Fantasy To The Skies - Lore

[KennethPhoenix18]

World Setting​

• Overview
• Regions
• Governing Bodies

• The world of “To the Skies” is a wondrous place, named Aerkr. The entirety of Aerkr is made of floating islands in a sea of clouds and skies, kept up by a crystal-like mineral known as Cycel. The rim of the world is closed off by a powerful storm wall known as Tempest Curtain. The skies of Aerkr are divided into five major regions, each with their own governing bodies. The main four regions are Britannia; the core of the Victorian Empire, Mongial; the three powers are the principality of Nihon, the kingdom of Xing, and the imperial state of Vedic, ruled by the Victorian Empire. The region of Uro; home to Vatic Union, consists of the three states of Francs, Iberia, and Gallic. The last is Columbia, which holds the Republic of Libertia. The fifth region is known as the Crescent of Expanse, to which is partially ruled by the Council of Pirates
• 
  Britannia: Encompassing the northern skies, Britannia by the measures of its borders is the smallest region but the Empire that it’s finding their roots there is the strongest single force in the world. This area is similar to Britain in style and culture. The largest landmass named Elizabeth which is the namesake for the capital of the region and the Empire rests. The main headquarters for the policing force Areocustos rests in the far north near the Curtain, as well as the Aeolus Veil; the weakest point of it. The raw amount of cycel deposits in this area is what mainly makes up of it.
  
  Mongial: The largest encompassing region, it borders the eastern side of Aerkr. The smallest nation in the region is Nihon, a Japan-like country. On the other side, the largest is Xing, a China-like country; they control the largest piece of the landmass in the entire world. Its size is measured around over hundreds of miles. The last is the imperial controlled nation Vedic; it’s similar to India in its culture. The largest islands in the Aerkr lay in this region, many of which are either in the hands of the Victorian Empire or the Kingdom of Nihon.
  
  Uro: In the central part of the world, Uro holds the second smallest territory. The three states of Uro are Francs; the France of Aerkr, Iberia; a mix of Portugal, and Spain, and Gallic; the German equivalent. The current status of the area has been unstable with their people involved in a civil war against the monarchy in the hope to establish the Vatic Union as the power of the region.
  
  Columbia: The second largest region that rests in the western skies. The notable power of this area is the Republic of Libertia; it’s similar to the United States of America. Being the newly found area it’s farther out the other states, many of the islands in its borders are still unclaimed.
  
  The Crescent of Expanse: Covering the entirety of the southern skies, the name Crescent comes for the long crescent border of floating rock and debris. The trek through is almost impossible without the strength of an Imperial Battleship or the right know-how. Much of the area is just open skies with sparse islands, making it easy to get lost. What makes this region is it is a land where the law has no power, "free skies." From that many pirates use this as a home, making villages and ports. The culture is similar to the Caribbean isles. It’s believed that the Crescent was home to an advanced ancient civilization and a fierce war destroyed them creating the Crescent’s belt.
  
• 
  The Victorian Empire:
  Capital: Elizabeth, Britannia
  
  The strongest force in Aerkr founded over half a millennium ago by Queen Victoria during her monarchy. The root of their power comes from their massive naval force, due to the high amount of Cycel crystals. They are as well the main benefactor of the Areocustos, providing them with ships, weapons, armor, and manpower. The Empire controls the entire Britannia region, a third of the Mongial, and a fourth of both the Uro, and Columbia regions. The ruling court is the Council of Professors, and the sovereign is "His Great, and Luminous Emperor Christopher" and the Royal Consort "Mistress Kimberly Harmon."
  
  The language of the Empire so wide spare it’s known as Common (English), people from here are known as Victorians.
  
  The Principality of Nihon:
  Capital: Edo, Mongial
  
  A traditional nation, they normally do not associate with the other states but after the fall of the last regimen, they’ve begun to open their borders. Being at the Far East end of Aerkr, they ride the edge of the Curtain, or to them Susanoo Tsurugi (The God of Storms' Sword). Their forces are mainly made of small high-class ships, made for battle. This is due to the Cycel in their area being dense and more powerful. They still don’t accept the aid of the Areocustos, feeling they can protect themselves. The ruler is the Princess Himiko of the Fujieda dynasty.
  
