Klimino Zepehphor
Personal hackey sack to Newspaper weilders
The dark path looms outside your small window, a creeping disfigured surface lit only by the torch held aloft by the carriage driver, sending your metal tomb ever forward into the creeping forest.
Between the shutters and flickering light, you read the pamphlet again.
“POSITIONS IN SETTLETOWN
ABLE FIGHTERS NEEDED IN BULK, 5 DUBLINS A DAY
NOT FOR WEAK WILLED INDIVIDUALS!!!!”
a simple note, but one promising pay beyond most common warriors dream.
A scream, like that of a bat pierces your soul, ringing in your ear. A devils cry it feels like, not meant for human ears. Your driver screams, the light disappears, dropped by him you would guess, but your much to busy, as the carriage tumbles over, a large gash suddenly spilling in oily moonlight from between the ever twisted branches up above.
As you attempt to gain your footing as the carriage comes to jerking halt, blood oozing from you from who knows how many cuts,bashes, and scratches, you suddenly hear it.
Your heart refuses to beat for an unnatural time just from the sound.
A dark, malicious voice, speaking directly in your head, in your most vulnerable crevices of sanity.
You fight to stay sane as visions of your own flesh getting devoured in unfathomable ways swims over your vision, before the sound of horses and musket fire snap you back to reality.
More piercing screams, swords and men, fighting outside, in the unforgiving hell that is the night.
And yet, in such a short moment, it is silence. It lingers, your breath caught in your throat as footsteps approach.
Blinded, suddenly, by lantern light, as the door to your metal tomb is pried open.
Not your tomb it seems, not tonight.
“heh, everyone! Got us a live one this time!”
a hand pulls you out. The air is crisp, cool, in contrast to the heat of the blinding lantern.
As your eyes adjust, you take witness to a group of men and women, scarred and raggity, yet more armed and armored then one would think. Ready, willing to fight the night itself you think.
The man who helped you up pats your back reassuringly.
“welcome to SettleTown, meaty, im afraid ill have to tell you, your gonna end up dying here.”
looking around, as you are lead into what they foolishly called a town, you knew they were right.
<><><><>
welcome to the small town of SettleTown. Located deep in the heart of the western forest, the town is meant to be the center point in a road that is to cut through the western forest, to save time circumventing the massive behemoth of trees that spans more territory then many countries, albeit stretched vertical enough to where cutting a path seemed like a viable option.
Seemed, but not true in practice.
For the town, deep in the heart of the black, twisted forest, met with the unknown, and the unknown is winning. Unable to complete their path, and pushed in by darkness mind and logic alike cannot comprehend, the mayor has sent a desperate call out for arms, in hopes of beating back the darkness, not to complete the road, but to ensure the survival of the lives the people there have attempted to build.
You, foolishly it turns out, accepted the request, eager for a paycheck most couldn't dream of in their lifetime.
What awaits instead, is a war for survival, against what seems like nothing and everything, a fight to keep yourself out of the grave one day longer, both physically and mentally, for there is a sickness in these woods, and more then one man has had to be put down for the safety of the whole.
<><><><>
:::LORE:::
The World:
the Continent of Alross is the only Known continent of this world. While vast, it is still only a single land, and thus resources are fought over, and Differences in culture as well.
As of now, there are 3 major countries:
>The Unmentionable, the ones trying to build the road SettleTown is built to be a way point on, are a religious nation, worshiping the Gods of the Triangle. It is a harsh religion, but a just one, keeping a surprisingly moral high ground throughout the ages, which has made this nation the most expansive, and second most hated.
>Grottstock, the country The Unmentionable one is trying to connect to, as they are allies. While all religions are allowed in Grottstock, the Gods of the Triangle are the most common. Grottstock is known more for trading then war, but many a nation has learned that attacking their mighty walls are suicidal.
>HolmsDeep: an odd name,as they dwell in fortresses in the mountains, not in the ground. they are the most hated nation. Following the “rival” religion to the Gods of the Triangle, the Orderette, they thus believe their way of life to be superior to all and that the Unmentionable nation is a sore that must be crushed. Highly militaristic and zealous, they have closed their borders tight, and let no one enter, or leave.
