Peoples of Aerelios

[Mr. R]

Next!

 

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Due to the size of the river there are docks on both sides.  Fisher people gather on both sides and families are linked on both sides.  Then on both sides are the traders and private berths.  Finally on the east side are the government docks where warships and ships seconded to the city get to berth.

 

There is accommodation at the fisher’s docks, mostly rooms rented out by families to transients for one or two nights.  This is usually just a bed and a table.

The trader’s/merchants docks have better places, mostly nautical versions of the caravansary

 

Some of interest

 

Illian is an orphan (age12) whose parents were fisher people.  They died last year in a storm, but she refuses to leave the dock area.  Members of her extended family try to take her in, but she leaves the next day.  Some of them are beginning to lose their patience with her.  But all of them still look out for her.

 

Mordacai is the patriarch of a fishing family.  All told they own four boats and always go out as a group.  They also make extra coin ferrying people form one side to the other (for those who can’t wait for the regular ferries)  Night trips are also possible, for extra coin.

 

Saltor’s Place is a nautical inn for those sailors looking for a place to stay until their ship heads out.  Saltor has contacts with a tailor, jeweler, sailfitter, carpenter and bulk foods provider (All at 14-) which he will send people to if they need something fast.  He also has 10 rooms for ship’s masters and captains.

 

There are two ferry systems for people who want to go from one side of the city to the other.  The first is the more common one that carries just people for a small fee.  The second is larger and can handle horses and wagons for a higher fee.  (There is a third ferry for government use and needs special permission to use)  None operate at night and if you wish to cross at night, you have to hire a private boat.

 

Crafts people

 

Barbers 

Nalli’s place handles only ladies but will give a full service like oiling, braiding and will even do a special style if needed.  She is found near the Farmer’s Gate!

 

Carpenters

Barak is located near the shipbuilding area in the west side.  His work is good, but he his a major misogynist, and his relations with females has hampered his progress (which he blames on females)

 

Bakers 

Jacks makes bread.  Every day his shop will have a selection of breads loafs for sale.  Since he is located next to Saltor’s place, it places an order every day.

 

Blacksmiths

Alton is also near the shipbuilding area, Alton can makes anything with bronze from nails to fancy decorations.

 

[Mr. R]

Next

 

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Painters 

Kolan is the BEST painter in the city ( Painting 19-, Portraiture 16-).  His shop is filled with his apprentices to whom he gives the lesser commissions.  At any time he is working on two to three projects.  Located in High Town.  He is always on the lookout for rare earths and substances to make his paints with.

 

Glassiers

Shelra has a small shop in the crafts district.  She makes small glass beads, insets and decorations.  Like Kolan, she is on the lookout for rare earths to mix with her glass to make interesting colours!

 

Locksmiths 

Leiria specializes in small locks for boxes and containers.  She is known for her honesty and will not divulge anything about a client or what she made.  Some in the Guard think she has a side hustle, opening boxes liberated from their owners.  She isn’t talking about this either.  She operates out of the home near the Tenryk Gate! 

 

Tanners

Al-Rakim’s shop is near the docks of the fisherman.  The smell of the liquids used to make his leather goods can sometimes be overpowering.  But he does make decent leather goods that do sell.  Occasionally he’ll take a special commission for a special leather.  Note he doesn’t make clothing or armour, just the leather.

 

Rugmakers 

Willmia’s small shop has been around for decades.  Willmia says she’s close to seventy, but isn’t sure.  What is sure is that she can be found at her shop everyday weaving a pattern.  Currently she has two apprentices/ assistants, but she insists on doing special orders on her own.  “I’ve taught you everything you know, but not everything I know!”  Her shop is located in the craftsman district on the west side of the city.

 

 

[Cloppy Clip]

Sorry for my absence, but the amount of material to catch up on is a treat, at least. There's a nice mix of NPCs here, and I appreciate that you've kept their entries short and punchy so any GM running from these posts doesn't have too much to juggle at the table. As someone who hasn't played Fantasy Hero, I was wondering about the skill levels for the characters. Some of the experts have skills in the 18- to 19- region, which seemed a little high to me but then got me thinking about what you're expecting the characters to look like for this setting? Is it more of a high-power setting, or is 18- actually not that big a deal and I'm just bad at judging skills?

 

I notice you've got some secrets mentioned for some of the characters, like Marlindia's Glorious Lotus training and whatever Leiria's got going on for example. Is there much backstory you've worked out for these characters behind the scenes? And if so, are there any particular tidbits you especially like?

[Mr. R]

Well 14- is extremely competent,  it is like 90% in a percentile system.  So this is a person who KNOWS their infor or craft.  So Brewing at 14- means she can make just about any type of beer/ale and do it well.  Painting 19- to drive home the fact he is THE BEST (let us remember this is a point based system so 125 base his painting {assume int 15} is 17 pts, add the other art at 16- so another 11 pts)  Not everyone will have that.  

