The Voyage West DM

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This is the thread for RP specific information on Waern, as well as for NPCs. Any questions about the geography, history, races or religions of Waern should be asked in the OOC thread, but will be most likely answered where I believe is appropriate.

General Information of Waern:

Current year is 1,836 PD (after Pharaoh's death). The current chronological system is built around the death of the god Pharaoh (who is the father of the current god Pharaoh) at the hands of the goddess Neithutet.

Waern was created over 2 million years before the current date and has experienced the rise and fall of three major kingdoms (faeries, elves and dwarves) before the kingdom of man. Over half of Waern's existence has been without civilization, dominated by the spider god Xithax. The goddess Caelrana eventually defeated Xithax in an epic battle paving the way for civilization.

Orcs are said to be the first of the humanoid races, but their crudeness when compared to the later humanoids have lead to jealous and wicked tendencies.

Most people in the civilized areas of Waern are most concerned with the maintenance of order rather then the morality of situations. For this reason the evil, but orderly god Mairadon is well respected (though greatly feared) in the civilized lands. The more wild areas, the deities that help with survival are best respected.

General information on Waern's Deities:

Waern's gods do not depend on their followers for deific power, the greater deity Vailorath in fact has fewer followers then most lesser deities. Deities are not immortal, even powerful gods are vulnerable, with the greater deity Dofels being slain by a mortal man.

It is almost impossible to obtain godhood through means other then birth, only three gods have done so, Kelgoryd who was once a faerie of incredible power, his lieutenant Dokhvours, and the Fire Elemental Lord Kothezen.

Grunla, Malaun Wu and Yuteko are the deities responsible for the creation of the world.

There is bad blood between the three goddesses Illorun, Neithutet and Sedenira who each claim to be the most beautiful of the goddesses. Ishomi is considered to be on equal footing in terms of beauty with the other three, but feels no need to joining the pointless bickering of the other three goddesses.

For the gods on the other hand, Vailorath is considered the most beautiful.

There are no gods of specific races, which creates a largely centralized idea of physical beauty (typically).

The Church of Elonid is the powerful church in the lands and Elonid is the most widely followed deity in urban areas. On the other hand in rural and wild areas, Grunla is the most widely followed deity. Sedenira, however likely has more followers then either of them for she is followed where ever people have need of procreation, be they human, elf or orc.

The goddess Caladine is largely responsible for the creation of the racial hatred or tension between dwarf and orc, dwarf and elf, elf and orc and gnome and kobold.

Deities, despite hating incestuous relationships between mortals, have no issue between deific brothers and sisters intermarrying. However they still do frown on other incestuous relationships, such as the romantic relationship that Felusia has with her father Mairadon. However, because mentioning this relationship is so offensive to Mairadon's priests and has resulted in several blood baths, most nations outlaw discussion of this topic.

[ January 01, 2007, 18:42: Message edited by: Ilmater's Suffering ]

 

Deities of Waern:

(note that the aspects of a god's portfolio are not necessarily of the same moral or ethical ground of the deity, i.e. wealth is not evil, but the evil deity who possesses that aspect will try to use wealth in an evil way)

The Lords of Sin

Belzales
The Devil, The Prince of Evil, The King of Lies, The Bane of Man, Forked Tongue, The Master of Words, The Trickster, The King of Cowards, The Betrayer, The Sly One, The King of Fiends, The Lord of Hell, etc…
Greater Deity (Evil)
Symbol: A snake with a head at each end of its body
Home Plane: Ninth level of Hell (Forgotten Depths of Sin)
Portfolio: Betrayal, deception, intrigue, lies, wit
Favored Weapon: “The Wit of Evil” (N/A)

Mairadon
The Lord of Pride, The Iron Crown, The Lord of the High Blooded, The Master of Chains, The Cruel Lord, The Lord of Slavery
Greater Deity (Evil, Lawful)
Symbol: A spiked iron crown with bloody tips
Home Plane: Six level of Hell (Ruinous Depths of Pride)
Portfolio: Nobility, pride, tradition, tyranny
Favored Weapon: “The Oppressor” (greatmace)

Felusia
The Lady of Lust, The Temptress, The Debauched Lady, The Wanton Lady, The Corrupted One
Intermediate Deity (Chaotic, Evil)
Symbol: The upper half of a provocative, attractive, nude blond woman
Home Plane: Second level of Hell (Consuming Depths of Lust)
Portfolio: Lust, perversion, social decay
Favored Weapon: “Fingers of Perversion” (scourge)

Sarvag
The Lord of Greed, The God of Excess, The Corpulent One, The Bounteous Lord, The Lord of Opulence, The Seducer, The Avaricious One
Intermediate Deity (Evil)
Symbol: A ruby with a smiling face inside
Home Plane: Fifth level of Hell (Obsessive Depths of Greed)
Portfolio: Greed, luxury, wealth
Favored Weapon: “Greed’s Sting” (dagger)

Cerborar
The Lord of Gluttony, The World Eater, The Rampage of Boars, The Lord of Ruin, The Lord Ever Present
Greater Deity (Chaotic, Evil)
Symbol: A wild boar’s head
Home Plane: Third level of Hell (Barren Depths of Gluttony)
Portfolio: Destruction, disease, gluttony
Favored Weapon: “Boar’s Tusks” (trident)

Saeraes
The Lord of Envy, The Dark Dragon, The Hateful One
Intermediate Deity (Evil)
Symbol: A snarling, bestial mouth
Home Plane: Fourth level of Hell (Shameless Depths of Envy)
Portfolio: Envy, hatred, malice
Favored Weapon: “The Bite of Envy” (dire pick)

Neithutet
The Lady of Wrath, The Lady of Slaughter, The Lady of Drunkenness, The Lion Goddess, The Mistress of Blood
Greater Deity (Chaotic, Evil)
Symbol: A snarling lioness
Home Plane: Seventh level of Hell (Futile Depths of Wrath)
Portfolio: Killing, revelry, slaughter, wrath
Favored Weapon: “Lion Claws” (claw bracers)

Kothezen
The Lord of Immolation, The Fire of Destruction, The False God
Lesser Deity (Chaotic, Evil)
Symbol: A holocaust consuming a city
Home Plane: Eight level of Hell (Hideous Depths of Immolation)
Portfolio: Arson, conflagration, immolation
Favored Weapon: “Holocaust” (throwing axe)

Gargalla
The Lady of Sloth, The Careless Goddess, The Lady of Rot
Intermediate Deity (Evil)
Symbol:
Home Plane: First level of Hell (Wasted Depths of Sloth)
Portfolio: Apathy, decay, sloth, weakness
Favored Weapon: “Depraved Indifference” (unarmed strike)

The Gods of Damnation

Vailorath
The Unspoken Lord, The God of Punishment, The Lord of Pain, The God of Dread, The Master of Suffering, The Eternal Torturer
Greater Deity (Evil, Lawful)
Symbol: A coiled whip dripping blood
Home Plane: Pit of the Ever Suffering
Portfolio: Fear, pain, suffering, torture
Favored Weapon: “The Agony of the Tortured Soul” (whip)

Caladine
The Vengeful One, The Lady of Fury, The Lady of Bloodshed, The Lady of Devotion
Intermediate Deity (Lawful)
Symbol: An iron hand clenching a heart
Home Plane: Pit of the Ever Suffering
Portfolio: Fury, retribution, vengeance
Favored Weapon: “Furious Judgment” (greatsword)

