy-led rulers of Trideviatoe share an unspoken agreement: full-scale war is costly and disruptive, it would also invite interference from other gods and maybe even neighbors, which would be catastrophic. However, letting the border outposts engage in unregulated "business" allows both sides to vent their aggression while testing their strength.

These clashes are centered around border fortresses and outposts, which act as semi-independent entities. Mercenaries, adventurers, and ambitious captains eager to prove their worth take up arms in skirmishes that rarely encroach on the heartlands of either kingdom. Instead, the fighting is confined to contested forests, ruins, and desolate stretches of wilderness. These battles serve not only as outlets for tension but also as proving grounds for new tactics, weapons, and strategies—an arms race cloaked in the guise of local feuds.

For the Kitezh Kingdom, these border clashes uphold their warrior ethos, giving restless soldiers an outlet to test their mettle and uphold the honor of Perun. For Trideviatoe, it is a way to defend their faith and expand their influence in small, strategic steps without drawing the ire of the entire Gardariki. Despite the chaos and political statements, neither side wishes to disrupt the delicate balance of power, leaving the borderlands as a perpetual battlefield of ambition, pride, and the pursuit of martial perfection.

The Hanza Union
The Hanza Union was born from the chaos of the Borderlands, where relentless skirmishes and monstrous incursions endangered both the merchant lives and their trade. Founded by a merchant from Taganrog called, Victor Hanza, the organization emerged as a shield for merchants, guilds, and travelers navigating the perilous no-man’s-land between the Kitezh and Trideviatoe Kingdoms. Seeking to fortify his vision with ingenuity, Victor enlisted the disillusioned inventor Levsha, whose technomagical breakthroughs transformed the Hanza Union into a force to be reckoned with.

Levsha’s crowning contribution was the creation of the Alatyr Longslinger (Dalnoboi), a revolutionary musket-like weapon powered by Alatyr crystals. These weapons, capable of propelling metal beads at devastating velocity, gave Hanza operatives a distinct edge in combat against both human adversaries and monstrous threats. The Union relies on two groups of operatives: Strelci and Wolf Brigades.



Strelci are armed with Longslingers, shields, and close-combat weapons, and are typically deployed aboard merchant airships in order to ensure safe passage and secure transportation of goods. In territories like Trideviatoe, where airships are forbidden, Hanza agents are accompanied by Wolf Brigades.

Formed primarily out of Volkolak Shapeshifter Tribes, that are numerous along the Borderlands, the Wolf Brigades are squads of shock troops that engage monsters and human foes in brutal close-combat, while being supported by ranged Strelci. Due to the dangerous nature of their work and frequent injuries the Brigades are often outfitted with prosthetics to maintain their fighting edge.

Despite these advancements, the Union faces constant challenges—balancing the demands of Kitezh and Gmuri manufacturing guilds, the growing need for Alatyr crystals, and political tensions over its exclusive possession of Longslingers.

Pledge Upgrade!
Ever since we started discussing the project we really liked the idea of Wolf Brigades and we're happy to say that you can have your very own Wolf Brigade!



All current and future pledges, starting from the Gardar Librarian level, will have 3D-printable files attached to them! The Wolf Brigade has the following composition:

- Leader
- Berserker
- Archer
- Warrior
- Shaman

We hope you like them!

Spread the Word!

To make Gardar Realm the most notable and amazing TTRPG out there, we need your help! Share the campaign with friends, family, and fellow adventurers, and let's shake up the realm together.

Social Share: Post on Twitter (we refuse to call it the new name), Instagram, Facebook and use the hashtag #gardar

Tell a Friend: If you know someone who'd be excited to venture forth into the realm, invite them along!

Thank you once again for being part of this thrilling journey. Together, we will make Gardar Realm a reality, and you'll be right at the helm as we blast off into the unknown!

Until next time, forge on, adventurers!

Best, Heretical Fun House Team

P.S.

