https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Glasgowchris 2026-05-15T14:58:22Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.39.6 https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Asavean_Archipelago&diff=20435 2013-05-15T16:19:25Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Asavean Archipelago in play */</p> <hr /> <div>&lt;ic&gt;The information presented here is designed to give a feel for the foreign nation, and is by no means exhaustive. The focus of the Empire campaign is on the Empire and it's citizens, and while this information can be used to create backgrounds or inform role-playing on the field; it is not intended that players portray characters from this foreign nation without discussion with Profound Decisions.&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Overview==<br /> An predominantly island culture, Asavea possesses a small empire scattered across a sprawling archipelago, far across the ocean to the west. A timeless and cultured nation, it sees itself as having moved beyond the questioning and struggle of more primitive lands. The Asavean people consider their society to approach perfection; change is considered unnecessary and disruptive and should be avoided as much as possible.<br /> <br /> Until around a hundred years ago, the Asavean empire had holdings all over the world. Over the last century they have slowly withdrawn, turning their attention inwards. They appear to be a nation in decline, although they are still powerful enough to maintain a presence on the 'world stage'.<br /> <br /> Of particular interest to Imperial citizens are the [[Asavean Archipelago ports|Asavean ports]] which are open to trade with the Empire.<br /> <br /> ==Terrain==<br /> Asavea is much warmer than the Empire, and centred around several chains of volcanic islands. Their land mass isn't huge (probably about the equal of any two Imperial nations), but it is densely populated. Each island is surrounded by floating shanty towns inhabited by the poorest members of Asavean society. The Asavean engineers are experts at creating structures on and in water, draining swamps and performing other tasks that allow them to expand the habitable land-mass of their archipelago. In the past they have regularly used powerful ritual magic in the pursuit of more living space, but these days they prefer to do their land-sculpting with large numbers of slaves over many decades.<br /> <br /> ==People==<br /> The people of Asavea are almost exclusively human. Members of all six [[lineage|lineages]] are known among them, but only the [[merrow]] lineage really prospers. Members of other lineages (especially [[cambion]] and [[briar]]) are often seen as being 'troublemakers' and exiled to positions in the subject territories. Several of the ruling families have strong merrow blood. Orcs are almost unknown; they are usually considered to be exotic, primitive savages who none-the-less enjoy a level of mystique and feature in several lurid Asavean tales of adventure (usually as cannibalistic worshippers of dark god-spirits who bring the foolish adventurer's expedition to a nasty end).<br /> <br /> The archipelago is ruled through a system of shared hereditary nobility known as the Plenum. The head of each of each major household has a seat on the Plenum and receives a set share of the nation's wealth. While the Plenum can make laws and take decisions, they rarely do so quickly, and years of debate and consultation of precedent can be required to make major changes. In truth the Plenum more often discusses matters such as art and philosophy, preferring to let their slave-run civil service administer to the day-to-day affairs of state.<br /> <br /> Almost all manual labour, and a good deal of skilled labour is done by the slave class, which constitutes the majority of the population. However, slaves are strictly stratified and spend a lot of time trying to advance themselves. A high-caste slave could wield similar influence to an Imperial citizen, and slaves are generally well treated. However, children of slaves automatically start at the lowest caste, and must work their way up through effort and rigorous examinations. Slaves cannot be granted freedom, as it is an accepted part of the natural order of things that they remain so. The vast majority accept the stratification of Asavean society without question; those who do not are exiled or executed.<br /> <br /> Although the Asaveans still regard themselves as sprung from heroic stock, the truth is that they no longer regard the military as either glorious or important. Members of the Plenum caste often serve as officers, but this is merely considered tedious civic duty, and most allow their competent slave-soldiers to handle things.<br /> <br /> The Asaveans are extremely wealthy due in part to their large slave-fleets and their dominant position for shipping. They trade extensively to both east and west, and are known to deal with nations far beyond those familiar with Imperial traders in lands beyond the setting sun. Despite their emphasis on social stability, Asavea has an enormous and insatiable appetite for luxury goods and rare objects. Anything unique, novel or aesthetically pleasing fetches a high price, as the nobles are always looking for items to add to their collections.<br /> <br /> ==Politics==<br /> The rulers of a number of smaller nations near the Asavean Archipelago are 'advised' by ''satraps'' appointed by the Plenum. These nations maintain a polite fiction of independence but are Asavean subjects in all but name. The satraps often help the smaller nation maintain order through the use of Asavean troops. Imperial citizens who have visited these smaller nations often comment that the Asaveans they encounter there seem more alert, competent and committed to the ideals of their nation than those they encounter in the Archipelago itself. These lesser nations tend to speak the same mix of languages that are spoken on Asavea proper, and it is likely that they form the root from which the Asavean people have sprung.<br /> <br /> The defences of the island chains are impressive, with fortifications that have been added to for centuries, and standing armies of well equipped and drilled slave-soldiers. Many Asavean structures, especially those built outside the Archipelago proper, are heavily fortified - a remnant of a time when their ancestors were constantly under threat of war or invasion. With deep pockets, and large stores, they can always afford to simply retreat behind their walls, allowing time for their allies to send aid. Modern Asavean architecture focuses more on beauty than defensibility.<br /> <br /> While they have a large navy, their vessels are more commonly trading or pleasure ships. Almost all Asavean ships use banks of oars and slaves to supplement their sails, and are based on developments of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dromon dromon] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liburnian_(ship) liburna]. Although they maintain a small number of military vessels, they often rely on mercenaries to protect their fleets. While the Asavean shipwrights were the best in the world just over a century ago, their designs have been superceded by those of younger nations such as the Empire and the [[Sarcophan Delves]]; Imperial vessels may be more dependant on the vagaries of the wind but they do not require slaves, and those of the Sacrophan Delves are often moved by entirely reliable crews of tireless unliving creatures rather than slaves that require food, drink and discipline.<br /> <br /> ==Magic==<br /> At their height, the Asavean sorcerers were powerful wielders of ritual magic. Over the last century or so, their magical power has declined. The Asavean Archipelago has fewer magicians than the Empire, although this is likely to be more due to a lack of access to teaching than to any lack of actual magical ability. Most of their ritual magicians are now slaves, although every coven is lead by a member of the Plenum caste. <br /> <br /> Magicians of the Plenum caste perform their civic duties in a perfunctory way, spending most of their time in private research into the wonders of the universe - or ''naval gazing'' as many Imperial magicians would have it. There are some very loose ties between the Asavean magicians and the Imperial [[Unfettered Mind|Order of the Unfettered Mind]], as well as with similar cabals in other parts of the world.<br /> <br /> ==Religion==<br /> They are polytheistic, and completely open to any religion that doesn't interfere with the smooth functioning of their state. However, fervent belief is seen as uncouth and uncivilised, and those of the Plenum caste see religion as being a matter of tradition rather than spirit. Slaves are often deeply religious, but know well enough to be quiet and discrete in public.<br /> <br /> There are over a hundred Asavean god-spirits, and only their priests are likely to know more than a handful. Priests are often extensively tattooed with images that represent the god-spirits to which they feel the closest connection. Offerings are made to the god-spirits by those who need good fortune in an area that god-spirit oversees, or who wish a rival to suffer bad luck in that area, or who wish to fend off bad luck. Offerings are usually burnt before an image of the god-spirit in question by a priest. Human sacrifice is not a common practice but is known to have taken place in the past, and there are dark mutterings among Imperial missionaries that in some extreme cases it continues to this day.