Sedenira
The Desired One, The Mother without Child, The Lady of Passion, The Mistress of Tears
Intermediate Deity (Neutral)
Symbol: A red rose wreathed in flames
Home Plane: Seat of Damnation
Portfolio: Passion, reproduction
Favored Weapon: “Passion’s Caress” (unarmed strike)

Daimorath
The Knower of Man, The Gentle Hand, The Forgiving Lord, The Lord of Mercy, The Altruist
Greater Deity (Good, Lawful)
Symbol: Three white flowers
Home Plane: Seat of Damnation
Portfolio: Forgiveness, hope, mercy, rebirth
Favored Weapon: “The Fallen Soul” (flail)

Pyltharam
The Lord of Damnation, The God of Law, The Guardian of Man, The Duteous Lord, The Wise One
Greater Deity (Lawful)
Symbol: A throne surrounded by devilish eyes
Home Plane: Seat of Damnation
Portfolio: Discipline, duty, protection
Favored Weapon: “The Fallen Soul” (flail)

Zares
The Unwanted One, The Abomination, The God of Humiliation, The God of Ostracism
Lesser Deity (Evil, Lawful)
Symbol: A hideously deformed humanoid face
Home Plane: Seat of Damnation
Portfolio: Abandonment, cruelty, shame, ugliness
Favored Weapon: “The Pain of Abandonment” (falchion)

The Holy Hands

Elonid
The High Father, The Dread Judge, The Voice of Truth, The Stern Father, The Judge of All Things
Greater Deity (Good, Lawful)
Symbol: A four pointed star with an elongated bottom point and rays of light extending from the top point (the Star of Truth)
Home Plane: Eternal Paradise of Celestia
Portfolio: Judgment, justice, truth
Favored Weapon: “The Sacred Soul” (heavy mace)

Iretsu
The Champion of Good, The Fearless Lord, The Golden Samurai
Intermediate Deity (Good, Lawful)
Symbol: A pair of hands holding out a sword
Home Plane: Eternal Paradise of Celestia
Portfolio: Courage, honor, loyalty, valor, zeal
Favored Weapon: “Death before Dishonor” (bastard sword/katana)

King and Queen of the Otherworld

Caelryn
The Goddess of the Spirit World, The Witch Queen, The Sighted Lady, The Lady Alchemist, The Master Practitioner
Intermediate Deity (Good, Lawful)
Symbol: Ivy intertwined as a circle
Home Plane: Otherworld
Portfolio: Alchemy, reincarnation, the dead
Favored Weapon: “The Alchemical Staff” (quarterstaff)

Ohenal
The Loving Lord, The Guiding Hand, The Faithful One, The Lord of Romance
Intermediate Deity (Chaotic, Good)
Symbol: A golden harp
Home Plane: Otherworld
Portfolio: Friendship, love
Favored Weapon: “A Friend’s Embrace” (unarmed strike)

The Inevitable Ones

Kelgoryd
The Lich King, The Master of Undeath, The Unnatural One, The Keeper of Knowledge
Intermediate Deity (Evil, Lawful)
Symbol: A crowned skull
Home Plane: Material Plane
Portfolio: Arcane knowledge, undeath
Favored Weapon: “Corpseraiser” (longsword)

Illorun
The Ice Queen, The Maiden Goddess, The Frigid One, The Lady of Death, The Uncaring Goddess, The Heartless Bitch
Intermediate Deity (Evil, Lawful)
Symbol: A winter rose encased in a block of ice
Home Plane: Frozen Ice Plains of Nirghora
Portfolio: Cold, death, despair
Favored Weapon: “Deathfrost” (shortspear or spear)

Agnama
The Never Living, The Godling of the Cruelest Fate
Lesser Deity (Evil, Lawful)
Symbol: A single tear surrounded by darkness
Home Plane: Forgotten Ruins of Sorrow
Portfolio: Grief, loss, stillbirth
Favored Weapon: “Sight of the Lost” (javelin)

Dokhvours
The Death Lich, The Timeless Lord, The Lich Lord, The Undying One
Demigod (Evil, Lawful)
Symbol: Clenched skeletal fist
Home Plane: Material Plane
Portfolio: Time
Favored Weapon: “Life’s End” (quarterstaff)

Other Deities

Amuset
The Scarab of the Sky, The Sun Disk
Greater Deity (Good, Lawful)
Symbol: Scarab beetle rolling the sun across the sky
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Journeys, sun
Favored Weapon: “Ordering Light” (khopesh)

Iphemele
The Maiden Huntress, The Wild Goddess, The Moon Archer
Intermediate Deity (Chaotic)
Symbol: The head of a white chamois with golden antlers against a full moon
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Animals, archery, hunting, moon
Favored Weapon: “Moonshot” (shortbow)

Pharaoh
The Eternal King, The Godson
Demigod (Lawful)
Symbol: A cobra ready to strike
Home Plane: Material Plane
Portfolio: Royalty
Favored Weapon: “Eternal Right” (heavy mace)

Neipheris
The Lady of Starlight, The Celestial Guide
Intermediate Deity (Good)
Symbol: A blue sky with the constellation of a woman stretching over the sky
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Navigation, sky, stars
Favored Weapon: “Starlight” (sling)

Domophia
The Lady of Hidden Desires
Lesser Deity (Chaotic)
Symbol: An androgynous humanoid face with both eyes closed and a third eye open on the forehead
Home Plane: Eternal Night of Locenea
Portfolio: Dreams, nightmares, sleep
Favored Weapon: “Endless Sleep” (dagger)

Xithax
The Spider Lord, The Hidden Horror, The Ancient Foe
Intermediate Deity (Chaotic, Evil)
Symbol: A spider lying wait on a spider web
Home Plane: Material Plane
Portfolio: Darkness, poison, vermin, wilderness
Favored Weapon: “Spider Bite” (heavy pick)

Grunla
The Mother Goddess, Mother Nature, The Lady of the Land, The Life Giver
Intermediate Deity (Good)
Symbol: Mother goddess figure
Home Plane: Fertile Meadows of Varring
Portfolio: Agriculture, birth, motherhood, nature
Favored Weapon: “Nature’s Boon” (sickle)

Eresho
He who sews Doubt, The Instigator of Thought
Lesser Deity (Neutral)
Symbol: The sun rising out of a humanoid head
Home Plane: City of Debate
Portfolio: Philosophy, theology
Favored Weapon: “Debate” (unarmed strike)

Ombanar
The Murderous One, Illorun’s Thrall, Neithutet’s Slave, The Midget God
Demigod (Evil)
Symbol: A half skull, half blood covered face
Home Plane: Citadel of Murder
Portfolio: Massacres, murder
Favored Weapon: “Bloodfiend” (short sword)

Barathos
The Schemer, The Devious Lord, The Backstabber
Lesser Deity (Evil, Lawful)
Symbol: A white silk glove with a gold coin between each finger
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Ambition, corruption
Favored Weapon: “Empowering Corruption” (dagger)

Tviar
The Stormlord, The God of Storms, The Thunderer, Stormbreath
Intermediate Deity (Chaotic, Evil)
Symbol: Three forked bolts of lightening
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Lightening, squalls, thunder, tornados
Favored Weapon: “Forked Lightening” (trident)

Lothgar
The Ocean’s Fury, The God of Waves, The Crushing Hand
Intermediate Deity (Chaotic, Evil)
Symbol: A waterspout
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Maelstroms, shipwrecks, tsunamis, typhoons, waterspouts, waves
Favored Weapon: “Crushing Doom” (heavy flail)