 

The only skill I expect to be real high at the start is the Power Skill for Metier.  Since it has a RSR with a minus 1 / 10 AP, a starting caster with a 30 pt MP will have a minus 3.  So I anticipate this being at 16 to 18 at the start, and getting higher as they get more powerful.

 

Everything else is 14- maybe 16-.  IF they want to be THE BEST, then pay the points!  Dex 18 and stealth 15-  SURE!  That's 31 pts.  

[Mr. R]

On 7/15/2023 at 10:04 AM, Cloppy Clip said:

I notice you've got some secrets mentioned for some of the characters, like Marlindia's Glorious Lotus training and whatever Leiria's got going on for example. Is there much backstory you've worked out for these characters behind the scenes? And if so, are there any particular tidbits you especially like?

 

Glorious Lotus is a Martial Art that uses no weapons (I have a second called Splendid Fist).  It is big on defensive movements (Defensive Strike, Defensive Block, Martial Disarm, Martial Dodge etc)  Some mages like it as to use their art they can't wear armour, so this gives them an option outside of magic. 

 

Yes, there are some abilities that I will allow if you have GL, like Combat Luck (-1/2 Not usable in armour).  But a dedicated GL practitioner will be able to get more that a dilatant mage.

 

Leiria is just what she says she is.  She makes locks.  Yes her skill at picking them is impressive, but she just wants to practice her craft.  Whether others will leave her in peace .....

 

 

Shamans and Runemasters

 

 

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Huldra lives near the Steppes Gate and is new to the city.  A grandmother, widow, and new Shaman, she has come to Aerelios to 1) help her people and 2) represent her people to the locals.  She is friends with Kuldhara, but he is young enough to be her son.  She lives in a small home she rents by the month, but she goes out once per week to sleep under the open sky.

 

Trixie has the distinction of being the farthest from home.   From the Far Isles in the eastern sea, she is like a tourist right now.  Some underestimate her, until she shows she is very intelligent and speaks multiple languages.  Right now she lives in the docks area, helping the local fishers.  Her Shaman abilities have come in useful, so they accept her for now.  

 

Shoshako is from the Northern Jungles.  He arrived in town a year ago has been hounded by the Guard.  This is because he practices Totem Warrior and travels with a partner, a fully grown panther he has bonded with.  Right now he makes money acting as a guard for caravans going to Danica, but is looking group to go see Tenryk!

 

Roric is a local boy made good.  A master Bowyer and Fletcher, he has also learned Runemastery.  He despises Goblyn kind and will offer discounts to people heading to Tenryk or the Hrange Forest. 

 

Hawna is a Runemaster.  Originally from Moregadore, she fell afoul of local politics.  Despairing of her country’s future, she fled and eventually made her way to Aerelios.  She has a small shop in the western craft district, as she is also a whitesmith.  She will cast runes for people, IF they can pay, and it is known that she has a Heal rune set up in her shop for emergencies.

 

 

[Mr. R]

Warriors and such!

 

 

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Lochlan is a warrior from the Trammel Highlands.  Well educated and honourable, he is in Aerelios due to the machinations of a rival warrior.  He plans to return, but is biding his time and looking for allies.  Right now he rents a house in the Forest Gate area.

 

Charlese is from Kerq.  The daughter of a merchant, she has finally persuaded him to allow her to try to go out on her own.  So he sent her to Aerelios to apprentice to a merchant there.  Right now she lives in the Merchant docks area.  Now just to prove herself to her father!

 

Sheldron is a member of the Guard.  Given his ability, he should be higher in rank, but he likes to party hard, and will take a leave to go on some adventures.  But he always comes back and is always welcomed back into the Guard.  One redeeming feature about him is his noblesse oblige attitude.  He takes his guard work VERY seriously.

 

Bartlett is one of the best bowmen in the city.  He’ll even tell you.  But his arrogance is tempered by a code of honour he follows.  Right now he is training a group for the city and so lives in the Guard area.

 

Cott does not have a job.  But he always seems to have spending money, and always has a place to lay his head.  And he seems to know people.  Very charming and affable, he is also very self centered.  But his own personal code keeps him out of major trouble!

 

Sagia makes her living as a calligrapher in the Craft District in the East.  But she seems to know a lot about a lot.  And she has some skills … unusual for a scholar.  She is constantly asking questions, and reading.  It is known that she has been to every major city in the Basin.  Now she wants to see the Steppes.

 

[Mr. R]

Shrines and Temples Gods of Order

 

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Toubaris God of Commerce and Travel  Temples are in both the eastern and western markets.

