Fantasy Hymn of the Shroud Lore

[Kayso]

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KINGDOMS

Midfell

Capital: Valkys

Spoiler: VALKYS

The capital of Midfell, Valkys is also the capital of the country of Rosheim. Each of the major cities is governed by a Baron, the High Baron taking his place at the head of Valkys. Valkys' somewhat central location makes it a good place for trade and is a hub of activity and commerce. It lies between rolling hills and the second largest forest in Rosheim, and with its nearby lake and mountain range, it is rich in resources. The High Baron Barstein is a just and firm man, a war hero, and is generally loved by the people, both of his kingdom and the entire country. The people of Valkys had been hearing about the residents of other cities attacking each other for weeks, but now this sickness seems to have reached them: a couple outbreaks here and there-mostly traveling merchants attacking residents at market squares-though nothing fatal or too serious.

Vestra

Capital: Goldengrove

Spoiler: GOLDENGROVE

Goldengrove is the textile capital of the country: the residents here are expert weavers and clothworkers, and are also excellent carvers and producers of wood, which they harvest from the dead forest to their north. They have some of the most fertile ground in Rosheim as well, providing grains of all kinds to the surrounding kingdoms. Baron Verker, a farmer who was elected to the baron-seat after the death of the previous and heir-less baron, obtained the seat due to his fairness and wisdom, and has been ruling for only two years. The lower-class people love him, but the aristocracy think him a fool. Vestra has yet to see any attacks among its people, but the baron is very wary and spends most of his time contemplating on (and worrying about) his first real threat as the leader of this kingdom.

Elvann

Capital: Vannke

Spoiler: VANNKE

The capital city of the Riverforest kingdom of Vannke is Elvann. Like other villages that have sprouted among the twigs and streams of the forests here, the city of Vannke is built into the very trees and rocks that give them their cover, some structures reaching the very tips of the branches. The Baron Sølvblad is a gentler and meeker version of his other baron counterparts, preferring to be peaceful and use intellect to protect his people from the dangers of the forest, many of which are werewolves, werebears and marsh-witches. Elvann also remains untouched so far as the strange civil attacks go, though brawls have never been an uncommon thing in the forest. Sølvblad has doubled the watch and wanders the streets and woods himself, determined to not let this threat catch him unaware.

Sorygge

Capital: Starkhold

Spoiler: STARKHOLD

Starkhold is a city in the south, deep in a valley and flanked by the mountains of Sorygge. Those who live here mine the mountains and are talented masons. They work with stone and metals and jewels and provide many of the more luxurious items that can be found across Rosheim. They supply the country's central army, located in Valkys, with their weapons and armor. The Baron of Starkhold is Riktårn (Rik). He is a very secluded, greedy man, and tends to both overtax and overburden his people. He just received news of his kingdom's first sign of the supposed sickness, a trader in a small, northern village that attacked a local farmer who has disappeared, but he has yet to make a move.

Halvøst

Capital: Innsjøst

Spoiler: INNSJOST

This city is located on the eastern peninsula of Halvøst. Their primary export is fish and other meats. The coastal people are a very hardy, seaworthy people, while the inland residents are just as hardy with their farms and ranches. Sea serpents typically frequent this area, and have caused problems in the past. A Baroness presides here: her name is Vanndra (Vann). She is a fierce woman and can often be found on the sea in her boat, attempting to rid the waters of the creatures that threaten her fishermen. Halvøst has nearly been overtaken by the sickness, the attacks mostly occurring at night, and Vanndra has implemented both a curfew and local healers to examine those that have been arrested or killed/attacked. The healers claim that there is definitely something different about these attackers, but they cannot tell what it is.

Svartre

Capital: Greymirk

Spoiler: GREYMIRK

Baron Vorak, also known as “The Young Baron,” leads the people of Svartre from the city Greymirk. He obtained his station at the death of his father, who always told him that his family was cheated out of habitable land because Barstein was a cruel and selfish man who hated them. Vorak wants his kingdom to be prosperous and powerful, and to show the rest of the kingdoms that he is capable of more than what they gave him, but the land is harsh and it is difficult for his people to live, much less prosper. All of Svartre’s towns are located in a large valley surrounded by a towering, circular mountain range - everything outside this valley is too dangerous or barren for habitation. Most outward communication with the people of this kingdom has stopped since the attacks started, and since it's very difficult to reach the mountain pass that leads to the kingdom in the valley, inward communication is sparse, and the majority of those who have tried have not returned. There are stories and rumors that have made their way to the outer kingdoms, of people who have disappeared and then reappeared a few days later, and that they have not had any attacks in nearly 6 weeks.