<br /> <br /> This practice informs the belief among members of the Plenum caste that goods burned with the body accompany the soul into its afterlife. Hence members of the nobility have a tradition of amassing enormous collections of exotic items to be burned with them on a slave-ship when they die. In the past, the slaves were also burned with their masters, but these days this only applies if the slaves themselves constitute a collection. They amass libraries, treasure vaults and halls full of antiquities, only to have them all burned to ash with them upon death. They regard this as rather obvious, and engaging in one-upmanship for collections is a major past-time amongst the Plenum class.<br /> <br /> Recently the Way of the Imperial faith has begun to find a foothold amongst the slaves of Asavea, and several members of the Plenum are becoming alarmed – objecting to its strident and atheistic tone. They have exhorted the Imperial missionaries to “tone down” their rhetoric for the public good. However it is a little unclear whether this growing dissatisfaction is a result of Imperial missionaries, or whether agents from the [[Sumaah Republic]] are to blame.<br /> <br /> ==Look and Feel==<br /> Asavea is much warmer than the Empire, and this is reflected in their dress. Long tunics are common, sometimes with a loose robe in a contrasting colour worn over the top. Tunic and robe alike will often possess decorative embroidery - even slaves have access to materials that allow them to decorate their clothing. White is the most common colour for the tunic, with red, purple and green being the most common colours for the loose robe. The most valuable tunics are bleached brilliant white with [[materials#Beggar's lye|beggar's lye]], while the most valuable robes are dyed in a number of deep blue hues using [[materials#iridescent gloaming|iridescent gloaming]] and [[Cerulean Mazzarine]]. Asavean blue is a valuable coloured cloth that is sold throughout the known world.<br /> <br /> Members of the Plenum caste of both sexes usually wear a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toga toga] over the top of their tunic, rather than a robe. Only the highest ranking slaves are allowed to wear the toga, and only the Plenum caste are allowed to wear the prestigious black toga on pain of death. The toga is usually worn only out of doors or in very formal situations, and is rarely embroidered or decorated.<br /> <br /> Jewelery tends to be ostentatious but an Asavean would rather wear one or two pieces of extremely fine and valuable jewelry than drip with gold and gems - ''quality over quantity'' is a traditional Asavean saying and applies especially in this area.<br /> <br /> ==Languages==<br /> The Asavean people are the descendants of a number of tribes from a wide geographic area. The dominant languages of the archipelago are represented by those from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romance_languages romanic language group] especially French, Italian, Portugese, Romanian and Spanish. French and Spanish are slightly more dominant than the others, and at various points in their history one or the other has dominated Plenum business; when people refer to Asavean they may be talking about any of these tongues.<br /> <br /> ==Asavean Archipelago in play==<br /> The Asavean Archipelago is a nation that has become hide-bound, inward-looking and decadent. It is facing a slow decline into obscurity, and whether it goes quietly, explodes in a frenzy of violence, or somehow renews itself, only time will tell. At it's peak a hundred years ago, it can be seen as an &quot;elder statesman&quot; of the other nations active on the 'world stage'. It combines a number of ideas and images from real-world Roman, Greek, Byzantine, Phoenician and Egyptian empires as well as diverse fictional sources such as Mervyn Peake's ''Gormenghast'' or even David Eddings' ''Mallorea''.<br /> <br /> While Asavea is a nation based on slavery, the institution is so old and hierarchical that the majority of the slaves consider it entirely normal. For the most part, only those slaves on the very bottom rung of society - those who labour in fields and mines - have a poor quality of life. Many of the slaves in the higher echelons have a lifestyle that peasants in other parts of the world would envy. To many Asaveans, freedom is a terrifying prospect which is generally believed to lead to starvation and death, or murder at the hands of criminals. The entire society reinforces this belief, and those who agitate for freedom are viewed at best as insane and at worst as anarchists who want to destroy society. This is not the prevalent attitude among the subject territories, but even there the presence of Asavean troops and the protection of Asavean naval forces is seen as a good thing that helps prevent society collapsing into widespread anarchy.<br /> <br /> The Asavean people as a whole are traditional and hierarchical, introspective and faintly smug but they are no more stupid or cruel than anyone else. They consider their society as close to perfect as makes no difference, and tend to ignore critics as being irrelevant, ignorant or rude.<br /> <br /> Asavean merchants travel to several locations favoured by the Empire, and their languages are spoken all over the known world as a consequence. Characters who speak French, Italian or other 'Asavean' languages might never have visited the archipelago itself, and may have only a tenuous connection to the distant island empire.<br /> <br /> It's worth noting that the Asavean god-spirits are not 'real' in the way the virtues of [[the Way]] are real - these are not [[Eternals|Eternal]] cults, and Imperial scholars suggest that many of them are defied versions of folk heroes whose stories have taken on a supernatural edge. Asavean priests lack access to any [[religious skills]]; have no use for [[liao]]; and while they believe in reincarnation they assume that people are reincarnated into the same caste they were in their previous life. Their faith is very institutionalised and secularised, and it seems that few Asavean people actually ''believe'' in the god-spirits. Some of these god-spirits have odd similarities to [[Paragons and Exemplars]], and the Asaveans are quite happy to absorb the gods, folk-heroes and ancestors of other nations into their bloated pantheon.<br /> <br /> In short, while many Imperial citizens find Asavean society offensive, it will take a lot more to change it than a foreigner going to [[Asavean_Archipelago_ports#Nemoria|Nemoria]] and telling the teeming citizenry that they are 'doing it wrong'.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Foreign Nations]]<br /> [[Category:The World]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Asavean_Archipelago&diff=20434 2013-05-15T16:15:50Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Politics */</p> <hr /> <div>&lt;ic&gt;The information presented here is designed to give a feel for the foreign nation, and is by no means exhaustive. The focus of the Empire campaign is on the Empire and it's citizens, and while this information can be used to create backgrounds or inform role-playing on the field; it is not intended that players portray characters from this foreign nation without discussion with Profound Decisions.&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Overview==<br /> An predominantly island culture, Asavea possesses a small empire scattered across a sprawling archipelago, far across the ocean to the west. A timeless and cultured nation, it sees itself as having moved beyond the questioning and struggle of more primitive lands. The Asavean people consider their society to approach perfection; change is considered unnecessary and disruptive and should be avoided as much as possible.<br /> <br /> Until around a hundred years ago, the Asavean empire had holdings all over the world. Over the last century they have slowly withdrawn, turning their attention inwards. They appear to be a nation in decline, although they are still powerful enough to maintain a presence on the 'world stage'.<br /> <br /> Of particular interest to Imperial citizens are the [[Asavean Archipelago ports|Asavean ports]] which are open to trade with the Empire.<br /> <br /> ==Terrain==<br /> Asavea is much warmer than the Empire, and centred around several chains of volcanic islands. Their land mass isn't huge (probably about the equal of any two Imperial nations), but it is densely populated. Each island is surrounded by floating shanty towns inhabited by the poorest members of Asavean society. The Asavean engineers are experts at creating structures on and in water, draining swamps and performing other tasks that allow them to expand the habitable land-mass of their archipelago. In the past they have regularly used powerful ritual magic in the pursuit of more living space, but these days they prefer to do their land-sculpting with large numbers of slaves over many decades.