  They do speak Common, but their natural language is called, Nippon (Japanese). The people from here are known as Nihonese.
  
  The Kingdom of Xing:
  Capital: Gioro, Mongial
  
  Through one of the largest states, the Xing people don't leave their homeland. In a battle on land, the Xing is unrivaled but in the case of naval power they fall short, it’s due to this they don’t control much outside their landmass. Aisin, the largest piece of land in the skies is so large, that it holds a lake that seems like a sea of water. They have a peace treaty with the Empire, so in which they can trade freely. The Areocustos of this area is basically the state’s navy and protectors of their skies. The ruler of King Lon Huan Xing.
  
  The language spoke in Xing is known as Jin (Mandarin Chinese), but some do speak Common, ironically this is an uncommon form of communication there. The people from here are known as Xin.
  
  The Imperial State of Vedic
  Capital: Raj, Mongial
  
  The largest foreign state the Victorian Empire controls, the main reason is for the spice and herbs they can produce. It not known exactly when they were conquered by the Empire but it was in the first hundred years of the imperial regimen. Lately, the Vedic people have been talking about distancing themselves for the Empire and ruling themselves but are unsure that they can successfully do so. The Areocustos and the Imperial Army tatter the skies of Vedic. As Vedic is a state of the Empire, their leader is Governor Robert Bej.
  
  Common is the main language, but the people do still speak their old language, Indri (Hindi). The people from here are known as Vedic.
  
  Vatic Union
  Capital: No Union Capital
  (Rayonner, Francs, Uro)
  (Marta Del Ala, Iberia, Uro)
  (Zeit, Galli, Uro)
  
  The Vatic Union is made from the states; (Kingdom of) Francs, (Kingdom of) Iberia, and (Dukedom of) Gallic. Through each nation is currently in their own revolution against their monarchy. In response, the Areocustos have withdrawn the mass of their force until either side win and takes control. The rebellion is a multination joint effort to overthrow the nobility and create a republic. The Francs ruler is King Dominque Beaufort, the Iberian ruler is King Laurence González, the Gallic ruler is Duchess Amalea Fredrick. The leader and face of the Rebellion is Jean del Raphael, a Frank factory worker before.
  
  Each state speaks in its own language, the Francs speak Franz (French), the Iberia speak Hispania (Spanish), and the Gallic speak German. Those from Francs are called Franks, from Iberia are called Iberian, and those from Gallic are called Gallic.
  
  Republic of Libertia
  Capital: Waller, Columbia
  
  Once a colony of the Empire, they rebelled from it and created their own state. The current status of this nation is growing; at this point, they only inhabit the western landmass of the region. In the scope of power the Republic’s army is consisting growing, as well they were the creators of the Areocustos, the police of the skies. The leader of their Senate is Prime Minister Caelum Umbridge.
  
  Their language, as they were a colony that spawned off the Victorian Empire, Common spoke throughout. The people from here are known as Libertians.
  
  Areocustos
  Capital: The Heart of Judicatory, Britannia
  
  The Areocustos are the overarching policing force for the world of Aerkr, founded by the Republic of Libertia and funded by the Empire. The main purpose for them is to suppress the pirate epidemic of the current age. With a force that reaches every area of the known world, there were rumors of them even wanting to find the artifacts of the ancient civilization. The Areocutos are run by the Five Sky Admirals and the Commander of the Skies, Joshua Greenberg.
  
  Council of Pirates
  Capital: The Lost Place, the Crescent of Expanse
  
  The Council is a group of pirates that gives Order to the multitudes of the crew in the skies. The laws set by them are all based on honor but due to the respect and fear they have; most obey. The Council is made from twelve pirate captains with the title of “Duke.” They are equal in power and authority when a decision needs to be made it is done through diplomacy. To become a Pirate Duke is vague and most of the current Dukes are unknown, even the other Dukes. The titles named after the twelve Zodiac. (I.e. Duke of Leo, Duke of Aquarius)
  
  Those from the Crescent are mainly called Crescenter, any multitudes of languages are spoken in the Crescent.
  