Borgerix
The Wrestler
Intermediate Deity (Chaotic, Good)
Symbol: A brown bear
Home Plane: The Majestic Plains of
Portfolio: Athletics, glory, strength
Favored Weapon: “Mauler” (greataxe)

Aethen
The Amiable Rouge, The Wanderer
Lesser Deity (Chaotic, Good)
Symbol: A rapier and a winter rose/a rapier through a map
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Adventure, daring, exploration
Favored Weapon: “Reckless Strike” (rapier)

Gorbelyg
The Craven, The Servile One
Lesser Deity (Evil, Lawful)
Symbol: A cowering humanoid covering its head
Home Plane: Hidden Haven
Portfolio: Cowardice, servitude, stealth
Favored Weapon: “Coward’s Crutch” (club)

Hjomir
The Pirate God, The Merciless Lord, The Captain of the Crimson Mistress
Demigod (Evil)
Symbol: A sloop with blood red sails
Home Plane: Crimson Mistress
Portfolio: Piracy, raids
Favored Weapon: “Pirate’s Cut” (cutlass)

Narbral
The Breath of the World, The Bringer of Change, The Wild One
Intermediate Deity (Chaotic)
Symbol:
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Change, wind
Favored Weapon: “Winds of Change” (longbow)

Vulrynn
The Master of the Forge, The Master Smith, Roughhands
Lesser Deity (Neutral)
Symbol: A forge and bellows
Home Plane: Scorched Furnace of Godforge
Portfolio: Crafts, smithing
Favored Weapon: “Ringing Blow” (warhammer)

Ahniya
The Goddess of Happiness, The Lady of Hedonism
Lesser Deity (Chaotic, Good)
Symbol: A woman with jet black hair dancing
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Joy, mirth, pleasure
Favored Weapon: “Bliss” (net)

Nidameh
The Tireless Goddess
Lesser Deity (Good)
Symbol: A ripe apple
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Endurance, vitality, youth
Favored Weapon: “Vigor” (boomerang)

Emun
The God of the Sand, The Lord of Desiccation
Intermediate Deity (Evil)
Symbol: A sand dune
Home Plane: Arid Wastes of
Portfolio: Desert, drought, thirst
Favored Weapon: “Sandstorm” (scimitar)

Malaun Wu
The Earth Dragon, Earth Father, The Father God
Greater Deity (Good)
Symbol: A mountain that’s peak is lost in clouds
Home Plane: Material Plane
Portfolio: Earth, fatherhood, mountains, stone
Favored Weapon: “The Earth’s Fingers” (claw bracers)

Linpai
The God of Liberty, The Crown Breaker, The Peasant God
Lesser Deity (Chaotic)
Symbol: Unlocked manacles
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Freedom, liberation, rebellion, revolution
Favored Weapon: “Peasant’s Strike” (kama)

Shoulang
The All Knowing, The Archwizard, The Lord of Books
Intermediate Deity (Lawful)
Symbol: An open book
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Invention, knowledge, learning
Favored Weapon: “Informed Strike” (kusari-gama)

Ishomi
The Face of Beauty, The Lady of Inspiration
Lesser Deity (Good)
Symbol: A painted fan
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Art, beauty, music
Favored Weapon: “Disarming Beauty” (war fan)

Yuteko
The Sea Mother, The Mistress of Gentle Waves
Greater Deity (Good)
Symbol: A fishing net full of fish
Home Plane: Gentle Waves of Anishiro
Portfolio: Fishing, sea, seafaring
Favored Weapon: “The Fishing Net” (net)

Hulayui
The God of Warfare, The Horse Master, The Divine Archer
Intermediate Deity (Chaotic)
Symbol: An archer on horseback
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Battle, mounted combat, skill-at-arms
Favored Weapon: “Cavalry Blade” (saber)

Munepsut
The Goddess of Rejuvenation
Intermediate Deity (Good)
Symbol: A winding river
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Floods, rivers
Favored Weapon: “Watery Embrace” (khopesh)

Dead Gods (still worshiped)

Vyndram
Life’s Eternal Enemy, The God of Torment, The Lord of Starvation, The God of Hardships
Greater Deity (Chaotic, Evil)
Symbol: A black hooded robe filled with darkness
Home Plane: The Languishing Tombs of Carcaon
Portfolio: Death, despair, discord, hunger, panic, strife
Favored Weapon: “Destroyer of Life” (scythe)

Dorfels
Nature’s Destroyer, The Stormlord, The Sky Rager, The Ocean’s Fury
Greater Deity (Chaotic, Evil)
Symbol: A waterspout with three forking bolts of lightening
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Lightening, maelstroms, shipwrecks, squalls, thunder, tornados, tsunamis, typhoons, waterspouts, waves
Favored Weapon: “Destructive Fury” (warhammer)

[ April 17, 2007, 07:39: Message edited by: Ilmater's Suffering ]

 

NPCs:

Urgeld Bearpaw: Urgeld appears as a tall, broad shouldered muscular man with an attractive, but barbaric face. Urgeld's hair and full beard are blond and his eyes are sea blue. Urgeld is the greatest living hero of the Northlands and a powerful berserker. He is best known for his superhuman strength, but is also known for his exceptional charisma and his ability to turn into a brown bear during his berserk rage. Urgeld is a champion of Borgerix and like his god has strong like of women, drink and fighting. Urgeld wears a bearskin over his torso which is said to be a gift from Borgerix and carries a magical greataxe.

Mogrub the Club: Mogrub is Urgeld's ogre sidekick. Mogrub is large for an ogre with dull light brown skin and black hair. Mogrub is a creature of incredible strength, almost equaling the strength of a frost giant. While Mogrub is not evil like most ogres, he is quite to anger and then to smash things into a gooey pulp with his club. Mogrub carries a magical greatclub and wears chainmail.

Norin Shipwright: Norin, the shipwright hired conduct maritime repair, appears as a man of average height, weight and looks with dirty blond hair and blue eyes. He wears spectacles at all times.

Aewilar Swiftwind: Aewilar, cleric of Aethen, appears as a handsome wood elf with dark blond hair, brown eyes and olive skin. He wears a chain shirt and carries well made rapier and composite longbow.

Haukor Gorreln: Haukor, a half-dwarf, appears the height of a short human, but is broader then the majority of humans. He has a full beard and hair the color of ripe wheat and his eyes are the color of stone. He wears a well crafted breastplate and a steel kite shield and is armed with a superbly fashioned battleaxe and throwing axe.

Alandra Songflower: Alandra, a half-elf bard, appears more attractive then the average human, like most half-elves, but nothing but average compared to other half-elves. Her hair is a light brown, as are her eyes and she has fair skin. Wears leather armor and wields a rapier and shortbow.

[ December 29, 2006, 05:24: Message edited by: Ilmater's Suffering ]

 

Premise: The hero Urgeld Bearpaw is hiring adventurers to aid him in “the Greatest Adventure of Modern Times” in which he plans to travel to Loex Grovisv Isle (draconic for Dead Wood Isle). Loex Grovisv Isle is rumored to be the site of the of the dragon burial grounds in Waern and has never before been explored by humanoid. Because Urgeld is such a famed and beloved hero of the Northlands, many would be heros have desired a place by his side; consider yourself lucky that you where one of those chosen to accompany him.
Unlike Urgeld's usual adventures against evil giants, this adventure is not one in defense of fellow Northlanders.
The heros will be setting off from the town of Coldriver, the village Urgeld's ancestors have been chief of (and which Urgeld currently is in theory). It is located on the mouth of the magical Ice Mist River. The Ice Mist River always has a countless number of ice crystals floating over it at all times, whose beautiful twinkling make the use of vision on the river next to impossible. Many southerners mistakenly believe that it is the reflection of the sun that is responsible for the phenomena, but the ice crystals continue to produce light even in the dead of night.
Urgeld has had the ship, the Sea Giant, built specifically for the voyage, a longship twice the size of the average one.