<br /> <br /> ==People==<br /> The people of Asavea are almost exclusively human. Members of all six [[lineage|lineages]] are known among them, but only the [[merrow]] lineage really prospers. Members of other lineages (especially [[cambion]] and [[briar]]) are often seen as being 'troublemakers' and exiled to positions in the subject territories. Several of the ruling families have strong merrow blood. Orcs are almost unknown; they are usually considered to be exotic, primitive savages who none-the-less enjoy a level of mystique and feature in several lurid Asavean tales of adventure (usually as cannibalistic worshippers of dark god-spirits who bring the foolish adventurer's expedition to a nasty end).<br /> <br /> The archipelago is ruled through a system of shared hereditary nobility known as the Plenum. The head of each of each major household has a seat on the Plenum and receives a set share of the nation's wealth. While the Plenum can make laws and take decisions, they rarely do so quickly, and years of debate and consultation of precedent can be required to make major changes. In truth the Plenum more often discusses matters such as art and philosophy, preferring to let their slave-run civil service administer to the day-to-day affairs of state.<br /> <br /> Almost all manual labour, and a good deal of skilled labour is done by the slave class, which constitutes the majority of the population. However, slaves are strictly stratified and spend a lot of time trying to advance themselves. A high-caste slave could wield similar influence to an Imperial citizen, and slaves are generally well treated. However, children of slaves automatically start at the lowest caste, and must work their way up through effort and rigorous examinations. Slaves cannot be granted freedom, as it is an accepted part of the natural order of things that they remain so. The vast majority accept the stratification of Asavean society without question; those who do not are exiled or executed.<br /> <br /> Although the Asaveans still regard themselves as sprung from heroic stock, the truth is that they no longer regard the military as either glorious or important. Members of the Plenum caste often serve as officers, but this is merely considered tedious civic duty, and most allow their competent slave-soldiers to handle things.<br /> <br /> The Asaveans are extremely wealthy due in part to their large slave-fleets and their dominant position for shipping. They trade extensively to both east and west, and are known to deal with nations far beyond those familiar with Imperial traders in lands beyond the setting sun. Despite their emphasis on social stability, Asavea has an enormous and insatiable appetite for luxury goods and rare objects. Anything unique, novel or aesthetically pleasing fetches a high price, as the nobles are always looking for items to add to their collections.<br /> <br /> ==Politics==<br /> The rulers of a number of smaller nations near the Asavean Archipelago are 'advised' by ''satraps'' appointed by the Plenum. These nations maintain a polite fiction of independence but are Asavean subjects in all but name. The satraps often help the smaller nation maintain order through the use of Asavean troops. Imperial citizens who have visited these smaller nations often comment that the Asaveans they encounter there seem more alert, competent and committed to the ideals of their nation than those they encounter in the Archipelago itself. These lesser nations tend to speak the same mix of languages that are spoken on Asavea proper, and it is likely that they form the root from which the Asavean people have sprung.<br /> <br /> The defences of the island chains are impressive, with fortifications that have been added to for centuries, and standing armies of well equipped and drilled slave-soldiers. Many Asavean structures, especially those built outside the Archipelago proper, are heavily fortified - a remnant of a time when their ancestors were constantly under threat of war or invasion. With deep pockets, and large stores, they can always afford to simply retreat behind their walls, allowing time for their allies to send aid. Modern Asavean architecture focuses more on beauty than defensibility.<br /> <br /> While they have a large navy, their vessels are more commonly trading or pleasure ships. Almost all Asavean ships use banks of oars and slaves to supplement their sails, and are based on developments of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dromon dromon] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liburnian_(ship) liburna]. Although they maintain a small number of military vessels, they often rely on mercenaries to protect their fleets. While the Asavean shipwrights were the best in the world just over a century ago, their designs have been superceded by those of younger nations such as the Empire and the [[Sarcophan Delves]]; Imperial vessels may be more dependant on the vagaries of the wind but they do not require slaves, and those of the Sacrophan Delves are often moved by entirely reliable crews of tireless unliving creatures rather than slaves that require food, drink and discipline.<br /> <br /> ==Magic==<br /> At their height, the Asavean sorcerers were powerful wielders of ritual magic. Over the last century or so, their magical power has declined. The Asavean Archipelago has fewer magicians than the Empire, although this is likely to be more due to a lack of access to teaching than to any lack of actual magical ability. Most of their ritual magicians are now slaves, although every coven is lead by a member of the Plenum caste. <br /> <br /> Magicians of the Plenum caste perform their civic duties in a perfunctory way, spending most of their time in private research into the wonders of the universe - or ''naval gazing'' as many Imperial magicians would have it. There are some very loose ties between the Asavean magicians and the Imperial [[Unfettered Mind|Order of the Unfettered Mind]], as well as with similar cabals in other parts of the world.<br /> <br /> ==Religion==<br /> They are polytheistic, and completely open to any religion that doesn't interfere with the smooth functioning of their state. However, fervent belief is seen as uncouth and uncivilised, and those of the Plenum caste see religion as being a matter of tradition rather than spirit. Slaves are often deeply religious, but know well enough to be quiet and discrete in public.<br /> <br /> There are over a hundred Asavean god-spirits, and only their priests are likely to know more than a handful. Priests are often extensively tattooed with images that represent the god-spirits to which they feel the closest connection. Offerings are made to the god-spirits by those who need good fortune in an area that god-spirit oversees, or who wish a rival to suffer bad luck in that area, or who wish to fend off bad luck. Offerings are usually burnt before an image of the god-spirit in question by a priest. Human sacrifice is not a common practice but is known to have taken place in the past, and there are dark mutterings among Imperial missionaries that in some extreme cases it continues to this day.<br /> <br /> This practice informs the belief among members of the Plenum caste that goods burned with the body accompany the soul into its afterlife. Hence members of the nobility have a tradition of amassing enormous collections of exotic items to be burned with them on a slave-ship when they die. In the past, the slaves were also burned with their masters, but these days this only applies if the slaves themselves constitute a collection. They amass libraries, treasure vaults and halls full of antiquities, only to have them all burned to ash with them upon death. They regard this as rather obvious, and engaging in one-upmanship for collections is a major past-time amongst the Plenum class.<br /> <br /> Recently the Way of the Imperial faith has begun to find a foothold amongst the slaves of Asavea, and several members of the Plenum are becoming alarmed – objecting to its strident and atheistic tone. They have exhorted the Imperial missionaries to “tone down” their rhetoric for the public good. However it is a little unclear whether this growing dissatisfaction is a result of Imperial missionaries, or whether agents from the [[Sumaah Republic]] are to blame.<br /> <br /> ==Look and Feel==<br /> Asavea is much warmer than the Empire, and this is reflected in their dress. Long tunics are common, sometimes with a loose robe in a contrasting colour worn over the top. Tunic and robe alike will often possess decorative embroidery - even slaves have access to materials that allow them to decorate their clothing. White is the most common colour for the tunic, with red, purple and green being the most common colours for the loose robe. The most valuable tunics are bleached brilliant white with [[materials#Beggar's lye|beggar's lye]], while the most valuable robes are dyed in a number of deep blue hues using [[materials#iridescent gloaming|iridescent gloaming]] and [[Cerulean Mazzarine]]. Asavean blue is a valuable coloured cloth that is sold throughout the known world.