IMPORTANT PEOPLE

Spoiler: BARSTEIN

Baron of Midfell and High Baron of the country Rosheim. The second son of his family, he is a just and fair man, but has a strong and unforgiving arm when dealt wrong. He is often found assisting in the work that takes place in his kingdom and is also a veteran, having fought for nearly sixteen years before becoming high baron at the death of his older brother. His wife is Jonnhet, and they have been together almost since before they can remember.

Spoiler: Jonnhet

Where Barstein is hard and somewhat course, Jonnhet is soft and immediately likable. She has known Barstein almost all her life, and is often his voice of reason in nearly every aspect of his life. Not wanting his daughter married into the difficulties and dangers of the royal family, her father wanted nothing to do with Barstein, but they were already very close, and she would not take no for an answer. She has been acting strangely lately, ever since the people of Valkys have begun attacking each other out of nowhere.

Spoiler: Verker

Baron of Vestra, Verker lived most of his life as a farmer, but when his successor died without an heir and the kingdom was thrown into upheaval, Verker proved himself strong and able and just in the civil battles that ensued, and he was voted into the position. At first uncomfortable in the luxuries of royal life, he quickly learned to enjoy it, and had been somewhat poisoned by his wife into living a lavish lifestyle that resulted in excessive taxation. He has recently recovered his senses and is working to restore his relationship with his people.

Spoiler: Engelik

The wife of Baron Verker, she is vain and pernicious, and succeeded in persuading her husband to raise taxation on their people in order for them to live more richly. Verker eventually regained his conscience and she is unhappy with his decision to return things back to the way they used to be. She loves her husband, but isn't good at showing it, and lets her vanity and pride get in the way of what's right.

Spoiler: Sølvblad

A gentle giant and Baron of Elvann, the Riverforest Kingdom. His strength is astounding, but his peaceful nature is even more respected and revered. He strives to maintain harmony in his kingdom, though that is sometimes difficult with the werecreatures that hide in the mists of the forests. he and his wife Jørnsul lead hunting parties often, and the kingdom is known for much merrymaking and festivities.

Spoiler: Jørnsul

She and her husband Sølvblad are quite a fearsome pair. Hunters by nature and kind by principle, they work to rid their kingdom of the evils that lurk in the shadows. Jørnsul is quite a bit more hot-tempered than her husband, but his calm demeanor is often instrumental in bringing her rage down to a manageable level.

Spoiler: Riktårn

Riktårn is the Baron of Sorygge, and not one well-liked by his people. Miners and stonemasons, Riktårn often overworks them in order to bring more wealth into the country, and has also been known to make deceptive deals. After the death of his wife nine years ago, he estranged himself from his daughter Villgra and almost everyone else, but in the past few years he has been trying to build a better relationship with her. So far, his attempts are unsuccessful.

Spoiler: Villgra

She is Riktårn's daughter, but nothing like him. She is disgusted by his deceit and untrustworthy ways, and hasn't quite forgiven him for neglecting her as a child. She sees the loneliness he suffers from, but still wants so badly to run away and live an honorable life; however she is afraid of what the people will do to her if she is discovered before she can reach the kingdom borders. She has hidden herself outside the castle walls and has heard how people talk of her family.

Spoiler: Vanndra

Vanndra is the Baroness of Halvøst, and is a fearsome and talented fisherman. Her late husband was killed by a notorious sea monster he had tried to rid his kingdom of, and now she rides the waves, sun or storm, destroying all serpents she comes across, searching for the one that will make her vengeance complete.