Extra Bits About Waern

There is no Astral Plane in Waern, instead there is the Spirit World, a plane connected to the Material World by the Ethereal Plane; the Spirit World is also the only world connected with the inner and outer planes (save the Plane of Shadow which is only connected with the Material World).

Death in Waern, for most people results an afterlife in the Spirit World where they serve as ancestor spirits for their decedents, only the most devoted people are taken to the planes of their deities. However most people without a patron deity have something much nastier in store for them. Without deific protection through the Ethereal Plane, most souls are either taken hold of by the Fiend Lords and dragged to the plane of Yethrek, by Vailorath to the Pit of the Ever Suffering and subjected to brutal torture, by Illorun to the Hall of Perfect Death or forced to stand before the judgment of Elonid.

Also Elonid is never called by his name, as a sign of respect or at the very least fear, he goes by his titles, typically th High Father or the Dread Judge.

Illorun's priesthood is entirely female and none choose to be there, they are taken from their parents when they are very young.

Gods who support Druids: Amuset, Caelrana, Emun, Grunla, Illorun, Lothgar, Malaun Wu, Munepsut, Narbral, Neipheris, Tviar, Xithax, Yuteko

Gods who support Paladins: Amuset, Caladine, Daimorath, Elonid, Iretsu, Pyltharam

Gods who support Rangers: Aethen, Amuset, Emun, Grunla, Illorun, Lothgar, Malaun Wu, Munepsut, Narbral, Neipheris, Neithutet, Nidameh, Tviar, Xithax, Yuteko

[ January 04, 2007, 02:31: Message edited by: Ilmater's Suffering ]

 

Here's the basic information of Vailorath, Zares and Linpai.

Zares

Zares is the product of an unknown deity and a devil and is a being most commonly referred to as an infernal. He's considered an abomination, that is an unwanted offspring of a deity. While most abominations have their souls in someway aborted, denying them of true deific power, this was never the case for Zares.

Zares appears as humanoid in shape with dark brown skin, pointed ears, burning red eyes, massive bat wings and a hairless body. His face is savage and frightening by human standards; there is no mistaking his fiendish heritage. Unlike most infernals who stand near 15 feet tall, Zares is little taller then an orc.

Zares is the patron of all those who are ugly and unwanted. Zares is a brooding god who encourages his followers to seek revenge against those cast them out, but Zares never encourages the use of chaotic means to achieve revenge. Zares seeks to humiliate his adversaries on their own terms. Zares loves to return cruelty to those who are cruel to him and make beautiful things ugly for beautiful things cast out ugly things. Of all the Gods of Damnation, Zares buys the least into the idea of policing the Material Realm.

Zares is technically a servant of Daimorath who seeks to redeem Zares. Vailorath however is who Zares attempts to emulate and Zares considers Vailorath his closest ally. Zares also considers Caladine a close ally. Zares hates Ishomi and other deities associated with beauty, as well as deities of chaos and the Demon Lords because of his Baatezu roots. Zares also hates the infernal known as Azaril "The Angel of Death".

Linpai

Linpai's lineage is unknown and the deity who despites lineal heritage has no intention of allowing others to find out who his deific parents are.

Linpai appears as a tall young man with oriental coloring, close cropped black hair and a robust and fit figure; his skin is always well tanned as he enjoys working outdoors. Linpai always dressing in peasant garb, typically in the style of the land he is making his appearance. Linpai always carries several kamas on his person at all times, including his powerful artifact, Peasant's Strike.

Linpai is the patron of the lower end of society, the peasants, serfs, slaves and other oppressed members of society. Linpai is something of a short tempered and impulsive deity, but he generally has the bottom of society in mind when he takes action. Linpai teaches that all beings deserve freedom, but freedom can not be won without blood. Linpai harbors grudges against the elite of society and typically has them pay in blood for what they have done to those they rule over.

Linpai typically counts Borgerix and Cerborar as allies, but his most constant ally is Narbral, the God of Change. Linpai considers Mairadon and Pyltharam his greatest enemies, for those two preserve order at all costs. He also considers Iretsu to be something of an enemy. Pharaoh, the patron of Royalty is also an enemy of Linpai, Barathos, who abuses power and Amuset, another strong supporter of order are also enemies of Linpai. Linpai also hates Felusia, not only because she is the daughter of Mairadon, but because she perverts the resistance of order in Linpai's eyes.

Vailorath

Vailorath is the oldest child of Pyltharam, the brother of Daimorath and the half-sister of Sedenira. Vailorath part of the second generation of deities who where born to the original deities just before the creation of the Material Plane.

Vailorath appears as a tall, elegant man of indescribable beauty, the most handsome of male deities, but his beauty if cold and unapproachable. Vailorath has white blond hair, ice blue eyes and very fair skin. Vailorath always dresses in black, stylish attire and always carries his dreaded whip, The Agony of the Tortured Soul, a whip that kills its victims by breaking their mind with incredible pain. The Agony of the Tortured Soul appears as a well polished whip of finest black leather, with half its length covered in mithral spikes and a mithral claw on the very end.

Vailorath is the patron of executioners and torturers. Vailorath is a sadistic deity who is only capable of deriving enjoyment from the pain and suffering of others. Vailorath believes that all mortals are not worthy of salvation and must be punished for their sins. Because of this Vailorath is feared by more then any other deity by the inhabitants of Waern (though followers of Belzales and Neithutet are apt to fear their own deity more then Vailorath). Followers of Vailorath often therefore either become flagellates in order punish themselves and achieve a measure of redemption in Vailorath's eyes or become increasingly sadistic with the hope that if they spread Vailorath's punishment, he'll over look punishing them. Vailorath's role in the Gods of Damnation is to punish the sinful, a position he delights greatly in, though Vailorath believes that all souls are rightful his and will often attempt to take souls as they cross over through the Ethereal Plane.

Vailorath is the servant of his father Pyltharam and counts Zares as his ally. Vailorath also has a working relationship with Elonid who sends the most wicked of souls he judges Vailorath's way. Vailorath counts his brother Daimorath as an ally, but still has not forgiven his younger brother for expelling him from the outer planes eons ago; Daimorath also sends reformed souls to the Spirit World which angers Vailorath, who believes no soul deserves mercy. Vailorath has two wives, but with Vailorath being devoid of lust and love, his wives act more like servants. The first of his wives is his half-sister Sedenira, who Vailorath has a poor relation with and the second is Caladine who absolutely devoted to Vailorath. Vailorath hates more evil and chaotic deities, specially Belzales who has tried to take advantage of Vailorath several times in the past; Vailorath has also killed Belzales several times, but like a lich, Belzales keeps come back to life which infuriates Vailorath to no end. Neithutet is also hated by Vailorath with great abandon for despite the numerous battles the two have fought in, Vailorath has never been able to kill her. Despite the evil nature of Mairadon and Illorun, Vailorath harbors no malice against them, for Mairadon is predominately devoted to order and is less evil then Vailorath, while Illorun's existence ensures that mortals will die and quite possibly end up in Vailorath's clutches.