As always here is the link to the project - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hereticalfunhouse/gardar-realm-slavic-inspired-tabletop-rpg

Hello there, connoisseurs of the Slavic Myths!
We are back with another glorious update on "Gardar Realm"! As we enter Week 3, we would like to introduce another faction - the Gmuri of the Malachite Hills!

The Conception of the Gmuri



In the primordial age, when the world was still young and untamed, the first of the giants, Svyatogor, had a radiant daughter named Alina. Alina possessed the strength of mountains and the wisdom of ancient earth. Just as the other Giants she too shaped the earth, molding and carving out intricate cave systems that ran like veins through the land.

Svarozhich, son of Svarog and Lada, happened upon Alina as she was working her craft in the far South East of Gardar. Intrigued by her mastery and beauty, he approached her, drawn by a force beyond mere curiosity. Alina, aware of Svarozhich's reputation and equally intrigued by him, welcomed his approach but sought to test his true nature.

To earn her favor, Alina set three feats for Svarozhich to perform, each one designed to test a different aspect of his character. The first of the was a challenge of strength - Alina challenged Svarozhich to lift an uncraved fragment of a mountain. With a deep breath, he embraced the rock, his muscles straining, and then lifted it high above his head. The earth trembled in acknowledgment of his strength, and Alina nodded in approval.

Next, Alina led Svarozhich to a maze within the caves she had crafted. The maze was a living puzzle, shifting and changing as one navigated it. She challenged him to find his way to the heart of the maze and back again. Svarozhich, unshaken, entered the maze and, relying on his keen mind and intuition, navigated its ever-changing paths.

Finally, Alina asked Svarozhich to bring her something that belonged to his mother as a sign of loyalty. Unfazed, he sneaked into his home and borrowed his mother’s ring. Impressed by his dedication, Alina accepted his advances and announced that she would in fact become his partner. Together they invited Svarog, Lada, and Svyatogor to ask for blessing and to apologise for borrowing the Lada’s ring. Initially, both Svarog and Svyatogor were furious at these machinations, but Lada laughingly brushed it off and convinced them to agree.

From this union came the Gmuri, inheritors of both the strength of the giants and the intelligence and loyalty of Svarozhich. These dwarfs, strong and wise, took to the hills and caves where their divine parents met and forged a great kingdom, built upon their mastery of metallurgy and craftsmanship.


Gmuri



Gmuri inhabit the Malachite Hills, a vast area of hills and expansive cave systems in the south-east reaches of Gardar. Visually they are stout and robust, their hands are skilled, eyes keen, and their bodies adapted to the hard work of mining, forging, and crafting. Craftsmanship is at the core of Gmuri society. They are master artisans, miners, and builders, known for their exquisite creations that embody both functionality and beauty.

Nestled in the south-eastern reaches of Gardar, the Malachite Hills is a vast area of hills, caves, and intricate settlements.

The hills themselves are covered in vibrant shades of green, flecked with the iridescent glow of malachite that lends the region its name. Streams cut through the landscape, shimmering with minerals, and the vegetation thrives in earth rich with precious ores.

Life underground, no matter how beautifully structured, isn't appealing to everyone. The absence of natural sunlight for extended periods, limited open spaces, and the feel of being 'buried' can be daunting for many, especially those from open landscapes. Additionally the tiered structure of the Malachite Hills, though efficient, requires a certain adherence to the Gmuri's way of life. Often for outsiders, integrating into this structured way of living proves challenging. That said, the structure of the Malachite Hills, combined with the Gmuri's expertise, makes their dwellings a fortress against external threats, both environmental and hostile. This security is quite appealing to those seeking refuge or stability.

Settlements



Nestled in the south-eastern reaches of Gardar, the Malachite Hills is a vast area of hills, caves, and intricate settlements.

The hills themselves are covered in vibrant shades of green, flecked with the iridescent glow of malachite that lends the region its name. Streams cut through the landscape, shimmering with minerals, and the vegetation thrives in earth rich with precious ores.