 

[KennethPhoenix18]

Cycel Crystals​

• Overview
• Base Effects
• Interaction Effects
• Applications

• Cycel Crystals are the backbone of Aerkr's society. There are six different types of crystals each with its own properties and identifiable by their quartz-like structure and colors. Pure Cycel is clear and prismatic. Aether Cycel is pale gold in color and reflects a purple hue. Fire Cycel is red and shimmers a soft orange. Air Cycel is green and shimmers hazy blue. Water Cycel is blue and shimmers an icy white. Earth Cycel is yellow and shimmers a verdant green. Broken into two categories, Pure and Aether are called Prime Cycel while Fire, Air, Water, and Earth are known as Elemental Cycel. Prime Cycel is abundant in Aerkr, while Elemental is a rarer resource. Elemental cycels even small shards hold plenty of power.
  
  Cycel activation works in two ways, both involving it contacting metal, specifically copper and brass. With copper, the cycel energy will travel through it like a wire. With brass, the energy will release either from the crystal itself or if its end of a copper wire there. Iron/steel can be used as shielding for wiring and containment. The more contact with the metal will pull more energy from it. Each of the Elemental cycel when bought together through a Pure Cycel, creates a new effect that can be utilized.
  
  The quality of crystals is determined by three factors: clarity, color, and aura. When the color is drained the crystal's energy is exhausted, with the exception of Pure; they become cloudy and lose their prismatic shine as they lose their usefulness.
  
• Pure Cycel: In Cycel mechanics this is the center it all works through. A focus and connection for other machines. They can be filled with the energies of other cycel acting as a battery, the primary use is to mix the energy of two Elemental. Mixing three or more causes disastrous effects.
  
  Aether Cycel: Gravity Cycel is what many call it. Aether Cycel when active creates a gravity field, from changing the pull into another direction or an anti-gravity bubble. At the core of all airships is a massive Aether Cycel, lifting it off the ground. It's uncertain how the islands stay afloat with them.
  
  Fire Cycel: When used they radiate heat, but if enough energy is pulled and released will ignite and burn.
  
  Air Cycel: When used they create air currents, the more energy pulled the stronger the current will be.
  
  Water Cycel: When used clean water will pour off or out.
  
  Earth Cycel: When used will release nutrients into the air as a green cloud or can be injected into living organisms directly through brass needles.
  
  
  Spoiler: Interaction Table

  ​

  ELEMENTS	FIRE​	AIR​	WATER​	EARTH​
  FIRE​	N/A​	Lightning/Electric​	Steam​	Combustion​
  AIR​	Lightning/Electric​	N/A​	Ice/Cold​	Magnetism​
  WATER​	Steam​	Ice/Cold​	N/A​	Regeneration​
  EARTH​	Combustion​	Magnetism​	Regeneration​	N/A​

  ​
  
  ​
• Lightning: Fire and Air's power creates electric energy. At the present time, it has only used has been in combat, primarily ship combat. Blue cracking lightning energy in the Pure cycel.
  
  Steam: Fire and Water's power can create great steam power. This has been the primary source of power generation for machines due to its relative safety. Grey roiling smoke energy is seen in the Pure cycel.
  
  Combustion: Fire and Earth when mixed and released creates powered explosions. Filling Pure cycel with this mixture is an easy way to make bombs and grenades. Rust-colored energy pulses in the Pure cycel.
  
  Ice: Air and Water's power mixed creates frigid temperatures. Similar to fire if more energy is released ice crystal can be formed. Icy white snow falls inside the Pure cycel.
  
  Magnetism: Air and Earth's power when combined can create magnetic fields. Its polarity is based on how the metal is connected to the cycel. A grey blob undulates in the Pure cycel.
  
  Regeneration: Water and Earth's when combined can be used to regrowth, repair, and heal organic matter. Its rarely used on humans; if an unskilled hand uses too much it can cause cancers to form from overgrowth. Bright green tendril tieing and untieing in the Pure cycel.
• Cycel crystals have many uses in many fields. From machines to weaponry and even daily comfort.
  Fire for heating home and cooking. Water for freshwater on long journeys. Air can be used for pushing sails and turbines even cooling. Earth's nutrients can enhance medical herbs, can be injected directly into people, and facilitate the connection between mechanical prosthetic (augmentations) to living flesh.
  