Unintentionally, Vailorath is responsible for the balance between good and evil on a deific level. Vailorath, despite being thoroughly evil, operates with the intention of keeping the forces of evil in check. Because he is the most powerful god in terms of martial prowess, few gods will engage him in direct confrontation.

[ February 10, 2007, 17:41: Message edited by: Ilmater's Suffering ]

 

Iphemele

Iphemele's lineage is a mystery to the mortal world. Iphemele was born some time following the death of the first moon deity, Anysius.

Iphemele appears as a tall, athletic and strikingly beautiful young woman with dark hair and eyes and ivory skin. Iphemele always appears in simple garb that is loose and unrestrictive, but she is always adequately covered for she is a modest deity. Iphemele always carries her hunting bow "Moonshot", which is said to kill mortals instantly, but painlessly. Iphemele is typically found in the company of various female fey creatures.

Iphemele is the patroness of women, archers and hunters, as well as being the protector of animals. Iphemele is one of the two goddesses in Waern who refers to herself as a maiden. Iphemele, being capricious and mercurial deity does not have an elaborate dogma. Iphemele values freedom, especially her own. Iphemele refers to the unfettered life of animals as being ideal. Iphemele also values hunting prowess and archery skills, choosing her champions from the most talented hunters and archers. While Iphemele is the patron of hunters, she is also the protector of animals and expects hunters to ask her permission before hunting and to never take more then they need, Iphemele despises sport hunting. Iphemele is often considered to be an irrational goddess who is quick to anger and merciless in her punishment of those who raise her ire.

Iphemele considers Grunla, Xithax and Neipheris her allies. Borgerix is often Iphemele's companion, but his amorous intents make her feel as if her freedom is being threatened. Iphemele admires Neithutet's hunting prowess, but doesn't dare trust the Lion Goddess. Iphemele hates Ombanar and Cerborar as well as Shoulang who Iphemele believes leads to encroachment on her animals' habitats.

 

I sorry how I told those two "tales", they where a bit confusing (not to mention in standard RP form). The tales are just to add a little more flavor to Waern and give it a bit of cultural depth. Yethrek is the short name for the Ravaged Plateaus of Yethrek, a plane similar to the D+D plane of Acheron (sp?). Yethrek is the home of the Fiend Lords and fiends without divine patrons. Constant battle rages as the Demon Lords and Devil Lords make unending war against each other and the Yulogoth Lords hire themselves out to either sides (essentially the Blood War is unchanged save for location). I didn't feel like laying out Waern's planar arrangement because it's knowledge isn't necessary to the nature of the RP.

St. Acaenia was slain in Yethrek while seeking to rescue a succubus she believed to be a human. St. Acaenia martyred herself by holding a planar gate open for her companions to escape from the fiends that where pursuing them and then destroying the gate so the fiends couldn't follow her friends. St. Acaenia's death was the result of Belzales and his ally Lady Xhara, one of the Demon Lords (and sometimes said to be Belzales' lover). Deities in Waern have a bad habit of destroying powerful servants of deities with radically different outlooks and this is often attributed to being the cause of St. Acaenia's death (but of course, like in any fantasy story, there's more to her death then just her becoming too powerful and of course lowly mortals like ourselves have no way of knowing this).

I also forgot to give any information about Vairan. Table top Vairan is a unique monstrous humanoid and while he looks mostly human and pleasing to the eye, he clearly isn't human (it might be the inch long fangs or his ability to spit acid that blows his cover) and was never one to hide that fact. The centerpiece of Vairan's identity was his ability to consume souls and then later recall them to access their knowledge or skills. Vairan is a character who has a personal honor code that has a resemblance to Bushido, but has spent most of his being as an evil creature. He was evil when he first met St. Acaenia who eventually led him to seek redemption and returned to his evil ways following her death in which he began to blame the humans she protected for her death. Vairan is a creature of considerable life span and is typically believed to live today (which he in fact is, his hatred for humans is simmering as he has come more and more to blame St. Acaenia for her own destruction leaving him bitter rather then hateful).

[ March 11, 2007, 19:15: Message edited by: Ilmater's Suffering ]

 

Okay, since this deity is going to be referenced soon, I'll place his basics as well as another deity that simply might be appropriate to have a round for making reference in conversations.

Selogan
The Ocean Dweller, The Hand of the Depths, The Lord of the Deep, The Master of the Sailor’s Sleep
Lesser Deity (Evil)
Symbol: A kraken’s tentacle surrounded by dark water
Home Plane: Lightless Depths of Ocenin
Portfolio: Drowning, ocean depths
Favored Weapon: “Black Depths” (harpoon)

It's considered to invite bad luck to mention his name at sea by most sailors and he is given extensive sacrifice (both animal and wealth) before voyages. Most sailors notice a connection between Selogan, kraken and sahaugin.

Rosephina
Lady Luck, The Lady Trickster, The Fickle Lady
Intermediate Deity (Chaotic)
Symbol: Two dice with blank sides where the ones should be
Home Plane:
Portfolio: Luck, mischief, pranks
Favored Weapon: “Fickle Fortune” (sling)

Rosephina has no significance to the RP, but he's a deity who has a lot of influence over day today life and people tend to praise her for good luck or blame her for bad luck (but they don't curse her for fear of obtaining more bad luck).

Here's just a little bit extra about deities in Waern.

Not all evil deities are tolerated in Waern even if the worship of evil deities are common place, especially out of fear. Deities like Belzales and Felusia seemingly have no reason for worshiping, unless one is trying to gain power through that deity. However, some evil deities, like Sarvag and Barathos, whose worship serves no purpose for your average commoner are still tolerated.

Tolerated Evil Deities:
Mairadon
Sarvag
Vailorath
Zares
Illorun
Agnama
Tviar
Lothgar
Barathos
Gorbelyg
Emun
Selogan

In most nations, the worship of Sarvag is neither legal or illegal, the law says nothing about it. While the church has no protection provided by the law, if isn't powerless for many powerful merchants and nobles who worship Sarvag protect and shelter the church.

Agnama's church is outlawed however, for her clerics consist entirely of the undead.

The worship of Barathos is technically illegal, but the followers god of legal and political corruption have little problem getting the law to look the other way.

Also in Waern, there is the issue of sacrifice, most gods don't require it but most gods don't mind the occasional sacrifice. Even some deities, like Grunla who oppose sacrifice occasionally recieve it (typically in years of poor crop harvest). However some gods to require regular sacrifice or one runs a high risk of raising divine wrath.

Living Sacrifices:
Felusia
Saeraes
Cerborar
Neithutet
Kothezen
Illorun
Xithax
Ombanar
Tviar
Lothgar
Hjomir
Emun
Selogan

Illorun is the most infamous because she is the most bloodthirsty, being the goddess of death. She excepts only humanoid sacrifice and young maidens at that. The sacrifice of males only serves to anger her (Illorun is notoriously proud and cruel and may go as far as blanketing the entire region with a blizzard for the insult).

Sacrifices to Felusia can only be offered by Succubi and Incubi... we'll leave it at that.

The twin brothers Tviar and Lothgar do not require separate sacrifices, instead taking whatever was sacrificed as both of theirs.

While not on the list, Iphemele hates animal sacrifices. Anyone who sacrifices an animal to Iphemele will find them subject of her terrifying anger.