The Gmuri settlements are feats of architectural engineering, reaching deep into the hills but not confined to the underground. Their design respects the natural flow of the land and is divided into layers, each serving a distinct function:

Surface Layer: The surface layer is where commerce and diplomacy take place. Here, traders from various races meet to exchange goods, and emissaries are received. This layer is adorned with beautiful stonework and intricate metal designs.
Residential Layer: The residential layer is where the Gmuri make their homes. Carved into the hills, these dwellings are comfortable and inviting, with every stone shaped to perfection. This layer is a community space, filled with the warmth of family and the rich tradition of the Gmuri people.
Agricultural Layer: This layer is a marvel of engineering, where the Gmuri grow their food. Utilizing advanced irrigation and soil cultivation techniques, they've managed to create lush gardens and farmlands within the caves and hollows of the hills.
Crafting Layer: Below the surface, the crafting layer is a hive of industry. Here, the Gmuri work their forges, shaping metal, stone, and gem with unparalleled mastery. The sounds of hammers and anvils fill the air, accompanied by the soft glow of molten metal. The heat from the layer is also used for temperature control during colder months and to support the agriculture layer.
Spiritual Layer: The deepest layer is reserved for the spiritual and cultural practices of the Gmuri. Here people pray to the Lady of the Copper Vein, as well as build additional shrines and chambers of wisdom for meditation.

Azova, Lady of the Copper Vein



The Lady of the Copper Vein is a figure of reverence, mystery, and awe among the Gmuri, the dwarfs of the Malachite Hills. As the first of the Gmuri and their spiritual leader, her presence permeates their culture, shaping their values and guiding their pursuits. Her distinguishing attributes are lizards, copper, and malachite, which are often represented in Gmuri art and rituals.

The Lady of the Copper Vein is described as an extraordinarily beautiful young woman with entrancing green eyes. Her dark hair is braided, adorned with ribbons of thin tinkling copper. Her gown, a mesmerizing weave of malachite, shimmers with the rich colors of the earth. Her diadem, decorated with malachite and precious stones, reflects her dominion over the hidden riches of the land.

As a guardian of the underground treasures, Azova possesses a dual nature that embodies both the nurturing and unforgiving aspects of the earth. Surrounded by her loyal servants, small lizards of varying colors, she exudes an aura of grace and power. She can also take the form of a lizard herself.

Skilled craftsmen and good-hearted individuals may find favor in her eyes, receiving her guidance and blessings in finding jewels and gold. She values respect, calmness, and reverence for the land, and those who honor these principles thrive under her watchful eyes.

However, her kindness is balanced by a strict adherence to her conditions and taboos. Young men and women seeking to enter her service must forgo marriage. Disrespect towards the gemstones are met with her disapproval. Violations of these sacred laws can lead to a loss of luck, skill, or even life itself.

Spread the Word!
To make Gardar Realm the most notable and amazing TTRPG out there, we need your help! Share the campaign with friends, family, and fellow adventurers, and let's shake up the realm together.

Social Share: Post on Twitter (we refuse to call it the new name), Instagram, Facebook and use the hashtag #gardar

Tell a Friend: If you know someone who'd be excited to venture forth into the realm, invite them along!

Thank you once again for being part of this thrilling journey. Together, we will make Gardar Realm a reality, and you'll be right at the helm as we blast off into the unknown!

Until next time, forge on, adventurers!

Best, Heretical Fun House Team

As always here is the link to the project - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hereticalfunhouse/gardar-realm-slavic-inspired-tabletop-rpg

Hello everyone!
We're very happy to see that the funding is slowly growing more and more! 20 days in and already 1/3 of the way there! Every one of you has placed your faith in our vision for Gardar Realm and we are eternally grateful for your support.

Now, let's talk about our journey so far:


Progress Update:

- As you may have noticed, we have updated the look of the project page to be more easily digestible. Bigger images, more artwork, more content!