And 4 minor countries:
>the City of the Maiden: surrounded on all sides by the Unmentionable, they have kept their freedom through actually beating and capturing all of the Unmentionable territory, however their only demands were their holy city be left to them, and to be able to freely travel through the Unmentionable countries land. This agreement has lasted, with only one attempt made by the Unmentionable to take the city again, in which the cities limits were instead doubled after they lost yet again, and the added law of any man wishing to travel to the City of the Maiden must be allowed through the Unmentionable Country, although an escort must be in place to lead them straight there. They only allow worship of the Maiden Goddess within their city.
>Zell: a small country squished between the ocean and HolmsDeep, they hate HolmsDeep and have been at constant war with them to retain their independence. They allow all religions but The Orderette, which worshiping is a offense where one will be used as live fish bait.
>the Grand Plains, a vast land of grasses taller then a horse taking up the entire east, these lands have been ruled by the native people known as the Dracs. Once thought to be primitive, it is now known the Dracs actually have a society as advanced as any other, but merely do not care to be involved with the heretics of others, although recently they have started to trade, even having the rare shaman appear to spread the word of their two gods, Mor and Les.
>Union of Aseroth: a bunch of small kingdoms and cities who joined together to be able to fight off the Unmentionable long ago, they are a diverse kingdom, held together only by the threat of sharing a border with The Unmentionable. Any religion and culture is welcome here, but the Gods of the Triangle.
<><><><>
The Religions:
>The Gods of the Triangle: legend says this religion was born when the first king of the first country had three sons, but lost them all in an avalanche. Mortified, he screamed to the heavens, cursing nature for its cruelty, to which three bolts of lighting struck the ground in front of him, where his children lay buried, and thus 3 gods appeared to him, offering him 3 wishes. He could, however, only wish one thing back alive per wish.
Without hesitation, he wished for all three of his sons back, and the three gods granted this, but when his sons arose, they were not the same.
Changed by the magic of the three gods, they glowed heavenly, and with new knowledge, lead their fathers kingdom down the path of the Gods of the Triangle, of justice, loyalty, and worship.
The three gods are;
Ohm: the god in the form of a ball of light, this genderless orb shines blessing upon all who walk in the suns light, but curses upon those who spill blood in the moons.
Dom: the god in the form of 3 eyes, always spinning. He is the god of justice, whatever justice that may be in the land his follower is currently in.
Mal: the god in the form of a mouth of wolves fangs. He is the god of loyalty, for those who break their vows must let themselves be fed to wolves or other foul beasts. Dogs are not permitted as anything but food to his followers.
>The Orderette: its foundation unknown, most stories say a single being burst out of a past kings head in his sleep, and took the throne, until he was pleased it was reformed in his image.
The religion revolves around the Orderette, the ruling family, that came from the one true god, Os, own loins. While they marry people into the bloodline, once in, you cannot leave, not even in death, for your body shall be put in a vat of preserving fluid for all to worship inside the Grand Temple, no matter your crimes or accomplishments.
The teachings, oddly though, of O, involve mercy, as all things were unfairly born below O, so one must help them get closer.
O himself was known to be kind, adopting all war orphans as temple workers, and making sure everyone had more to eat then they need...so long as they stayed where they belonged.
>the Maiden Goddess: all who join must become a warrior priestess, even the men, who are somehow transformed into women deep within the temple. The methods for how this is done are unknown, but only those willing have it done, and are sworn to secrecy on the process.
The Maiden Goddess herself teaches defending the weak, and the good of the world, through slaying the vile, and thus all Priestess are also trained as judges and executioners. She also teaches that the pleasure of the flesh are natural, but giving birth to twins is heresy, and both the mother and children must be put down immediately.
>Followers of Mor and Les: these two represent a balance in the world, one the people of the Grand Plains feel must be kept. No one knows where this religion sprung up from, but it is not widely followed outside the east.
Mor represents heat, fire, justice, loyalty, and a warriors heart.
Les represents cold, ice, government, and hunters.
>The One Who You Fear: a God who has been reported more then once to have appeared suddenly before his followers, so often once within the last 5 years. He appears as a figure cloaked in pure darkness, an unseen face, hidden deep within his hood. His hands are always stuffed inside his cloak, and he has no feet, for he merely hovers above the dark fog spewing from under his cloak.
Those that join the Cult of TOWYF(yes thats its actual name) must allow themselves to be chained down, to where their face will then be lit on fire, and beaten with a whip, until it is nothing but scar tissue. They will then dawn robes turned black from the smoke of burning blood, a mask of blackened metal to cover their face, should their hood ever somehow be pulled away, as it is taboo for their face to be seen.