<br /> <br /> Members of the Plenum caste of both sexes usually wear a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toga toga] over the top of their tunic, rather than a robe. Only the highest ranking slaves are allowed to wear the toga, and only the Plenum caste are allowed to wear the prestigious black toga on pain of death. The toga is usually worn only out of doors or in very formal situations, and is rarely embroidered or decorated.<br /> <br /> Jewelery tends to be ostentatious but an Asavean would rather wear one or two pieces of extremely fine and valuable jewelry than drip with gold and gems - ''quality over quantity'' is a traditional Asavean saying and applies especially in this area.<br /> <br /> ==Languages==<br /> The Asavean people are the descendants of a number of tribes from a wide geographic area. The dominant languages of the archipelago are represented by those from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romance_languages romanic language group] especially French, Italian, Portugese, Romanian and Spanish. French and Spanish are slightly more dominant than the others, and at various points in their history one or the other has dominated Plenum business; when people refer to Asavean they may be talking about any of these tongues.<br /> <br /> ==Asavean Archipelago in play==<br /> The Asavean Archipelago is a nation that has become hide-bound, inward-looking and decadent. It is facing a slow decline into obscurity, and whether it goes quietly, explodes in a frenzy of violence, or somehow renews itself, only time will tell. At it's peak a hundred years ago, it can be seen as an &quot;elder statesman&quot; of the other nations active on the 'world stage'. It combines a number of ideas and images from real-world Roman, Greek, Byzantine, Phoenician and Egyptian empires as well as diverse fictional sources such as Mervyn Peake's ''Gormenghast'' or even David Eddings' ''Mallorea''.<br /> <br /> While Asavea is a nation based on slavery, the institution is so old and hierarchical that the majority of the slaves consider it entirely normal. For the most part, only those slaves on the very bottom rung of society - those who labour in fields and mines - have a poor quality of life. Many of the slaves in the higher echelons have a lifestyle that peasants in other parts of the world would envy. To many Asaveans, freedom is a terrifying prospect which is generally believed to lead to starvation and death, or murder at the hands of criminals. The entire society reinforces this belief, and those who agitate for freedom are viewed at best as insane and at worst as anarchsits who want to destroy society. This is not the prevalent attitude among the subject territories, but even there the presence of Asavean troops and the protection of Asavean naval forces is seen as a good thing that helps prevent society collapsing into widespread anarchy.<br /> <br /> The Asavean people as a whole are traditional and hierarchical, introspective and faintly smug but they are no more stupid or cruel than anyone else. They consider their society as close to perfect as makes no difference, and tend to ignore critics as being irrelevant, ignorant or rude.<br /> <br /> Asavean merchants travel to several locations favoured by the Empire, and their languages are spoken all over the known world as a consequence. Characters who speak French, Italian or other 'Asavean' languages might never have visited the archipelago itself, and may have only a tenuous connection to the distant island empire.<br /> <br /> It's worth noting that the Asavean god-spirits are not 'real' in the way the virtues of [[the Way]] are real - these are not [[Eternals|Eternal]] cults, and Imperial scholars suggest that many of them are defied versions of folk heroes whose stories have taken on a supernatural edge. Asavean priests lack access to any [[religious skills]]; have no use for [[liao]]; and while they believe in reincarnation they assume that people are reincarnated into the same caste they were in their previous life. Their faith is very institutionalised and secularised, and it seems that few Asavean people actually ''believe'' in the god-spirits. Some of these god-spirits have odd similarities to [[Paragons and Exemplars]], and the Asaveans are quite happy to absorb the gods, folk-heroes and ancestors of other nations into their bloated pantheon.<br /> <br /> In short, while many Imperial citizens find Asavean society offensive, it will take a lot more to change it than a foreigner going to [[Asavean_Archipelago_ports#Nemoria|Nemoria]] and telling the teeming citizenry that they are 'doing it wrong'.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Foreign Nations]]<br /> [[Category:The World]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Asavean_Archipelago&diff=20432 2013-05-15T16:12:37Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Terrain */</p> <hr /> <div>&lt;ic&gt;The information presented here is designed to give a feel for the foreign nation, and is by no means exhaustive. The focus of the Empire campaign is on the Empire and it's citizens, and while this information can be used to create backgrounds or inform role-playing on the field; it is not intended that players portray characters from this foreign nation without discussion with Profound Decisions.&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Overview==<br /> An predominantly island culture, Asavea possesses a small empire scattered across a sprawling archipelago, far across the ocean to the west. A timeless and cultured nation, it sees itself as having moved beyond the questioning and struggle of more primitive lands. The Asavean people consider their society to approach perfection; change is considered unnecessary and disruptive and should be avoided as much as possible.<br /> <br /> Until around a hundred years ago, the Asavean empire had holdings all over the world. Over the last century they have slowly withdrawn, turning their attention inwards. They appear to be a nation in decline, although they are still powerful enough to maintain a presence on the 'world stage'.<br /> <br /> Of particular interest to Imperial citizens are the [[Asavean Archipelago ports|Asavean ports]] which are open to trade with the Empire.<br /> <br /> ==Terrain==<br /> Asavea is much warmer than the Empire, and centred around several chains of volcanic islands. Their land mass isn't huge (probably about the equal of any two Imperial nations), but it is densely populated. Each island is surrounded by floating shanty towns inhabited by the poorest members of Asavean society. The Asavean engineers are experts at creating structures on and in water, draining swamps and performing other tasks that allow them to expand the habitable land-mass of their archipelago. In the past they have regularly used powerful ritual magic in the pursuit of more living space, but these days they prefer to do their land-sculpting with large numbers of slaves over many decades.<br /> <br /> ==People==<br /> The people of Asavea are almost exclusively human. Members of all six [[lineage|lineages]] are known among them, but only the [[merrow]] lineage really prospers. Members of other lineages (especially [[cambion]] and [[briar]]) are often seen as being 'troublemakers' and exiled to positions in the subject territories. Several of the ruling families have strong merrow blood. Orcs are almost unknown; they are usually considered to be exotic, primitive savages who none-the-less enjoy a level of mystique and feature in several lurid Asavean tales of adventure (usually as cannibalistic worshippers of dark god-spirits who bring the foolish adventurer's expedition to a nasty end).<br /> <br /> The archipelago is ruled through a system of shared hereditary nobility known as the Plenum. The head of each of each major household has a seat on the Plenum and receives a set share of the nation's wealth. While the Plenum can make laws and take decisions, they rarely do so quickly, and years of debate and consultation of precedent can be required to make major changes. In truth the Plenum more often discusses matters such as art and philosophy, preferring to let their slave-run civil service administer to the day-to-day affairs of state.<br /> <br /> Almost all manual labour, and a good deal of skilled labour is done by the slave class, which constitutes the majority of the population. However, slaves are strictly stratified and spend a lot of time trying to advance themselves. A high-caste slave could wield similar influence to an Imperial citizen, and slaves are generally well treated. However, children of slaves automatically start at the lowest caste, and must work their way up through effort and rigorous examinations. Slaves cannot be granted freedom, as it is an accepted part of the natural order of things that they remain so. The vast majority accept the stratification of Asavean society without question; those who do not are exiled or executed.<br /> <br /> Although the Asaveans still regard themselves as sprung from heroic stock, the truth is that they no longer regard the military as either glorious or important. Members of the Plenum caste often serve as officers, but this is merely considered tedious civic duty, and most allow their competent slave-soldiers to handle things.