- We've consulted with the artist about the potential workload and he agreed that he can allow for more personalised pledges, there fore we've opened up a few more of the Gardar Artificer Pledges. Just so everyone understands, you are not required to take the highest pledge, we appreciate that, but don't force yourself just because we've opened up a few more slots.

An now, as per tradition, we introduce a new faction!

The Pecheneg Kingdom



The Pechenegs, in contrast to other Humans, are a tribe known for their nomadic lifestyle and skilled horsemen. They have a deeply ingrained culture of freedom, independence, and constant movement. Their communities are based around large family units, with the elders revered for their wisdom and experience. Among the Pechenegs, the existence of gods—whether the Old Gods or other deities—is widely accepted, their presence often seen as an undeniable force shaping the world. However, some within the tribes take a more defiant stance, rejecting the idea that such beings are worthy of reverence or submission. These agnostics, though rare, can emerge from any tribe, their skepticism granting them a unique perspective and a supernatural resilience against divine influence.

The Tribes

While their methods of governance vary, typically the eldest member of each tribe takes the reins of leadership. In times of disagreement or threat, the leaders of all tribes congregate to discuss and decide the best course of action for the kingdom.



Each tribe in the Pecheneg Kingdom has its own courser, a scout renowned for their tracking and navigating skills. They are the adventurers of the tribe, unafraid to venture deep into unknown territory and are relied upon to find the best paths for the tribe.

Among them are the Buge (male) or Idguan (female), who, much like the oracles, interpret divine signs in nature and guide the tribe according to these divine messages.



Great Khan Gili

Amidst the nomadic tribes of the Pecheneg Kingdom, Khan Gili stands as a beacon of strength, wisdom, and unity. As the third in a line of revered Khans, Gili inherited the mantle of leadership, bringing with him a fresh perspective forged from the amalgamation of traditions, values, and experiences of the various tribes.



Physically, Khan Gili was an imposing figure. Standing tall with broad shoulders, his eyes held the depth of the vast plains he oversaw. Sun-kissed skin, weathered by the many journeys across the realm, bore witness to his dedication to his duties. His long, dark hair, often tied in intricate braids, is adorned with tokens from each tribe.

Despite the vastness of his kingdom and the inherent differences among the tribes, Khan Gili strives to keep Pechenegs as a unified whole. He listens intently to the wisdom of the buge and idguan, ensuring that every decision is in alignment with the divine signs they interpreted. While deeply respectful of the customs and beliefs of the Pechenegs, he is not averse to adopting new ideas and practices if they benefit his people.

Above all, he is a man of the people, who often ventures out with his companions, advisors, and guards, riding alongside the courser of a tribe or sitting around a campfire, listening to tales of old. This has led Pechenegs to adopt a saying - “No need to fuss, soon Khan Gili will pass”.


Spread the Word!

To make Gardar Realm the most notable and amazing TTRPG out there, we need your help! Share the campaign with friends, family, and fellow adventurers, and let's shake up the realm together.

Social Share: Post on Twitter (we refuse to call it the new name), Instagram, Facebook and use the hashtag #gardar

Tell a Friend: If you know someone who'd be excited to venture forth into the realm, invite them along!

Thank you once again for being part of this thrilling journey. Together, we will make Gardar Realm a reality, and you'll be right at the helm as we blast off into the unknown!

Until next time, forge on, adventurers!

Best, Heretical Fun House Team

Hello comrades!

We are really happy to see that we've reached the new funding milestone and we are back with another awesome update on "Gardar Realm"!

Before we go on with a new faction intro, there are a few things we would like to address:

- Turns out we made a little mistake in the sample PDF and that was fixed!

- We're curious how many of you would like a physical book stretch goal? Please tell us in the comments as we are exploring options.

An now, as per tradition, we introduce a new faction!