TOWYF teaches one to respect death, and all those things that can grant it. Its followers are to go around, slaying the sick, the old, and those who cannot be saved, as an act of mercy, and to help any who wish to join, join.
This cult it seems, is only allowed to exist, as those they would kill, have usually already called for one of this cult to be brought for them, and are hired as executioners and assassins by many.
>The King: depicted as Pure gold, with a single eye, sitting on a throne, both him and his throne bigger then any city. He is the rightful king of all thrones, for he is the most pure of all things to exist.
Followers of The King simply wish to convert everyone and every kingdom to his glory, and are to be able to be fully self dependent, and are thus taught hunting, money management, and usually a craft or two to earn gold while they travel.
>the Twin Goddesses: It is said that the Twins were born at the beginning, and from their breath they formed the world and stars, and together rule. Neither is named, but both are known to be beautiful and powerful.
They teach unity, and vengeance, as no one should ever let an ill action against a member of their group be left unchecked. They are popular among small communities, and those merely seeking a community to join.
> The Machine: For nature is just organic machines, so too is god a machine. Logic and unrelenting purpose is what followers of this god stand for, each to be a master in the mechanical arts of watch making and other such technical arts, they busy themselves with doing all they can to become ever closer to being less of flesh.
The Machine itself is simply a colossal mechanism of gears and machines, slightly in the form of a human, with no emotions, which followers are not allowed to show. Only logic and advancement thrive in this religion.
> the Cult of Infinity follows Balah, who appears as a hand with a mouth on the end of each finger, surrounded in a circle by an infinite number of eyes, all constantly looking around. Balah is the god of prophecy and charms, for his eyes see all, and his mouths can spew fourth anything.
He does not care about good or evil, but expects his followers to meditate when the sun is highest, and when the moon is highest. He also is the teacher of charms, such as pain dolls or bad luck curses, as well as lucky clovers and the strength given by carrying a horses foot.
> Followers of The Legion believe there is not one god, but an entire race of superior beings who rule humanity through their combined mental will alone. The legion is a militaristic religion, for followers of legion are the army commanded by an army.
They are to fight, to join others armies, and climb the ranks as the recruit more to The legion.
More then once in history has a nation had a legion uprising, and more then once have they had their own nation, but 12 years ago they lost the last of their land when they attempted an uprising in the Union of Aseroth, only to be quelled and removed of their lands.
***more info to come***
Between the shutters and flickering light, you read the pamphlet again.
“POSITIONS IN SETTLETOWN
ABLE FIGHTERS NEEDED IN BULK, 5 DUBLINS A DAY
NOT FOR WEAK WILLED INDIVIDUALS!!!!”
a simple note, but one promising pay beyond most common warriors dream.
A scream, like that of a bat pierces your soul, ringing in your ear. A devils cry it feels like, not meant for human ears. Your driver screams, the light disappears, dropped by him you would guess, but your much to busy, as the carriage tumbles over, a large gash suddenly spilling in oily moonlight from between the ever twisted branches up above.
As you attempt to gain your footing as the carriage comes to jerking halt, blood oozing from you from who knows how many cuts,bashes, and scratches, you suddenly hear it.
Your heart refuses to beat for an unnatural time just from the sound.
A dark, malicious voice, speaking directly in your head, in your most vulnerable crevices of sanity.
You fight to stay sane as visions of your own flesh getting devoured in unfathomable ways swims over your vision, before the sound of horses and musket fire snap you back to reality.
More piercing screams, swords and men, fighting outside, in the unforgiving hell that is the night.
And yet, in such a short moment, it is silence. It lingers, your breath caught in your throat as footsteps approach.
Blinded, suddenly, by lantern light, as the door to your metal tomb is pried open.
Not your tomb it seems, not tonight.
“heh, everyone! Got us a live one this time!”
a hand pulls you out. The air is crisp, cool, in contrast to the heat of the blinding lantern.
As your eyes adjust, you take witness to a group of men and women, scarred and raggity, yet more armed and armored then one would think. Ready, willing to fight the night itself you think.
The man who helped you up pats your back reassuringly.
“welcome to SettleTown, meaty, im afraid ill have to tell you, your gonna end up dying here.”
looking around, as you are lead into what they foolishly called a town, you knew they were right.
<><><><>
welcome to the small town of SettleTown. Located deep in the heart of the western forest, the town is meant to be the center point in a road that is to cut through the western forest, to save time circumventing the massive behemoth of trees that spans more territory then many countries, albeit stretched vertical enough to where cutting a path seemed like a viable option.