Eladrin is from a family of jewelers.  Has traveled to the Steppes, stayed there for a few years, then went to the western coast.  Then he traveled to most of the Basin cities.  For now he administers the temple in the western market, but is planning his next voyage.  Will supply talismans for a reduced cost to help prevent cheating by the merchants.

 

 

Themis Goddess of Justice  Small temple in both of the Guard headquarters

Shadmar.  Victim of gang violence.  Raised by a childless guardsman.  Became a guard to protect others.  Is known for his honesty, but also not afraid to get his hands dirty

 

Marilea Goddess of Earth, Agriculture and Transitions  Main shrines are actually outside the city in the farmer areas 

Lady Lenora is from an upper class family.  Imagine their surprise when she just wanted to putter in the dirt.  Eventually she became an initiate of Marilea.  She wanders from town to town around Aerelios.  She supplies them with talismans and potions as needed, and will use the family's wealth to help those in deep debt.  Her family worries about her wandering in the farm and fields far out the city, but she claims she is fine!

 

Reader God of Magic, Knowledge, Healing  Main temple at the Mage School

Serafina is what one could call a professional student.  She likes learning, and if given time, can remember many esoteric facts years after reading them.  It was a toss up if she would go into law or medicine.  The doctor won.  Now she makes regular rounds to the city's hospices.  Also she has been summoned to help after any type of riot.  The only time she has been seen to lose her temper is when a child is harmed.  

 

 

[Mr. R]

Gods of Neutral bearing

 

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Kogano God of the Sky: Lord of the Sun Main shrine in the High Town area

Not many people like Illinfar.  He was a blowhard when growing up and since he became a cleric of Kogano, he's almost insufferable.  He'll lord it over people especially when they need a potion or talisman.   Colleagues fear he's but one step from becoming that arrogant jerk who will use his influence to force you to do what he says.

 

 

Selan  Goddess of the Night Sky: Lady of the Stars, the Navigator, Patroness of Sailors  Largest shrine is in the docks area.

Olianas Mentioned above

 

Tolar Lord of Storms, the Rain Bringer, Thunderer, Destroyer, Renewer.  Main shrine is just upstream of Aerelios where the river starts broadening out!

It is said some people should never become parents.  That was true of Dianas' family, both near and extended.  For some reason no one liked her.  Insults were common and occasional beating became commonplace, especially from her father and uncles.  Some may have collapsed, but instead she became a hellion about it.  She became snappish and developed a very bad temper.  Then she ran away when her father tried to exercise his "Rights" over her. She wandered and hid for over a year before getting some kindness from an old man near the edge of Aerelios. It took two years before he even could start having normal conversations.  Soon he was teaching her the Mysteries of Tolar.  Now she is his assistant.  Life is looking better.

 

 

Zylan Pestilence, Purges, Sickness, Shrine is in the main hospice/ hospital. Mostly to placate Zylan. 

Some are born great and some have greatness thrust upon them.  Tara is certainly in the latter category.  Her beauty was her greatest asset, but she was hoping for more.  People never took her seriously.  She was asking herself if this was all there was?  She wanted more than to be a trophy.  Then the symbol appeared on her wrist and everyone distanced themselves from her. Her own family kicked her out. Her only refuge was the shrine to Zylan in the hospital.  Now she goes through the motions wondering why she was chosen!

 

 

[Mr. R]

Gods of Chaos

 

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Chast The Lady of Luck/Trickery, the Queen of Chance.  Main Temple is next door to Toubaris in the east and west markets

Storn is that guy who always seemed to be in trouble, but people liked him anyway.  But he was always pushing the envelope, and always seeming to have a new girl every few months.  It came as no surprise when he was accepted as a follower of Lady Luck.  Now he gets into even more trouble and looks for even bigger challenges.

 

 

 

 

 

Bitva Wrath God. Blood, Suffering, Anger  Main shrine is near the Navy Yards

Basra would be lauded as a fierce warrior, if she was a man.  But as a woman, she was judged unlady like.  She would pick fights and sometimes go so totally into the fight she'd attack anyone who came near her.  The only people NOT scared of her were the soldiers, she took to hanging out there.  She picked up some skills and finally felt some camadry.  When the priest at the Shrine to Bitva requested her presence to become his acolyte, she scoffed at first, but when he explained why he wanted her, she grew curious.  So she joined.

 

 

Orchen Fire Lord  Heat.  Main shrine is in the Markets near major smithies

Alakalin hails from the Bola Wastes. There people grow hard due to the harsh environment.  Legend has it that Orchen, the Fire Lord, helped set the Plains on fire and turned a rich grassland to a wasteland.  Alakalin was born with red eyes and many took it as a sign that the Fire Lord wanted to ravage the Wastes again.  He was forced from tribe to tribe, where he would be spat upon.  It could have made him vengeful, but instead it made him thoughtful.  He believes he is here to help fix the wastes.  Part of the secret lies in the Storm Protected City at the center of the desert.  But he'll need allies so is starting in Aerelios!