  Most firearms in Aerkr are cycel powered using Aether to push a bullet on a different gravitational pull. The range of these weapons is a much shorter range than newer black powder firearms. After which normal gravity with pull it down. Pistols, revolvers, and other small firearms have an effective range of 10 - 15 yards, rifles, and muskets ranges are from 20 - 30 yards. Cannons use larger crystals for firing and have a maximum range of over 100 yards. Most ships will use a downward angle to fire their cannons on to opposing ships. The saving grace of Cycel powered weapons is the speed of reloading, the cheap cost of maintenance, and safety compare to the explosive nature of gunpowder.
  
  Lifesavers are personal devices used by sailors in case of falling overboard. A simple design using an Aether cycel to create a bubble of anti-gravity around the user, suspending them in midair until they are rescued. Talented adventurers can as well use them to Power Jump. Turning it on at the moment before jumping, the momentum and anti-gravity will allow them to soar for a short time until air friction slows them to a stop.
  
  
  ((MORE TO COME))​

​

 

[KennethPhoenix18]

Biota ​

• Overview
• Flora
• Fauna

• In a world of floating islands and supernatural crystals the plants and animals are much different from the normal breed. While there are many creatures similar to Earth; dogs, cats, birds, all manner of livestock, even the exotic breed like primates, and marsupials. Plants and fungi are similar too, with most flowers, trees, and crops. The next sections will talk about the notable flora and fauna that in Aerkr, as well as some man-made.
• Cycel found in nature has a major effect on the growth and development of plant life. Here are some notable examples.
  
  Pureflowers: Name from Pure Cycel these flowers have nearly clear petals and glitter with a similar prismatic shine. When blowing in the wind they give off a sound liken to wind chimes. Their petals can be crush and made into a fabric. The fabric is a soft white and gives off a multicolored shimmer. The flower itself is quite common while the fabric has made in a rare luxury item.
  
  Green Wheat: This plant is more a product of humans, being a genus of the common wheat grain. Using Earth Cycel on wheat crops allowed it to grow faster and more nutritious but turned the grain a sickly green and having little to no flavor. Most foods that use this are given the preface of "Green" ((i.e. Green Bread, Green Pasta)) and are heavily spiced.
  
  Maanji: A rare spice from the Mongialian region, specifically Vedic. This spice brew in tea acts as a mild hallucinogen. In large doses can be similar to a powerful anesthetic. In natural form is a gray-green flower.
  
  Annkia: The basis of modern medicine. An herb found around large Aether Cycel, most to all drugs and remedies has its root from Annika. Any well-taught doctor or medic can use this herb to create a potent antiseptic or poultice by itself. It's a spiked green-leafed herb with a golden hue at the edges.
  
  Redthrone: Similar in form to a rose, the petals on this flower have bright orange tips and move down into a blood red. Their petals make excellent flavoring giving a sweet-spicy taste.
  
  Iron Oak: The strongest known hardwood in Aerkr, identifiable by their silver leaves and ebony-colored truck. The timber is called Kingswood, due to the price and it's usefulness. A ship built with this wood could take a full volley of cannon and not even crack while being no lighter than other wood. To even cut takes a special saw heated to extreme temperatures, making it very difficult to harvest and work. Single trees are up to 50 feet tall, and 30 feet round.
  
  Driftbuds: Large near-translucent flower buds with long vine-like roots hanging for it. They are found floating in open skies, Driftbuds are the main source of food for many aerial herbivores. Their buds are commonly three feet round, with their vines extending up to twenty feet long.
  
  Sapphire Grapes: A deep blue grape only found in Francs, these tasty fruits are a delicacy mixing the tartness of white grapes and the sweetness of red. When made into what's known as Blue Wine is a luxury only the rich could afford. Even more so with the ongoing war in Uro.
  
  Sun Melons: Tayomeron in their native land of Nippon. These fruits have a dull yellow outside with a pink inner and have a soft glow to them until cut open. The flavor of the melon is no different outside of a tangy aftertaste. Their appeal is in the glow they make.
  