[ May 19, 2007, 20:01: Message edited by: Ilmater's Suffering ]

 

There are other beings besides deities that are worshiped, most notably the Fiend Lords who grant power to clerics just like true deities do. The Fiend Lords where not an option to choose from simply because to incorporate them being PCs could devote themselves to would leave us with PCs devoted to beings who have no divine prerogative and only seek to spread absolute evil. Worship of the Fiend Lords is illegal just about everywhere and to be caught worshiping a Fiend Lord usually is punished by being burned at the stake.

Most people who haven't studied demonology and the devils are only marginally aware of the Fiend Lords and are certainly aren't aware of their symbols. However they most likely do know the names of the Fiend Lords if they hear them. Assuming the PC is aware of a the Fiend Lord's name and encounters a cultist devoted to one, the most common relations are either to be very afraid (which often lends itself to trying to get other people to kill the cultist) or actively trying to kill the cultist oneself. Less common people may have different results, including some who may end up seeking initiation.

Lady Lyceinia
The Vain One
Devil Lord (Evil, Lawful)
Symbol: A pearl with two red, feathered wings
Home Plane: Ravaged Plateaus of Yethrek
Portfolio: Evil manifestations
Favored Weapon: “Vanity’s Reach” (longbow)

Like all the Fiend Lords, Lady Lyceinia is believed to have been created by Belzales.

Lady Lyceinia is the most beautiful of the Fiend Lords, appearing as a tall and proud woman of incredible beauty with ivory skin, long jet black hair and violet eyes; red feathered wings sprout from her back as well. Lady Lyceinia typically wears very fancy dresses and has her hair extensively styled and piled on top of her head.

Lady Lyceinia is the patron of the vain who devote themselves to evil in order to further their own narcissism. Lady Lyceinia is a cold, controlled and dominating devil. She is emotionally and sexually unavailable at all times, though she always has a large following of men with her who spend their time slaving away for her and flattering her with compliments. Ultimately Lady Lyceinia desires to subjugate the entire material and use its inhabitants to further her own vanity.

Lady Lyceinia is often found in the company of Illorun as the two see a lot of similarities in each other. Lady Lyceinia hates demons, specifically the Demon Lord, Lady Uthelesa who represents the sins of the flesh, as well as Lady Uthelesa's lover, the goddess Felusia.

[ February 04, 2007, 23:31: Message edited by: Ilmater's Suffering ]

 

Here's a rough time line I've had laying around for a while, I hoped to get it a little more updated before I posted it, but oh well.

As you can see Waern is a very old multiverse in which humans have only very recently become the dominate actors in (and ironically have the most history according to the timeline I created).

If I didn't mention it before, BPD=Before Pharaoh's Death and PD=either After Pharaoh's Death or Years After Pharaoh's Death. The Pharaoh who died in 0 PD is the father of the current godking of Akhunein.

Blank spots merely represent the lack of names for locations/people at present time.

2,246,083 BPD: Creation of Waern
1,622,450 BPD: Anysius (deity) slain by Saeraes (deity)
1,619,513 BPD: Birth of Iphemele (deity)
1,582,655 BPD: Birth of Sedenira (deity)
1,400,104 BPD: Vailorath (deity) expelled from the outer planes
1,399,803 BPD: Vailorath (deity) returns to the outer planes
1,238,120 BPD: Duroen (deity) slain by Vidar the First (protohuman)
1,189,599 BPD: A powerful faerie under the guidance of Belzales (deity) comes in contact with the over deity of evil and transforms into the god Kelgoryd
1,001,870 BPD: A faerie who is the disciple of Kelgoryd comes into contact with the over deity of evil and is transformed into the god Dokhvours
992,446 BPD: Caelrana (deity) defeats Xithax (deity)
980,190 BPD: Founding of the earthly Faerie Kingdom
40,961 BPD: Collapse of the earthly Faerie Kingdom
35,733 BPD: Beginning of the dwarf/orc race wars
33,552 BPD: King Aramior I “The Sage” founds the Kingdom of Eulandol, the first of the high elf kingdoms
34,992 BPD: Beginning of the elf/orc race wars
25,448 BPD: King Eingar I “Ironskull” founds the Kingdom of _____, a mountain dwarf kingdom, the first of the dwarf kingdoms
21,788 BPD: Beginning of the dwarf/elf race wars
12,901 BDP: Elven kingdoms begin to decline
11,867 BDP: Beginning of gnome/kobold race wars
10,627 BDP: Dwarven kingdoms begin to decline
10,560 BPD: End of the elven kingdoms
9,598 BPD: End of the dwarven kingdoms
6,562 BPD: Amuset (deity) founds Akhunein
6,147 BPD: Traitors in Akhunein attempt to slay Amuset (deity); Neithutet (deity) arrives on the material plane to avenge her father
6,146 BPD: Pharaoh (deity) assumes the throne of Akhunein
6,099 BPD: Kingdom of ______ founded
5,044 BPD: Vyndram (deity) joins Nirghora and the Material plane
2,538 BPD: Ihsair (deity) slain by Neithutet (deity)
2,447 BPD: “Year of the Sea’s Song”; Birth of Ishomi (deity)
1,590 BPD: Vyndram (deity) takes Irewrought (cursed artifact necklace) from Dvari (dverg)
1,091 BPD: Vyndram (deity) slain by Grunla (deity); Grunla looses status as Greater Deity
980 BPD: “Year of the Winter Rose”; birth of Illorun (deity)
36 BPD: Ithannon the Fairhaired (human) slays King Hargurd Redaxe (human), saving Lyonesse form a viking invasion
17 BPD: Derwyn Borgerixson (godson) slain by Ithannon the Fairhaired (human) and Queen Maeb (fey)
0 PD: Death of Pharaoh (deity) and his wife
48 PD: Kelgoryd (deity) is banished to the Fallen Worlds by the ill-fated mortal Heingar Haergaal (human)
221 PD: Founding of New Lyonesse
326 PD: Founding of the Kingdom of Vorstag
538 PD: Algar Wolfkin (werewolf) and his companions slay Vegrin the Cruel (hill giant), the king of the hill giants of the Thundering Mountains
539 PD: Algar Wolfkin (werewolf) and his companions slay Grennir Hyrmirson (frost giant), the king of the frost giants of the White Mountains; Kvari the Keen Eyed (human) slain
541 PD: “The Year of Heroes’ Blood” Algar Wolfkin (werewolf) slain by Sigvild (human) and Lifglad Jutrundstag (human); Mengred (human) slain by Gylmund Sigvaldarson (human); death of Gylmund (human)
792 PD: King Gotmund III (human) seduced by the light elf bard, ______ Silverwisp; War of the Black Light begins.
799 PD: War of the Black Light ends.
869 PD: Midir Strongshield (faerie) banishes Dokhvours (deity) to the Fallen Worlds for taking action against Caladine (deity)
905 PD: The Plot of Tongues; death of King Cemien II (human)
933 PD: Betrayal of King Gotmund V (human) by Duke Hozenval (human); fragmentation of the Kingdom of _______
1,479 PD: Death of Hojutsu Kenzu (human); destruction of the Azichi Gate
1,548 PD: Odreval _____ (human) disappears
1,695 PD: Death of St. Aecania (half-angel)
1,728 PD: Death of Pyltharam (deity) through the use of Godslayer (artifact short sword)
1,729 PD: Pyltharam (deity) resurrected
1,809 PD: Beginning of the War of the Lions
1,829 PD: Gwalydd Celwydson (human) single-handedly defeats the forces of King Alroth IV (human) at the Battle of Dairmoor Hill and sends Lord Fairwood’s (human) head back to King Alroth IV (human)
1,830 PD: End of the War of the Lions
1,831 PD: Death of King Alroth IV (human), succeeded by daughter Lornessa I (human)
1,833 PD: King Belard VI (human) abdicates his throne to his son Belard VII (human)
1,835 PD: “Year of the Hard Rain” Calwin Whitecliff (human) slain by Lady Abrielle (Spirit Deva*)

*Modification to reflect the absence of the Astral Realm in Waern.