 

 

Olea Goddess Revelry Thieves, Generosity, the Potlatch, Alcohol, Celebrations

Chandra Mentioned Above

 

 

 

 

[Mr. R]

If you come in by ship, you may have to deal with these people

 

 

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Harbourmasters

There are two, one for each bank.  

Malvil is the chief master for the west side.  He will place ships at the appropriate location so as to leave the river free of any ships sitting in the river too long.  He is mostly fair but some ship masters accuse him of playing favourites.  (Note this is true, for a small fee you can get a better spot)

 

Selimna is chief master east.  Her duties are easier and harder.  She has fewer ships, but more of them are fisher folk.  Their…. Fluidity gives her headaches, as she has to deal with a disgruntled family/ captain.  Mostly she hears them out and tries to find a spot for them that was close to where they were before.  Also she has to deal with the occasional warship captain as they get priority for attention even if they have their own docking area.

 

[Cloppy Clip]

Thank you for the updates! With regards to the pantheon, do the people of Aerelios tend to worship one god in particular for themselves, or do they worship the pantheon as a whole? I'm wondering because, in the first case, would this affect how the worshippers of the chaos side of the pantheon are treated? I especially liked the addition of an NPC for each god, as it gives a more grounded view on how people relate to that deity than a more straight-forward list of mythological accomplishments might do so.

 

How much does the average person from Aerelios follow religious practise? Are they quite strict there, or do a lot of people only worship as is convenient for them, in the way a lot of people today might go to church for special events but otherwise stay home on Sundays?

[Mr. R]

On 8/23/2023 at 8:00 AM, Cloppy Clip said:

Thank you for the updates! With regards to the pantheon, do the people of Aerelios tend to worship one god in particular for themselves, or do they worship the pantheon as a whole? I'm wondering because, in the first case, would this affect how the worshippers of the chaos side of the pantheon are treated? I especially liked the addition of an NPC for each god, as it gives a more grounded view on how people relate to that deity than a more straight-forward list of mythological accomplishments might do so.

 

How much does the average person from Aerelios follow religious practise? Are they quite strict there, or do a lot of people only worship as is convenient for them, in the way a lot of people today might go to church for special events but otherwise stay home on Sundays?

 

 

 

 

I am thinking of going for an Old Pantheist feel.  Before you set out on a trip, you make an offering.  Want to avert the god of disease, make an offering.  Planning to make a sea voyage, make an offering.  Getting ready for the new plantings of the year on the farm, make an offering.  

 

One thing the clerics can make are talismans.  These are low powered devices:  Examples

Fortuitous Travel: Luck 3d6, 1 Continuing Charge lasting 1 Season (Recovers Under Limited Circumstances; +0) (15 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about half of its effectiveness (Only to make travel easier; -1), Extra Time (Full Phase, -½), IIF Fragile (-½), Restrainable (Only by means other than Grabs and Entangles; -¼) [1 cc]

 

Vs Disease: Power Defense (10 points) (10 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about two-thirds of its effectiveness (Only vs Diseases; -1 ½), 1 Continuing Charge lasting 6 Hours (Recovers Under Limited Circumstances; -1), Extra Time (Full Phase, -½), IAF (-½), Restrainable (Only by means other than Grabs and Entangles; -¼) [1 cc]

 

Weather: Detect A Single Thing 17-/13- (Unusual Group), Discriminatory, Analyze, Increased Arc Of Perception (360 Degrees), Range (25 Active Points); 1 Continuing Charge lasting 1 Minute (Recovers Under Limited Circumstances; -2), OAF (-1), Extra Time (Full Phase, -½), Restrainable (Only by means other than Grabs and Entangles; -¼) [1 cc]

 

Crop Blessings: Change Environment 2" radius, Multiple Combat Effects, 1 Continuing Charge lasting 1 Season (Recovers Under Limited Circumstances; +0), MegaScale (1" = 1 km; +¼) (19 Active Points); IAF Immobile Fragile (-1 ¾), Extra Time (Full Phase, -½)

 

Sorry about the lack of up dates, but recent events have made things err..... difficult!

 

 

 

[Cloppy Clip]

Not to worry about any lack of updates; you're doing this in your free time so I understand if other things have to take priority. That said, the set-up you have for these little talismans is a nice bit of flavour for your setting. They're the sort of thing that probably won't come up in the average adventure, but provide a little glimpse into the day-to-day lives of people in Aerelios that make the world feel a little more lived-in. I'm afraid I don't have any questions this time, but whenever you get the chance to update this thread I'd be interested to see what comes next!