  Shallowcaps: A strange breed of mushrooms named after their marbled shallow bowl-like caps. There are three different colors, each able to do something different.
  Brown caps can be used to as an antivenin, although it's effective at mitigating the effects of alcohol quickly. Aiding with drunkenness and hangover provided if the person drinks enough water with it.
  Blue caps are used in cleaning and giving a fresh linen smell to what it's used with. Used in soaps primarily, chewing the caps will clean the person's teeth very well and freshen their breath. It should not be eaten as it will cause nausea and vomiting.
  Silver caps take on color extremely well, a drop of liquid dye on a Silver cap will have the entire cap and stem turn to it. When mashed they become a get base for farther dyes or an artisan grade paint when mixing with the right oils.
  These seem to grow better when a Water Cycel is used rather than Earth. Blue is the easiest to cultivate, then Silver, to Brown being the most difficult.
  
  Midnight Lily: An almost mythic flower, with jet black petals and pearlescent filaments it's, has a haunting beauty. These flowers have an interesting property, as when they touch any Cycel can negate and drain the energy out of them turning them black. The larger the crystal the more time it takes. Even dried they would have the same effect. Finding a Midnight Lily can bring man wealth as they were not just hunted to near extinction but ever before were rare flora.
• The creatures of Aerkr have developed to fit in the strange world they inhabit.
  
  Sky Fish(s): Seen in the only in open skies. There are multiple types of them: Winged Skimmers, Writhing Serpentine, Flapping Flounders. Styles of other sky life: Sharks, Octopi, Manta Rays, Nautilus, Shrimp, Jellyfish.
  
  Aerowhale: One of the three King Sky Beasts. The largest living being in the world measuring to over one 150 feet long. Aerowhales for some reason can grow Aether crystals over there bodies, given them a terrifying presence when seen from afar. Having two sets of fins, it flies with powerful grace. Docile by nature but once provoked will destroy with terrible ease. It's said when provoked it will create a massive gravity well pulling its target into it. Many also call them the Sky Behemoth.
  
  Greenstock: Animal husbandry is a difficult thing, but with Green Wheat, it was made easier. Animals fed this grain come out larger and with more meat than those who don't. These animals are notably different from the color palettes they have. They get all assortments of colors; chicken can be mistaken for parrots or peacocks, pigs can come out blue, and the spots cows are multicolored. The best thing about them is their meat is more flavorful and cooks no different.
  
  Banewulf: A terrifying creature, these have the shape of wolves but have white transparent fur, and under that their flesh is clear and gel-like showing the bone inside. They are one of the few natural creatures that can harness the power of Cycel crystals. When they consume them into their bodies, Banewulves change to the strongest power in them.
  
  Pure: This seems to be their natural state.​
  Aether: The fur becomes purple as the flesh under becomes a golden hue. Using the gravity power, they seem to move at impossible speeds, jumping off trees, and flying at points. These are sometimes called: Breachers.​
  Fire: Becoming almost all red-orange, these wulves love to cover themselves in flames. Radiating heat from their bodies, they're the easier to track, as they leave burned footprints behind. So believe these can breathe fire but no such source is confirmed. These are called: Hellhounds.​
  Air: Almost invisible, this form takes a light gray-blue color. Completely silent they stalk with ease, creating a sound bubble around them. When they strike nothing is heard as they literately choke the air out of their prey. Carrying Aether cycel seems to be the only thing that keeps them away. These are called: Wispfangs​
  Water: The color of an algae-covered lake, these are the most sickening to see. Taking the gel nature of their bodies to a new level, these can shift their bones around to fit their needs. Sometimes appearing as eldritch horrors rather than wolves. These are called: Daemons.​
  Earth: With bright sand-colored fur and green flesh, they are hulking versions of Banewulves, with rock hard skin and iron jaws. Not fast but insanely strong these are. Called: Ironjaws.​
  
  Roc: The Second of the King Sky Beasts. Massive birds with wingspans ranging from fifty to a hundred feet wide. A raptor, they prey on mainly larger sky fish to feed themselves. With their large wings, they can soar for miles without effort and those caught in the flap of a Roc can be sent flying or capsizing the ship they're on.
  
  Vanchilla: A subspecies of chinchillas, these are found in the mountainous regions of Xing, and some part of Columbia. Physiological the same as other chinchillas, they have long golden stripes on their back. What makes them unique is that they instead of walk, float. Their paws wider and webbed to help push them in the air. Vanchillas are kept as pets by some.
  