Seemed, but not true in practice.
For the town, deep in the heart of the black, twisted forest, met with the unknown, and the unknown is winning. Unable to complete their path, and pushed in by darkness mind and logic alike cannot comprehend, the mayor has sent a desperate call out for arms, in hopes of beating back the darkness, not to complete the road, but to ensure the survival of the lives the people there have attempted to build.
You, foolishly it turns out, accepted the request, eager for a paycheck most couldn't dream of in their lifetime.
What awaits instead, is a war for survival, against what seems like nothing and everything, a fight to keep yourself out of the grave one day longer, both physically and mentally, for there is a sickness in these woods, and more then one man has had to be put down for the safety of the whole.
<><><><>
:::LORE:::
The World:
the Continent of Alross is the only Known continent of this world. While vast, it is still only a single land, and thus resources are fought over, and Differences in culture as well.
As of now, there are 3 major countries:
>The Unmentionable, the ones trying to build the road SettleTown is built to be a way point on, are a religious nation, worshiping the Gods of the Triangle. It is a harsh religion, but a just one, keeping a surprisingly moral high ground throughout the ages, which has made this nation the most expansive, and second most hated.
>Grottstock, the country The Unmentionable one is trying to connect to, as they are allies. While all religions are allowed in Grottstock, the Gods of the Triangle are the most common. Grottstock is known more for trading then war, but many a nation has learned that attacking their mighty walls are suicidal.
>HolmsDeep: an odd name,as they dwell in fortresses in the mountains, not in the ground. they are the most hated nation. Following the “rival” religion to the Gods of the Triangle, the Orderette, they thus believe their way of life to be superior to all and that the Unmentionable nation is a sore that must be crushed. Highly militaristic and zealous, they have closed their borders tight, and let no one enter, or leave.
And 4 minor countries:
>the City of the Maiden: surrounded on all sides by the Unmentionable, they have kept their freedom through actually beating and capturing all of the Unmentionable territory, however their only demands were their holy city be left to them, and to be able to freely travel through the Unmentionable countries land. This agreement has lasted, with only one attempt made by the Unmentionable to take the city again, in which the cities limits were instead doubled after they lost yet again, and the added law of any man wishing to travel to the City of the Maiden must be allowed through the Unmentionable Country, although an escort must be in place to lead them straight there. They only allow worship of the Maiden Goddess within their city.
>Zell: a small country squished between the ocean and HolmsDeep, they hate HolmsDeep and have been at constant war with them to retain their independence. They allow all religions but The Orderette, which worshiping is a offense where one will be used as live fish bait.
>the Grand Plains, a vast land of grasses taller then a horse taking up the entire east, these lands have been ruled by the native people known as the Dracs. Once thought to be primitive, it is now known the Dracs actually have a society as advanced as any other, but merely do not care to be involved with the heretics of others, although recently they have started to trade, even having the rare shaman appear to spread the word of their two gods, Mor and Les.
>Union of Aseroth: a bunch of small kingdoms and cities who joined together to be able to fight off the Unmentionable long ago, they are a diverse kingdom, held together only by the threat of sharing a border with The Unmentionable. Any religion and culture is welcome here, but the Gods of the Triangle.
<><><><>
The Religions:
>The Gods of the Triangle: legend says this religion was born when the first king of the first country had three sons, but lost them all in an avalanche. Mortified, he screamed to the heavens, cursing nature for its cruelty, to which three bolts of lighting struck the ground in front of him, where his children lay buried, and thus 3 gods appeared to him, offering him 3 wishes. He could, however, only wish one thing back alive per wish.
Without hesitation, he wished for all three of his sons back, and the three gods granted this, but when his sons arose, they were not the same.
Changed by the magic of the three gods, they glowed heavenly, and with new knowledge, lead their fathers kingdom down the path of the Gods of the Triangle, of justice, loyalty, and worship.
The three gods are;
Ohm: the god in the form of a ball of light, this genderless orb shines blessing upon all who walk in the suns light, but curses upon those who spill blood in the moons.
Dom: the god in the form of 3 eyes, always spinning. He is the god of justice, whatever justice that may be in the land his follower is currently in.
Mal: the god in the form of a mouth of wolves fangs. He is the god of loyalty, for those who break their vows must let themselves be fed to wolves or other foul beasts. Dogs are not permitted as anything but food to his followers.
>The Orderette: its foundation unknown, most stories say a single being burst out of a past kings head in his sleep, and took the throne, until he was pleased it was reformed in his image.