<br /> <br /> The Asaveans are extremely wealthy due in part to their large slave-fleets and their dominant position for shipping. They trade extensively to both east and west, and are known to deal with nations far beyond those familiar with Imperial traders in lands beyond the setting sun. Despite their emphasis on social stability, Asavea has an enormous and insatiable appetite for luxury goods and rare objects. Anything unique, novel or aesthetically pleasing fetches a high price, as the nobles are always looking for items to add to their collections.<br /> <br /> ==Politics==<br /> The rulers of a number of smaller nations near the Asavean Archipelago are 'advised' by ''satraps'' appointed by the Plenum. These nations maintain a polite fiction of independence but are Asavean subjects in all but name. The satraps often help the smaller nation maintain order through the use of Asavean troops. Imperial citizens who have visited these smaller nations often comment that the Asaveans they encounter there seem more alert, competent and committed to the ideals of their nation than those they encounter in the Archipelago itself. These lesser nations tend to speak the same mix of languages that are spoken on Asavea proper, and it is likely that they form the root from which the Asavean people have sprung.<br /> <br /> The defences of the island chains are impressive, with fortifications that have been added to for centuries, and standing armies of well equipped and drilled slave-soldiers. Many Asavean structures, especially those built outside the Archipelago proper, are heavily fortified - a remnant of a time when their ancestors were constantly under threat of war or invasion. With deep pockets, and large stores, they can always afford to simply retreat behind their walls, allowing time for their allies to send aid. Modern Asavean architecture focuses more on beauty than defensibility.<br /> <br /> While they have a large navy, their vessels are more commonly trading or pleasure ships. Almost all Asavean ships use banks of oars and slaves to supplement their sails, and are based on developments of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dromon dromon] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liburnian_(ship) liburna]. Although they maintain a small number of military vessels, they often rely on mercenaries to protect their fleets. While the Asavean shipwrights were the best in the world just over a century ago, their designs have been superceded by those of younger nations such as the Empire and the [[Sarcophan Delves]]; Imperial vessels may be more dependant on the vagaries of the wind but they do not require slaves, and those of the Sacrophan Delves are often moved by entirely reliable crews of tireless unliving creatures rather than slaves that requite food, drink and discipline.<br /> <br /> ==Magic==<br /> At their height, the Asavean sorcerers were powerful wielders of ritual magic. Over the last century or so, their magical power has declined. The Asavean Archipelago has fewer magicians than the Empire, although this is likely to be more due to a lack of access to teaching than to any lack of actual magical ability. Most of their ritual magicians are now slaves, although every coven is lead by a member of the Plenum caste. <br /> <br /> Magicians of the Plenum caste perform their civic duties in a perfunctory way, spending most of their time in private research into the wonders of the universe - or ''naval gazing'' as many Imperial magicians would have it. There are some very loose ties between the Asavean magicians and the Imperial [[Unfettered Mind|Order of the Unfettered Mind]], as well as with similar cabals in other parts of the world.<br /> <br /> ==Religion==<br /> They are polytheistic, and completely open to any religion that doesn't interfere with the smooth functioning of their state. However, fervent belief is seen as uncouth and uncivilised, and those of the Plenum caste see religion as being a matter of tradition rather than spirit. Slaves are often deeply religious, but know well enough to be quiet and discrete in public.<br /> <br /> There are over a hundred Asavean god-spirits, and only their priests are likely to know more than a handful. Priests are often extensively tattooed with images that represent the god-spirits to which they feel the closest connection. Offerings are made to the god-spirits by those who need good fortune in an area that god-spirit oversees, or who wish a rival to suffer bad luck in that area, or who wish to fend off bad luck. Offerings are usually burnt before an image of the god-spirit in question by a priest. Human sacrifice is not a common practice but is known to have taken place in the past, and there are dark mutterings among Imperial missionaries that in some extreme cases it continues to this day.<br /> <br /> This practice informs the belief among members of the Plenum caste that goods burned with the body accompany the soul into its afterlife. Hence members of the nobility have a tradition of amassing enormous collections of exotic items to be burned with them on a slave-ship when they die. In the past, the slaves were also burned with their masters, but these days this only applies if the slaves themselves constitute a collection. They amass libraries, treasure vaults and halls full of antiquities, only to have them all burned to ash with them upon death. They regard this as rather obvious, and engaging in one-upmanship for collections is a major past-time amongst the Plenum class.<br /> <br /> Recently the Way of the Imperial faith has begun to find a foothold amongst the slaves of Asavea, and several members of the Plenum are becoming alarmed – objecting to its strident and atheistic tone. They have exhorted the Imperial missionaries to “tone down” their rhetoric for the public good. However it is a little unclear whether this growing dissatisfaction is a result of Imperial missionaries, or whether agents from the [[Sumaah Republic]] are to blame.<br /> <br /> ==Look and Feel==<br /> Asavea is much warmer than the Empire, and this is reflected in their dress. Long tunics are common, sometimes with a loose robe in a contrasting colour worn over the top. Tunic and robe alike will often possess decorative embroidery - even slaves have access to materials that allow them to decorate their clothing. White is the most common colour for the tunic, with red, purple and green being the most common colours for the loose robe. The most valuable tunics are bleached brilliant white with [[materials#Beggar's lye|beggar's lye]], while the most valuable robes are dyed in a number of deep blue hues using [[materials#iridescent gloaming|iridescent gloaming]] and [[Cerulean Mazzarine]]. Asavean blue is a valuable coloured cloth that is sold throughout the known world.<br /> <br /> Members of the Plenum caste of both sexes usually wear a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toga toga] over the top of their tunic, rather than a robe. Only the highest ranking slaves are allowed to wear the toga, and only the Plenum caste are allowed to wear the prestigious black toga on pain of death. The toga is usually worn only out of doors or in very formal situations, and is rarely embroidered or decorated.<br /> <br /> Jewelery tends to be ostentatious but an Asavean would rather wear one or two pieces of extremely fine and valuable jewelry than drip with gold and gems - ''quality over quantity'' is a traditional Asavean saying and applies especially in this area.<br /> <br /> ==Languages==<br /> The Asavean people are the descendants of a number of tribes from a wide geographic area. The dominant languages of the archipelago are represented by those from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romance_languages romanic language group] especially French, Italian, Portugese, Romanian and Spanish. French and Spanish are slightly more dominant than the others, and at various points in their history one or the other has dominated Plenum business; when people refer to Asavean they may be talking about any of these tongues.<br /> <br /> ==Asavean Archipelago in play==<br /> The Asavean Archipelago is a nation that has become hide-bound, inward-looking and decadent. It is facing a slow decline into obscurity, and whether it goes quietly, explodes in a frenzy of violence, or somehow renews itself, only time will tell. At it's peak a hundred years ago, it can be seen as an &quot;elder statesman&quot; of the other nations active on the 'world stage'. It combines a number of ideas and images from real-world Roman, Greek, Byzantine, Phoenician and Egyptian empires as well as diverse fictional sources such as Mervyn Peake's ''Gormenghast'' or even David Eddings' ''Mallorea''.