  Lazer: Dragonfly-like insects, these bugs consume Cycel energy storing it within themselves. More a nuisance then actual trouble Lazers have a strange habit of over consummation and popping releasing any stored energy in a small puff of power. In large numbers, this could cause an issue but one or two is safe.
  
  Ceelh: These airborne parasites are attracted to cycel. They will congregate on any significant source, draining it until it's dry. An infestation, if not detected early enough, has been known to bring down entire airships.
  
  Draco: Large lizards similar to Komodo dragons. Ranging from sizes 8 feet to 15 feet long, and 5 feet at their tallest. Massive, strong, and fast they make great beasts of burden. Apex predators until a Roc nests in the area.
  
  Leviathan: The Last of the King Sky Beasts. Rarely seen, these massive Serpents are found closer to the Under Clouds. Ranging for 75 feet to a massive 150 feet long, the most aggressive of the three Leviathan are know to attack anything that comes close to their territory.
  

 

[KennethPhoenix18]

Non Player Characters​

• Britannia
• Mongial
• Uro
• Columbia
• Crescent of Expanse
• The Crew

• 
  Name: Emperor Christopher the 3rd (Harmon)
  Age: Forty-Five (45)
  Role: Emperor of the Victorian countries
  Description: A lackluster ruler, given to hedonism and squander. He is seen by the other world leaders as a fool. Although when sober he has been shown to be an amazing fencer and duelist having never lost a match.
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  Name: Mistress Kimberly Harmon
  Age: Thirty-nine (39)
  Role: The Royal Consort of the Victorian Sovereign
  Description: The true ruler of the Victoria Empire. A cunning and intelligent woman, moving the pieces of the world to her desires. Her originals before her marriage to the Emperor are vague rumors to nothing at all. She has an eerily tenderness for her children.
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  Name: Joshua Greenberg
  Age: Thirty-eight (38)
  Role: Commander of the Skies
  Description: A Libertian by birth, Joshua came up the ranks of the Areocutos to become its leader through his master of naval combat and a preternatural sense of justice. He has a deep loathing of all piracy and criminals. He speaks of a crew of pirates robbing and tossing his mother overboard with the flag of a wolf.
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  Name: Alicia Kingsmill
  Age: Twenty-seven
  Role: Sky Admiral of Britannia
  Description: The youngest of the admirals. She is known for her manic behavior and odd speech. She was made an admiral due to her master of cycel energy and genius in its preternatural powers. Her main fleet is stationed in the western skies of the region, researching the odd lands and guarding the area outside core Victorian lands.
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• 
  Name: Huang-Chan Wang
  Age: Thirty-three
  Role: Sky Admiral of Mongial
  Description: A Xing native, unlike other he took to airships and naval life well. Starting as a rank and file soldier, he has a deep empath for the men under his control. With a boisterous personality, he is seen as strange to his countrymen.
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• 
  Name: Elvire Monet-Gonzalez
  Age: Thirty-Seven
  Role: Sky Admiral of Uro
  Description: Half Frank, half Iberian, she is known as a fiery woman. At the present time, her fleet has been spread thin guarding the borders of the region to the civil war. Outspoken about her distaste for it she, in reality, is the main reason the Rebels are winning the war.
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• 
  Name: Jackson Lawrence
  Age: Sixty-two (62)
  Role: Sky Admiral of Columbia
  Description: One of the oldest officers in the Areocutos, he is a true testament to endurance. A veteran of the War of Liberty, he is fiercely protective of the Republic and of the region of Columbia. A joyful soul always with a smile on his face, when crossed will destroy all in his path.
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• 
  Name: Gran Labue
  Age: Forty
  Role: Sky Admiral of Belt
  Description: A bulky man due to his many mechanical prosthetics, his role is to guard the belt and find criminals trying to escape or leaving the Crescent. He will go into the Crescent for research into the Lost Civilization that was previously there. A quiet personality, mainly only speaks to give orders or when spoken to.
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• 
  
  

  Name: Boren Elstrom
  Age: 55
  Role: Ship's cook
  
  Description: Boren is a vast, rotund man with a generous beard and an even more generous laugh. He learned how to cook first in his native Gallic land, but then traveled to Vedic to study there. His food is an interesting mixture of Germanic staples, such as sausage, and delicious Vedic flavors, such as sweet, seasoned rice.
  
  

Spoiler: NPC TEMPLATE

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