Dvergs are outsiders who are for all intents and purposes dwarves. It is generally believed that gods created dwarves from their experience from the creation of the dverg, similar to how how the gods are believed to have used faeries as the basis for elves. Essentially the gods desire relatively weak followers in order to ensure their own safety and take what they've learned from more powerful creations and create less powerful, more dependent ones.

[ February 10, 2007, 01:16: Message edited by: Ilmater's Suffering ]

 

Here's a little more information to flush out social life in the western kingdoms of Waern.

Marriage/Childbirth:

In Waern marriage is typically rather young, with marriage being an eligible for a young woman following her first “flowering” (typically between 13-14); young men rarely are married before fourteen, but lack the same defining act as women to set an absolute on age of marriage. Most commoners have to be self-sufficient before marrying. Marriage between cousins is common, especially amongst nobles. Marriage between uncles and nieces and aunts and nephews, while not explicitly outlawed, rarely ever happens (it is strictly found in unique political situations in the nobility). Marriages between half-siblings are frowned upon by the deities.

Most nobles marry between the ages of fourteen and eighteen with both the husband and wife being close in age, though typically the male is the older of the two. Most noble marriages are primarily political in nature and secondly economic in nature. Most noble women become pregnant within the first year of their marriage and tend to give birth to a child every one to three years often up until reaching menopause (the average fertility rate for noblewomen is between 8-12 children with noble women typically reaching menopause in their forties). Roughly 5-10% of noblewomen succumb to childbearing related deaths (maternal mortality rates are a result of Agnama and Cerborar’s keen interest in preventing further life). Noblewomen are rarely allowed to nurse their children, who are typically given to a wet nurse so the mother can get pregnant again.

Most commoners marry between the ages of eighteen and twenty two with both the husband and wife being close in age, the typically the male is the older of the two. Most common marriages are primarily economic in nature and secondly romantic in nature. Most common women become pregnant within the first year of marriage and tend to give birth to a child every three to five years up until menopause (the average fertility rate for common women is between 4-8 children with common women typically reaching menopause in their late thirties or early forties). Roughly 5-10% of common women succumb to childbearing related deaths. All common women nurse their own children, typically between two to four years.

Slavery:

The most common form of slavery found in the West is the condition of serfdom which is generally believed to have evolved out of large slave owning agricultural “plantations”. The largest distinction between slave and serf is that a serf is bound to the land. A serf is considered family property instead of individual property much like the land of nobility and therefore cannot be sold. True slavery, in civilized lands, is predominately found in urban centers among the wealthier merchants who do not have access to serfs. In the Northern Princedoms, true slavery is practiced far more commonly amongst the nobles then in other kingdoms. True slavery as an institution is most wide spread amongst the people of Old Lyonesse, the Northlands and Loskgrod, in these nations, slaves are predominately made up of those captured through raiding or warfare.

Language Usage:

Language is spoken very frankly, pre-Victorian. **** and piss are common words in everyday speech and as well as being the typical subject for humor.

Certain nobles may react poorly to such language, but not because they find the words offensive, but because they find the words to be of poor taste. It is not uncommon for a noble to speak a certain way with one group of people and change their language with more sophisticated nobles.

In terms of sex, despite the lack of taboos when talking about sex, most young, unmarried nobles, specifically females, have almost no technical knowledge of sexual mechanics.

 

Here are the "months" of Waern, each name bares some reference to the Goddess most commonly associated with that particular time period. The new year comes on the first day of Illorica, the month of the youngest of deities.

The one unnamed month is to be based on the goddess of discord, panic and strife who is currently without name.

The middle months aren't particularly different form what one would expect during such times.

Urgeld's journey into the west began on the 16th day of Nidemary (May 6th).

Illorica: 60 days, from November 22nd to January 20th. Illorica is the coldest and driest time of the year regardless of one's location, the time of the year when Illorun's power over the earth grows strongest and Grunla's is the weakest. This period is especially dangerous in northern climates where temperatures can drop so low that entire towns die of exposure. The activity of winter wolves, frost giants and white dragons increase during this time of the year.

: 30 days, from January 21st to February 19th, contains an extra day every 4 years. This month is particularly known for food shortages and the particular disorder that is caused as the infertility of the earth nears it's end following a year with poor harvests or other events that would cause food shortages and starvation.

Ipheles: 60 days, from February 20th to April 20th.

Nidemary: 32 days, from April 21st to May 22nd.

Grennia: 60 days, from May 23rd to July 21st.

Neiphet: 32 days, from July 22nd to August 22nd.

Caelarc: 60 days, from August 23rd to October 21st.

Agnala: 31 days, from October 22nd to November 21st. This month is known for often harboring early snow storms which devastate villages still trying to prepare for winter, often destroying late harvests. This month is often seen as one of loss, namely the loss of Grunla's warm embrace of the earth and extending of Illorun's icy hand over the land.


Crop growth in Waern was once something that happened year round. The one time God of Hunger and Death, Vyndram, would try to destroy crops and pollute the land, but it wasn't until the birth of his daughter, Illorun, that there where periods of time in which crop growing became impossible. During the winter months, the balance of nature gravitates toward Illorun through the aid of the Deity of the Seasons (a N lesser deity still under work) and then shifts back to Amuset and Grunla the rest of the year. This is a reason among many that Illorun is arguably the most hated deity in all of Waern, along with other imfamous reasons such as having a ravenous appetite for human sacrifice, embodying death, and holding men to be far inferior to women in a patriarchal society.

Also in relation to Illorun that would be relevant to those from northern areas, particularly the Northlands, are her Valkyries. Valkyries in Waern are wicked and evil creatures who are drawn to battles (typically they ignore skirmishes common to adventurers) where they seek to slay warriors and drag their souls back to the Hall of Perfect Death in which Illourn resides, a fate anyone who doesn't follow Illorun wildly wishes to avoid. Warriors upon spotting Valkyries throw themselves at their enemies in hopes that their enemies will kill them instead of the Valkyries. Valkyries typically do not range too far from the bitter cold that comes down from the plane of Nirghora, but large battles will sometimes pull them down into temperate climates and in the winter they range farther south. There are multiple theories on the creation of Valkyries, but they almost all stem around Illorun's blood, the most popular being they where born of Illorun's menstrual blood, this is important to some, because to would seem to make them born of death and filled with Illorun's love of war, but this theory conflicts with an even wider held theory that Illorun is so utterly barren and her nature is so opposed to life she has no menstrual cycle (this theory is never spoken of around ice maidens, Illorun's priestesses, who would kill without hesitation anyone who claimed their goddess to be barren). All Valkyries resemble Illorun, appearing as graceful women of incredible beauty and all have blond hair and blue eyes. Like Illorun, all Valkyries are without compassion, vain, frigid and detest males. The Matriarch of the Valkyries goes by the name of Thrima and her beauty rivals even the goddesses of Waern themselves.