The religion revolves around the Orderette, the ruling family, that came from the one true god, Os, own loins. While they marry people into the bloodline, once in, you cannot leave, not even in death, for your body shall be put in a vat of preserving fluid for all to worship inside the Grand Temple, no matter your crimes or accomplishments.
The teachings, oddly though, of O, involve mercy, as all things were unfairly born below O, so one must help them get closer.
O himself was known to be kind, adopting all war orphans as temple workers, and making sure everyone had more to eat then they need...so long as they stayed where they belonged.
>the Maiden Goddess: all who join must become a warrior priestess, even the men, who are somehow transformed into women deep within the temple. The methods for how this is done are unknown, but only those willing have it done, and are sworn to secrecy on the process.
The Maiden Goddess herself teaches defending the weak, and the good of the world, through slaying the vile, and thus all Priestess are also trained as judges and executioners. She also teaches that the pleasure of the flesh are natural, but giving birth to twins is heresy, and both the mother and children must be put down immediately.
>Followers of Mor and Les: these two represent a balance in the world, one the people of the Grand Plains feel must be kept. No one knows where this religion sprung up from, but it is not widely followed outside the east.
Mor represents heat, fire, justice, loyalty, and a warriors heart.
Les represents cold, ice, government, and hunters.
>The One Who You Fear: a God who has been reported more then once to have appeared suddenly before his followers, so often once within the last 5 years. He appears as a figure cloaked in pure darkness, an unseen face, hidden deep within his hood. His hands are always stuffed inside his cloak, and he has no feet, for he merely hovers above the dark fog spewing from under his cloak.
Those that join the Cult of TOWYF(yes thats its actual name) must allow themselves to be chained down, to where their face will then be lit on fire, and beaten with a whip, until it is nothing but scar tissue. They will then dawn robes turned black from the smoke of burning blood, a mask of blackened metal to cover their face, should their hood ever somehow be pulled away, as it is taboo for their face to be seen.
TOWYF teaches one to respect death, and all those things that can grant it. Its followers are to go around, slaying the sick, the old, and those who cannot be saved, as an act of mercy, and to help any who wish to join, join.
This cult it seems, is only allowed to exist, as those they would kill, have usually already called for one of this cult to be brought for them, and are hired as executioners and assassins by many.
>The King: depicted as Pure gold, with a single eye, sitting on a throne, both him and his throne bigger then any city. He is the rightful king of all thrones, for he is the most pure of all things to exist.
Followers of The King simply wish to convert everyone and every kingdom to his glory, and are to be able to be fully self dependent, and are thus taught hunting, money management, and usually a craft or two to earn gold while they travel.
>the Twin Goddesses: It is said that the Twins were born at the beginning, and from their breath they formed the world and stars, and together rule. Neither is named, but both are known to be beautiful and powerful.
They teach unity, and vengeance, as no one should ever let an ill action against a member of their group be left unchecked. They are popular among small communities, and those merely seeking a community to join.
> The Machine: For nature is just organic machines, so too is god a machine. Logic and unrelenting purpose is what followers of this god stand for, each to be a master in the mechanical arts of watch making and other such technical arts, they busy themselves with doing all they can to become ever closer to being less of flesh.
The Machine itself is simply a colossal mechanism of gears and machines, slightly in the form of a human, with no emotions, which followers are not allowed to show. Only logic and advancement thrive in this religion.
> the Cult of Infinity follows Balah, who appears as a hand with a mouth on the end of each finger, surrounded in a circle by an infinite number of eyes, all constantly looking around. Balah is the god of prophecy and charms, for his eyes see all, and his mouths can spew fourth anything.
He does not care about good or evil, but expects his followers to meditate when the sun is highest, and when the moon is highest. He also is the teacher of charms, such as pain dolls or bad luck curses, as well as lucky clovers and the strength given by carrying a horses foot.
> Followers of The Legion believe there is not one god, but an entire race of superior beings who rule humanity through their combined mental will alone. The legion is a militaristic religion, for followers of legion are the army commanded by an army.
They are to fight, to join others armies, and climb the ranks as the recruit more to The legion.
More then once in history has a nation had a legion uprising, and more then once have they had their own nation, but 12 years ago they lost the last of their land when they attempted an uprising in the Union of Aseroth, only to be quelled and removed of their lands.
***more info to come***
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assigned BY THE GM based on history and personality, and more will be gained and lost based on experiences)