<br /> <br /> While Asavea is a nation based on slavery, the institution is so old and hierarchical that the majority of the slaves consider it entirely normal. For the most part, only those slaves on the very bottom rung of society - those who labour in fields and mines - have a poor quality of life. Many of the slaves in the higher echelons have a lifestyle that peasants in other parts of the world would envy. To many Asaveans, freedom is a terrifying prospect which is generally believed to lead to starvation and death, or murder at the hands of criminals. The entire society reinforces this belief, and those who agitate for freedom are viewed at best as insane and at worst as anarchsits who want to destroy society. This is not the prevalent attitude among the subject territories, but even there the presence of Asavean troops and the protection of Asavean naval forces is seen as a good thing that helps prevent society collapsing into widespread anarchy.<br /> <br /> The Asavean people as a whole are traditional and hierarchical, introspective and faintly smug but they are no more stupid or cruel than anyone else. They consider their society as close to perfect as makes no difference, and tend to ignore critics as being irrelevant, ignorant or rude.<br /> <br /> Asavean merchants travel to several locations favoured by the Empire, and their languages are spoken all over the known world as a consequence. Characters who speak French, Italian or other 'Asavean' languages might never have visited the archipelago itself, and may have only a tenuous connection to the distant island empire.<br /> <br /> It's worth noting that the Asavean god-spirits are not 'real' in the way the virtues of [[the Way]] are real - these are not [[Eternals|Eternal]] cults, and Imperial scholars suggest that many of them are defied versions of folk heroes whose stories have taken on a supernatural edge. Asavean priests lack access to any [[religious skills]]; have no use for [[liao]]; and while they believe in reincarnation they assume that people are reincarnated into the same caste they were in their previous life. Their faith is very institutionalised and secularised, and it seems that few Asavean people actually ''believe'' in the god-spirits. Some of these god-spirits have odd similarities to [[Paragons and Exemplars]], and the Asaveans are quite happy to absorb the gods, folk-heroes and ancestors of other nations into their bloated pantheon.<br /> <br /> In short, while many Imperial citizens find Asavean society offensive, it will take a lot more to change it than a foreigner going to [[Asavean_Archipelago_ports#Nemoria|Nemoria]] and telling the teeming citizenry that they are 'doing it wrong'.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Foreign Nations]]<br /> [[Category:The World]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=The_Marches_economic_interests&diff=19978 2013-04-11T16:37:17Z

<p>Glasgowchris: </p> <hr /> <div>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHats.jpg|width=400|align=right}}<br /> <br /> Agriculture is the basis of wealth in the Marches. Even a modest holding produces an income that allows its yeoman to live comfortably. With some improvement, a Marcher farm can pay for luxuries and imported goods. Marcher fields and orchards feed people across the Empire. Trade surplus in the form of cured and preserved meats, flitches of bacon, barrels of beer, bushels of fruit and vegetables, sacks of flour, tanned leather and bales of wool travels from one side of the Empire to the other, purchased by middlemen from [[the Brass Coast]] or [[The League]].<br /> <br /> Many of these traders come initially to one of the many small but important [[Market Towns|market towns]] that dot the landscape. The first market rights were established by Imperial charter, and towns with these rights are outside the direct control of the households. The inhabitants of a market town appoint aldermen, the rough equivalent of the yeomen, to represent the town. In most cases these men or women are wealthy merchants of the town, but often they include prominent town folk such as a friar or blacksmith who lives in the village. Those market towns that employ their own militia usually raise the captain to the rank of alderman.<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=Brown.jpg|width=250|align=left|caption=Costume by Claire Russell}}<br /> <br /> <br /> Most market towns are small, little more than a few score houses on either side of a main street. The Imperial charters prevent a market town being established within a full day's travel of an existing market town but competition and rivalry between market towns is at least as fierce as that between rival households. Because the market towns lack a stake in the political process, they are forced to rely on neighbouring households to represent their interests. While most Marcher folk see this as right and proper, a life of honest toil on the land being superior to a life spent haggling for every last silver, aldermen often have a rather different view.<br /> <br /> At the heart of almost every prosperous market town is an inn. These large structures are often fortified, with a wall surrounding the building and adjacent compound. Merchants visiting the town will usually eat and sleep at the inn but so will visiting yeomen bringing their goods to market, unless they have relatives who live in the town. Only Meade is large enough to support more than one inn, so the quality of the food and drink provided by a town's inn can have an impact on the prosperity of the whole town, as foreign merchants may avoid those towns whose inns have a bad reputation.<br /> <br /> The innkeeper is almost invariably an alderman of the town and can be one of the wealthiest members of the community. They are often also the best informed; inns tend to be hotbeds of gossip, with news and information being bought and sold as regularly as the drinks.<br /> <br /> Many aldermen take great pride in their ceremonial chains of office, sometimes referred to as &quot;Chains of Prosperity&quot;. Several towns maintain a healthy level of competition in providing the most magnificent chain for their representative, and some go so far as to commission them as magical items, such as an [[Alderman's Edge]].<br /> <br /> [[Category:The Marches]]<br /> [[Category:Nations]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Crimson_Ward_of_Summer_Stars&diff=18221 2013-03-12T12:50:19Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Description */</p> <hr /> <div>==Rules==<br /> {{Season|Summer|7}}<br /> ===Performing the Ritual===<br /> {{Casting time|2}} The target character must possess the [[Magical skills#Mage armour|mage armour]] skill and be present throughout.<br /> <br /> {{enchantment}} <br /> <br /> ===Effects===<br /> <br /> The target character gains two additional ranks of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]], but only while wearing [[Magic#Mage armour|mage Armour]]. <br /> <br /> They are also under a [[roleplaying effect]]; they feel confident in their personal prowess, and certain that their magic is a match for any challenge they may encounter.<br /> <br /> {{Day Duration}}<br /> <br /> ===Additional Targets===<br /> This ritual can affect additional characters from the same [[Groups#Covens|coven]]. Each additional character increases the magnitude by 5. Additional characters must be present throughout.<br /> <br /> ==Description==<br /> <br /> This ritual, also known as the &lt;i&gt;Thunder of the Stag's Heart&lt;/i&gt; and the &lt;i&gt;Prism of the Glorious Soul&lt;/i&gt; empowers a [[Magical skills#Magician|magician]] to make greater use of their [[Magic#Mage Armour|mage armour]]. The protective ability of the armour is enhanced, but the ritual achieves that by enhancing the aura of the wearer rather than the armour itself. Battle-magicians, especially [[Dawn|Dawnish]] war-witches and [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial orc]] [[Imperial Orcs magical traditions#Warcasters|warcasters]] make extensive use of this [[enchantment]], preparing themselves for the dangers of the battlefield. Some mages feel that the ritual can lead to dangerous over-confidence in battle, or speculate it may magnify personality flaws with repeated use.<br /> <br /> ==Common Elements==<br /> This ritual usually involves the magician and their mage amour. The armour is often donned as part of the performance, each piece accompanied by an invocation or marked with a rune or symbol. It is common for a [[Groups#Covens|coven]] of battle-magicians who have gained some knowledge of Summer rituals to perform this ritual together on their own coven, the morning before they take the field. <br /> <br /> Another common element is marking key points on the body that correspond roughly to the locations where mage armour is worn (the brow, the shoulders, the forearms, the shins, the belly, the chest and the neck), or (especially for a [[Navarr magical traditions#Vates|vate]]) spilling a few drops of blood from those locations before donning the mage armour.<br /> <br /> The rune [[Feresh]] is often used with this ritual, and evocations of [[The Stallion]], of horses or bears, and especially of [[Legendary beasts#Gryphons|gryphons]].<br /> <br /> &lt;!