 

The sahuagin are monstrous humanoid aquatic sea dwellers would can average about 7 hours outside of the water (if I remember) before starting to suffocate. The sahuagin are known for their bond with sharks. The most notable thing about the sahuagin is their blood frenzy in which when they become slightly stronger and tougher, but also more reckless when fighting. Most sahuagin fight with tridents and their teeth, but when frenzied, they prefer to use their claws and teeth, casting aside their tridents. Sahuagin are weaker then the PCs on the longboat, but not much weaker then most of the PCs. PCs shouldn't loose one on one to a sahuagin one on one, but most PCs will be hard pressed to kill a sahuagin in a single blow and certainly won't dominate the fight, they might control it, but it's not like you're facing a kobold commoner.

 

Kraken are great magical beasts that resemble giant squids. Kraken are in possession of phenomenal strength and considerable constitution. They also have mental facilities far beyond ordinary humans and intense charisma. They possess inborn, natural magics that allow them command over the water and weather around them. A kraken would easily slaughter any of the PCs on the boat, but Urgeld and Mogrub are both more powerful then your average kraken. Often times in Waern they are found dominating other evil aquatic creatures, namely the sahuagin. Since both species worship the same god, it gives kraken some legitimacy in sahuagin communities, though the xenophobic sahuagin still detest the kraken that sometimes rule over them.

 

NPC:

Watcher of the Deep: One of the most powerful followers of Tviar and Lothgar, the Watcher of the Deep of a kraken of a unpredictable and destructive nature. A kraken of truly epic proportions and fantastic strength, the Watcher is also something of a sea witch, with exceptional control the ocean, even for a kraken. None, but the most learned of scholars know anything about the Watcher, a creature that allows for no survivors following its attacks. The Watcher attacks without discretion, targeting even fellow kraken that it encounters, often making use of its ability to conjure a powerful maelstrom to batter and disorient its enemies or sink ships. There are few things in the western waters that can match the might of the Watcher.

 

Location:

Isle of the White King: Named for the white dragon, Chalkegyth who long ago made his lair on this island, the Isle of the White King lies to the west of the Northlands (I still have to get up a map, I know). The Isle of the White King never rises above autumn temperatures even in the summer years due to Chalkegyth's magic. A large mountain perpetually covered in snow lies in the center of the island. Visible on the Southwestern side of the mountain is a tall black tower, with many other smaller towers wrapped around it. This towers make up the arcane fortress of the liche, Baestion Blackhand, known as Riftgate. Riftgate from time to time becomes wreathed in life draining negative energy; this energy aura is a byproduct of the planar rift that Riftgate sits on. The particular planar rift Riftgate sits on is a planar rift that connects with the mausoleum plane known as Carcaon which contains the essence of the dead deity Vyndram.

Most sentient beings on the Isle of the White King are kobolds.

NPCs:

Chalkegyth: Undoubtedly the most powerful non-deity on the material plane. Immortal and ancient, Chalkegyth has come to possess certain deific traits, but has not obtained true godhood. Chalkegyth is notoriously treacherous and thoroughly evil, but has become incredibly lazy in the last few millennia. Once the greatest terror of the known world, driven by gluttony and lust, mere rumors of his presence in region where enough to cause widespread migration, but nowadays, his name is mostly forgotten. Chalkegyth has sired many half-dragon offspring in ages past, with a good number of innate casters in cold or temperate regions having a distant relation to this dragon. While intelligent by white dragon (and humanoid) standards, Chalkygeth has below average intelligent for a white dragon his age; Chalkygeth however is fantastically strong and tough for a white dragon his age.

Chalkygeth is worshiped by some humanoids and even the gods pay attention to Chalkygeth's activities for his power is a threat to even their safety.

Baestion Blackhand: One of the most powerful liches in Waern, Baestion is a powerful summoner and wealth of arcane knowledge. An ally of the followers of Kelgoryd, Baestion is too absorbed by his work to be a true follower of any deity. Baestion, despite being undead himself, prefers to use summoned monsters as his servants to undead. Baestion's most famous feature is his right hand which is said to have been burnt in a magical fire. Baestion's "Black Hand" has absorbed a good deal of magic which gives the hand a grip that is almost impossible to pry open. Baestion is frighteningly intelligent and exceptionally perceptive. Baestion is well known for the teleportation traps that he has rigged Riftgate with.

 

NPCs:

Malloren Lournhart: Malloren is a beautiful young man of a gentle, aristocratic appearance. He appears to be about twenty years old, with fair skin, light blond hair and light blue eyes. A pacifistic healer in the service of Daimorath, Malloren became a famous figure about four years ago when it became apparent that he was kidnapped by the vampire Chrysanthia Vothyretz. Malloren still retains his humanity and has suffered no ill effects from the prolonged exposure of the tainted nature of vampires who hold him. Malloren is a exemplar of benevolence and devotion to redemption. While perceptive in most rights, Malloren is naive when it comes to evil and self-interest.

Chrysanthia Vothyretz: Chrysanthia appears as a tall, very attractive, aristocratic young woman in her early twenties. Chrysanthia has wavy copper hair, very pale blue eyes and ivory skin. Chrysanthia is the byproduct of an incredibly rare event in Waern, a child born to parents who are both themselves vampires, Olrath and Astorra Vothyretz, the two most famous and probably most powerful vampires in Waern. Chrysanthia is the favored servant of Kelgoryd and rarely acts without offical instruction from Kelgoryd. In her roughly 100 years of existence, Chrysanthia has gained a reputation for being needlessly cruel and utterly devoted to Kelgoryd. Chrysanthia has formed a lifebond with Malloren, furthering her dependence on him. Chrysanthia is nothing short of obsessed with Malloren and has come to place him even before Kelgoryd. Chrysanthia will not even drink the blood of another humanoid, feeling that to do such would be "unfaithful" to Malloren. Chrysanthia is something of a necromancer and a warrior, often delivering her spells through her sword and a being of considerable power. Chyrsanthia is exceptionally perceptive, charismatic and agile, while possessing superhuman strength and intellect. Chrysanthia's ability to domain humanoids with a glance is harder to resist then other vampires with powers similar to hers.

Ferrusk Boartooth: Ferrusk is a large, burly orc with a fierce visage and a shaved skull; war tattoos cover his body. Over fifty years ago, Ferrusk was once a champion of Cerborar who lead an orcish horde against Castle Vothyretz, who was turned on the battle field by Chrysanthia and has been under her control since then. The curse of vampirism however, has manifested itself in a strange way in Ferrusk, turning him into something feral even for an orc. Ferrusk is a very powerful berserker and lives for the slaughter; he is completely devoid of sexual feeling. Ferrusk's strength is on par with a could giant and he becomes even more powerful when in the presence of Chrysanthia, his agility also becomes superhuman in the presence of Chrysanthia.

Itharion Starwind: Itharion is a very pretty, very effeminate male elf who is often mistaken as a woman. Itharion has delicate features, silver hair and violet eyes. Itharion once the son of a noble of a very rare race of elves who are called veil elves by other elves. Itharion is flighty even for an elf and particularly vain. Itharion hasn't detached himself from sexuality, finding human, half-elf and elf males attractive, but few meet his exceptionally high standards (yes, he's homosexual). While not anywhere near as powerful as Chrysanthia and Ferrusk, Itharion is still a talented assassin. Itharion is in possession of superhuman charisma and agility and both his strength and finesse increase slightly in the presence of Chrysanthia.

Chrysanthia and Itharion are both what undead hunters and scholars of the undead refer to as Vorastu, that is a vampire elite that exists with the vampires that serve Kelgoryd. All members of the Vorastu possess exceptional looks, intelligence and are or where members of the nobility.