Perun, the God of Thunder



Perun is a figure of unwavering valor and military dignity, embodying the very pinnacle of martial grandeur. Though he is often stoic, his stern demeanor is occasionally punctuated by a keen wit, reflecting his understanding of the duality of life. Those who spill blood in his name with honor and courage find themselves blessed by his strength. However, Perun's wrath against cowards, oathbreakers, and traitors is fierce, for he believes such individuals unworthy of mercy in the chaos of battle.

He often manifests as an imposing tall man with a short beard, armed with a gleaming suit of armor, a sword, and an unyielding shield. His voice, a resonant baritone, is as imposing as the clap of thunder, inspiring courage, assurance, and fortitude in those who hear him. In every form, Perun demands respect and solemn reverence, intolerant of any form of insolence or discourtesy.

As Perun perceives it, war is a harsh reality, a maelstrom of pain, loss, and fear. However, he deems it necessary, viewing life as a series of essential battles that demand valor, endurance, and determination. His ethos is deeply ingrained in the hearts of his followers - to wield a sharpened blade with unwavering loyalty to a righteous cause is the highest form of honor. This belief extends to peaceful endeavors as well. He sees sports as an ideal reflection of warfare, where, as in battle, victory belongs to the one with superior strength and skill.

Kitezh Kingdom

Unlike the Trideviatoe, Kitezh Kingdom is a melting pot of cultures and a land of fierce competition, whether in trades, craft, or martial prowess. At the heart of the kingdom lies the Kitezh-Grad, a sprawling metropolis of unparalleled architectural magnificence. Its streets echo with the chatter of diverse races, while the city itself, ensconced within the protective embrace of tall sandstone walls, is a marvel of techno-magical engineering, with aqueducts crisscrossing the cityscape, multistorey buildings equipped with Alatyr-powered elevators and street lights that illuminate the city at night.

Temples dedicated to all the Old Gods dot the city, each a unique work of art embodying the essence of the deity it venerates. From the warm, flickering light of Svarog's temple to the verdant abundance surrounding Mokosh's shrine, every corner of Kitezh-Grad speaks to the deeply rooted respect for the Old Gods.




Knyaz Oleg, the Seer



Knyaz Oleg, affectionately known as "The Seer," is the wise ruler of the Kitezh Kingdom. Tall and commanding, Oleg possesses a reassuring presence. His silvery hair, which cascades down his back, contrasts starkly with his piercing blue eyes that seem to see beyond the physical realm. Stories of Oleg's prophetic abilities have circulated since his youth, earning him the title of "The Seer." It is said he possesses the rare gift of foresight, allowing him to anticipate challenges and lead his people with unmatched wisdom. A side effect of such a gift is that Oleg is often plagued with visions of potential futures, not all of them pleasant. He spends hours in the chambers of the Temple of Pravda, seeking clarity and guidance.

His attire is a blend of traditional Kitezh fashion and personal flair: a long, ornate blue robe and a finely-crafted regal staff, with a single Alatyr gemstone that constantly changes color, said to be a reflection of the moods of Perun himself.

While a man of peace, Oleg is not naïve. He is well aware of the challenges and threats that the Gardar Realm faces. As the head of the kingdom he is rarely able to personally check on his people, thus he relies on a network of Bogatyr informants, who periodically relay local news and secret information to him. Sometimes however, he manages to carve out time and walk the streets of Kitezh-Grad in disguise, interacting with its denizens, listening to their concerns, and offering guidance.

Spread the Word!

To make Gardar Realm the most notable and amazing TTRPG out there, we need your help! Share the campaign with friends, family, and fellow adventurers, and let's shake up the realm together.

Social Share: Post on Twitter (we refuse to call it the new name), Instagram, Facebook and use the hashtag #gardar

Tell a Friend: If you know someone who'd be excited to venture forth into the realm, invite them along!


Thank you once again for being part of this thrilling journey. Together, we will make Gardar Realm a reality, and you'll be right at the helm as we blast off into the unknown!

Until next time, forge on, adventurers!

Best, Heretical Fun House Team