--- flavour. ---&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Summer Ritual]]<br /> [[Category:Rituals]]<br /> [[Category:IC Text Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive Text Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Opaline_Coat&diff=16802 2013-01-31T19:49:11Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanRobes.jpg|title=A Varushkan coat|caption=Costume by Jo Perridge|align=right|width=315|height=450}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> An opaline coat takes its name from the opal gemstone, favoured by jewelers throughout the Empire for the incredible range of colour in which it is found. Each coat incorporates a small amount of dragonbone, often used to provide extra shape to key areas, or worked into the fabric as delicate beading. [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] tailors make opaline coats that shimmer in the sunlight, weaving threads of silver, gold and mithril into the fabric and choosing beautiful pieces of semi-precious stone to create fastenings and buttons. The magicians of [[The League|League]] often compete with one another as to who can acquire the most splendid opaline coat, looking down on rivals who favour more mundane jackets, and being subtly enraged by those few [[Mountebanks]] capable of acquiring one for themselves. The street magicians of the League tend to favour a shorter cut that they call an ''iridescent jacket'', modeled after the Freeborn style. <br /> <br /> The [[Suaq]] and [[Varushka|Varushkan]] magicians who make use of the opaline coat prefer a more tasteful arrangement that has become increasingly popular even in the south - a coat of hard-wearing wool, dyed a single vibrant colour, with a lining of shimmering, iridescent shades. With the coat closed, it is difficult to tell it is anything other than a finely made, warm garment; when it is opened, it's true beauty becomes apparent.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' Robes.<br /> * '''Effect:''' You gain 2 personal mana..<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting an opaline coat requires fourteen measures of [[Materials#iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]], seven measures of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]], and four measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;!--- Credit for text ---&gt;<br /> &lt;ic&gt;“Just one more of your uncle's sheep”, Ilena had called him, “always willing to do what you're told.”<br /> <br /> &quot;If only&quot;, he'd often thought to himself, &quot;There were any bloody truth to that assessment of sheep.&quot; In his considerable experience the damn-fool things seemed to take a perverse delight in finding new and interesting ways to stray off and get into trouble. Today was no exception; here he was crunching through drifts of snow, doing his best to follow the scattered tracks of a pregnant ewe that had spooked over nothing at all. Right before sundown, of course, so he'd have a cold dark struggle getting the damn thing back to the walls of the farm. And if she lost the lamb or came back injured, oh, there'd be hell to pay from uncle Dushkov.<br /> <br /> Squinting in the fading light, he continued to climb higher on the hillside, the sparse pines on the ridge above him silhouetting themselves like crooked fingers. In the distance he heard bleating, and for a moment he was relieved to finally be drawing closer, but then he realised it was the panicked cries of an animal in distress. Drawing his hatchet, he flattened down and began to creep forward as quietly as he could.<br /> <br /> His worst fears were realised as he came upon a scene that turned his blood to water; something hunched and manlike, but covered with long, fiery red hair was leaning over the carcass of the ewe. Steam poured into the evening sky as bones snapped and blood splattered, followed by the awful noise of hot, wet organs being gorged down. Without even thinking, he hefted his hatchet and leapt forward. Eyes like red-blazing coals turned to fix on him as the beast heard him coming, and a terrible howl shook the hillside...<br /> <br /> <br /> Ilena looked up in surprise at the well-dressed young Warden entered the dingy beerhall. The village was too small to get many travellers, and none as dashing as this one. That magnificent coat of lambswool, dyed a rich burgundy and buttoned with dragonbone, was a thing of wonder. She preened for a second before asking in her most suggestive tones what his pleasure might be. It was only a moment later as the man smiled that she realised it was young Gregor, that foolish shepherd boy who'd been so sweet on her, before he disappeared.<br /> <br /> He opened his coat to show off the exquisite lining – a rich, red pelt that seemed to glow with an almost unearthly lustre. He laughed, “You once called me a sheep, Ilena, and maybe I am, but now at least I'm a sheep in Wolf's clothing...”&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Robes]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Opaline_Coat&diff=16801 2013-01-31T19:48:24Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanRobes.jpg|title=A Varushkan coat|caption=Costume by Jo Perridge|align=right|width=315|height=450}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> An opaline coat takes its name from the opal gemstone, favoured by jewelers throughout the Empire for the incredible range of colour in which it is found. Each coat incorporates a small amount of dragonbone, often used to provide extra shape to key areas, or worked into the fabric as delicate beading. [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] tailors make opaline coats that shimmer in the sunlight, weaving threads of silver, gold and mithril into the fabric and choosing beautiful pieces of semi-precious stone to create fastenings and buttons. The magicians of [[The League|League]] often compete with one another as to who can acquire the most splendid opaline coat, looking down on rivals who favour more mundane jackets, and being subtly enraged by those few [[Mountebanks]] capable of acquiring one for themselves. The street magicians of the League tend to favour a shorter cut that they call an ''iridescent jacket'', modeled after the Freeborn style. <br /> <br /> The [[Suaq]] and [[Varushka|Varushkan]] magicians who make use of the opaline coat prefer a more tasteful arrangement that has become increasingly popular even in the south - a coat of hard-wearing wool, dyed a single vibrant colour, with a lining of shimmering, iridescent shades. With the coat closed, it is difficult to tell it is anything other than a finely made, warm garment; when it is opened, it's true beauty becomes apparent.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' Robes.<br /> * '''Effect:''' You gain 2 personal mana..<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting an opaline coat requires fourteen measures of [[Materials#iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]], seven measures of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]], and four measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;!--- Credit for text ---&gt;<br /> &lt;ic&gt;“Just one more of your uncle's sheep”, Ilena had called him, “always willing to do what you're told.”<br /> <br /> &quot;If only&quot;, he'd often thought to himself, &quot;There were any bloody truth to that assessment of sheep.&quot; In his considerable experience the damn-fool things seemed to take a perverse delight in finding new and interesting ways to stray off and get into trouble. Today was no exception; here he was crunching through drifts of snow, doing his best to follow the scattered tracks of a pregnant ewe that had spooked over nothing at all. Right before sundown, of course, so he'd have a cold dark struggle getting the damn thing back to the walls of the farm. And if she lost the lamb or came back injured, oh, there'd be hell to pay from uncle Dushkov.<br /> <br /> Squinting in the fading light, he continued to climb higher on the hillside, the sparse pines on the ridge above him silhouetting themselves like crooked fingers. In the distance he heard bleating, and for a moment he was relieved to finally be drawing closer, but then he realised it was the panicked cries of an animal in distress. Drawing his hatchet, he flattened down and began to creep forward as quietly as he could.<br /> <br /> His worst fears were realised as he came upon a scene that turned his blood to water; something hunched and manlike, but covered with long, fiery red hair was leaning over the carcass of the ewe. Steam poured into the evening sky as bones snapped and blood splattered, followed by the awful noise of hot, wet organs being gorged down. Without even thinking, he hefted his hatchet and leapt forward. Eyes like red-blazing coals turned to fix on him as the beast heard him coming, and a terrible howl shook the hillside...<br /> <br /> <br /> Ilena looked up in surprise at the well-dressed young Warden entered the dingy beerhall. The village was too small to get many travellers, and none as dashing as this one. That magnificent coat of lambswool, dyed a rich burgundy and buttoned with dragonbone was a thing of wonder. She preened for a second before asking in her most suggestive tones what his pleasure might be. It was only a moment later as the man smiled that she realised it was young Gregor, that foolish shepherd boy who'd been so sweet on her, before he disappeared.<br /> <br /> He opened his coat to show off the exquisite lining – a rich, red pelt that seemed to glow with an almost unearthly lustre. He laughed, “You once called me a sheep, Ilena, and maybe I am, but now at least I'm a sheep in Wolf's clothing...”