Spoiler: Vorak

The Young Baron, Vorak of Svartre, or the Dead Lands. His father Tielgun was younger brother to Barstein, and at the death of their older brother the previous High Baron, Barstein sent Tielgun to rule over the lands of Svartre, which had been without a ruler, but was in dire need of unity. Barstein thought it would be good for his little brother to see responsibility and have a chance at turning around the success of Svartre, but Tielgun thought differently, and instead of trying to make the land prosper, he wallowed in anger and self-pity while the people suffered. At his death, Vorak took the throne and carries his father's anger, but also a desire to help his people. Nobody has heard from him since the strange attacks have been taking place.
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What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse (IC): Hymn of the Shroud: What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse
Hymn of the Shroud OOC: Hymn of the Shroud OOC
Character Sheets: Hymn of the Shroud Character Sheets

 

[Kayso]

PLAYABLE RACES

Humans

Spoiler: humans

Humans are resilient and hardy, and are able to pick up many different abilities and classes. They have no natural affinity to magic, however, and must learn the craft on their own. Many choose to be druids or witches

Elves

Spoiler: elves

Elves are natural mages, though they also have to study to refine their abilities. They used to make their homes in the forests, but have since been mixing with the humans and even inter-marrying, though half-breeds are somewhat looked down on by elves in areas closer to their natural homes.

Dwarves

Spoiler: dwarves

Dwarves are incredibly strong and hot-headed, and have also come down from their mountainous homes to mingle with humans. They are most prominent in the southern lands, where mining is popular, but are not limited to any one area. They tend to stay near the mountains regardless, and are born with a touch of natural earth and fire elemental magic.

Huldre

Spoiler: huldre

Huldre are forest spirits that rarely mix with humans permanently, but nonetheless have done so. They know the woods like the backs of their hands, and are able to communicate with animals to a certain degree. They are often thought of as forest guardians, and can often will the growth of plants.

Werewolves/Werebears

Spoiler: werewolf

Werewolves and werebears are men and women who have been touched by evil spirits, either by a curse or an attack from another infected werecreature. They cannot change at will, but only when the moon shines full and they are touched by its light. It is said that those who are infected can see things hidden by evil.

OTHER RACES
There are other creatures that inhabit Rosheim, as outlined below. If you have an interest in playing a character that falls under one of these categories, PM me and let's figure something out!

Mermaids

Spoiler: mermaids

Mermaids are kind water creatures that often try to save others from drowning. Their singing has been known to cause storms and also calm waters.

Nokken

Spoiler: nokken

Evil cousins to the merfolk, the nokken are often the reason people are drowning in the first place. They can change into a human shape and come on land, but prefer to stay underwater and entice humans into their domain.

Gjenganger

Spoiler: Gjenganger

Gjenganger are the corporeal manifestation of restless spirits who have unfinished business. They have been known to take on the appearance of living beings, and are malicious, evil creatures. They live in dark, desolate places, and have usually only attacked solitary, out-of-the-way creatures.

 

[_Exodus_]

Is it too late to join?

 

[Kayso]

Is it too late to join?

Not at all! Check out the lore and the other pages and if you want to join, go ahead and post a CS on the CS thread
What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse (IC): Hymn of the Shroud: What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse
Hymn of the Shroud OOC: Hymn of the Shroud OOC
Character Sheets: Hymn of the Shroud Character Sheets

 

[_Exodus_]

I'll have to add my character later

 

[Kayso]

MAGIC

While some races have a natural affinity to magic (elves, dwarves and huldre), almost anybody can learn if they desire. Most humans do not care to learn magic, however, as they get along just fine without it, though there are those who wish to learn and so take the time and effort, often going for a time to study under someone else. Magic usually does not play a huge part in people's lives unless they have trained to become more powerful, and even then, nobody has magic that makes them untouchable.

 

[Kayso]

FLORA

Typical of northern geographical areas, Rosheim is full of trees such as pine, spruce, birch, alder, rowan and oak.
Other prominent plants are blackberries, hazelnuts, clover, bluebells, and other alpine wildflowers.

Spoiler: spruce trees

Spoiler: birch trees

Spoiler: rowan trees

Spoiler: hazelnut

Spoiler: clover

FAUNA

The animals of Rosheim are also typical of Scandinavian countries: bear, squirrel, elk & deer, lynx, rabbit, reindeer, wolf, fox and many birds.

Spoiler: reindeer

Spoiler: bear

Spoiler: lynx

Spoiler: fox

Spoiler: raven

 

[Kayso]

GUILDS/SECTS

Hill Wardens
Goldengrove
Ranger Militia organized and supported by the community in order to protect farms and homesteads from dangerous beasts.

The Slayer's Guild
Innsjøst
A group of fighters and healers close to the baroness who rid the kingdom of sea monsters and other threats.