&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Robes]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Opaline_Coat&diff=16800 2013-01-31T19:45:01Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanRobes.jpg|title=A Varushkan coat|caption=Costume by Jo Perridge|align=right|width=315|height=450}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> An opaline coat takes its name from the opal gemstone, favoured by jewelers throughout the Empire for the incredible range of colour in which it is found. Each coat incorporates a small amount of dragonbone, often used to provide extra shape to key areas, or worked into the fabric as delicate beading. [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] tailors make opaline coats that shimmer in the sunlight, weaving threads of silver, gold and mithril into the fabric and choosing beautiful pieces of semi-precious stone to create fastenings and buttons. The magicians of [[The League|League]] often compete with one another as to who can acquire the most splendid opaline coat, looking down on rivals who favour more mundane jackets, and being subtly enraged by those few [[Mountebanks]] capable of acquiring one for themselves. The street magicians of the League tend to favour a shorter cut that they call an ''iridescent jacket'', modeled after the Freeborn style. <br /> <br /> The [[Suaq]] and [[Varushka|Varushkan]] magicians who make use of the opaline coat prefer a more tasteful arrangement that has become increasingly popular even in the south - a coat of hard-wearing wool, dyed a single vibrant colour, with a lining of shimmering, iridescent shades. With the coat closed, it is difficult to tell it is anything other than a finely made, warm garment; when it is opened, it's true beauty becomes apparent.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' Robes.<br /> * '''Effect:''' You gain 2 personal mana..<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting an opaline coat requires fourteen measures of [[Materials#iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]], seven measures of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]], and four measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;!--- Credit for text ---&gt;<br /> &lt;ic&gt;“Just one more of your uncle's sheep”, Ilena had called him, “always willing to do what you're told.”<br /> <br /> &quot;If only&quot;, he'd often thought to himself, &quot;There were any bloody truth to that assessment of sheep.&quot; In his considerable experience the damn-fool things seemed to take a perverse delight in finding new and interesting ways to stray off and get into trouble. Today was no exception; here he was crunching through drifts of snow, doing his best to follow the scattered tracks of a pregnant ewe that had spooked over nothing at all. Right before sundown, of course, so he'd have a cold dark struggle getting the damn thing back to the walls of the farm. And if she lost the lamb or came back injured, oh, there'd be hell to pay from uncle Dushkov.<br /> <br /> Squinting in the fading light, he continued to climb higher on the hillside, the sparse pines on the ridge above him silhouetting themselves like crooked fingers. In the distance he heard bleating, and for a moment he was relieved to finally be drawing closer, but then he realised it was the panicked cries of an animal in distress. Drawing his hatchet, he flattened down and began to creep forward as quietly as he could.<br /> <br /> His worst fears were realised as he came upon a scene that turned his blood to water; something hunched and manlike, but covered with long, fiery red hair was hunched over the carcass of the ewe. Steam poured into the evening sky as bones snapped and blood splattered, followed by the awful noise of hot, wet organs being gorged down. Without even thinking, he hefted his hatchet and leapt forward. Eyes like red-blazing coals turned to fix on him as the beast heard him coming, and a terrible howl shook the hillside...<br /> <br /> <br /> Ilena looked up in surprise at the well-dressed young Warden entered the dingy beerhall. The village was too small to get many travellers, and none as dashing as this one. That magnificent coat of lambswool, dyed a rich burgundy and buttoned with dragonbone was a thing of wonder. She preened for a second before asking in her most suggestive tones what his pleasure might be. It was only a moment later as the man smiled that she realised it was young Gregor, that foolish shepherd boy who'd been so sweet on her, before he disappeared.<br /> <br /> He opened his coat to show off the exquisite lining – a rich, red pelt that seemed to glow with an almost unearthly lustre. He laughed, “You once called me a sheep, Ilena, and maybe I am, but now at least I'm a sheep in Wolf's clothing...”&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Robes]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Mercenary_Banner&diff=16757 2013-01-30T23:29:46Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> While these banners are most popular among the [[Free Companies]] of the [[The League|League]]. They are also used by companies of [[Urizen]] [[Urizen military concerns#Sentinels|sentinels]] who embrace the doctrine of offering assistance at the vital moment on foreign battlefields. <br /> <br /> They have also seen extensive use in places where small groups within a nation feel the need to fight on a battlefield apart from the rest of their nation. It is not common, but a band that has an interest in a specific territory, or feels a strong obligation to the folk of another nation, can use one of the banners to accompany an allied army even as the bulk of their national forces fight elsewhere.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Magic Standard]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' A [[Groups#Band|band]] bonded to this banner may travel to a battle that their national banner is not attending. The banner must be bonded to a single character from a nation whose national banner is attending that battle. While the banner is assigned to another nation you cannot travel to a battle with your own nation.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a mercenary banner requires six measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;!--- Credit for text ---&gt;<br /> &lt;ic&gt;Captain Lucrenza shook her head sadly “We'd love to accommodate you, Brand Cadaen”<br /> <br /> “Love to accommodate you...” repeated her lieutenant, from just behind her shoulder.<br /> <br /> “But the fact is that right now the Empire finds itself with more wars than it can comfortably fight – and to be frank, it's a seller's market.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, a seller's market...”<br /> <br /> The elderly Navarri let his gaze travel over the two figures across the desk. Although they dressed like gaudy fools, he doubted that their Free Company could have accrued so much wealth and power without a shrewd mind directing things. He had the uncomfortable feeling that the two women had already stopped seeing him as a lean old man with tattooed skin, but were instead staring at what they felt to be a big bag of thrones sitting opposite them.<br /> <br /> “And I appreciate you taking the time to see me, Captain Lucrenza, I really do. I'm sure you're schedule must be quite hectic. But if the fighting disrupts the use of the trods, or worse still, provokes the Vallorn in the region, then surely the whole Empire will suffer.”<br /> <br /> Lucrenza waved a hand, “And I deplore such a possibility, honoured Brand, I truly do.”<br /> <br /> “Truly.”<br /> <br /> “But those are matters for the senate to take action on, not a humble guilder. I can't be expected to foot the bill for the entire Empire's defence. We already do our bit by providing excellent soldiery to the Empire at affordable prices.”<br /> <br /> “Very affordable!” nodded the lieutenant.<br /> <br /> “In that respect, madam, I fear our definitions of affordable may vary somewhat. Nevertheless, the Navarr &lt;i&gt;will&lt;/i&gt; take the field against the orcs, even if it means that we must sacrifice our lives while others merely seek to turn a profit.” <br /> <br /> He gritted his teeth, “I have been given leave to ask your price. It will be met.”<br /> <br /> Lucrenza smiled, “Why, I feel a sudden rush of patriotism overtaking me already...”&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Magic Standards]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Trollhammer&diff=16672 2013-01-30T07:17:37Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Description */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> A trollhammer is a massive two-handed weapon, usually a mace or hammer, that strikes with such concussive force that it temporarily stuns both the target and the wielder.<br /> <br /> A common misconception about this weapon is that it is named a ''Trollhammer'' because it is a weapon used to kill trolls. While this may be the case, the fact of the matter is that the early [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] [[Wintermark history|first encountered]] these weapons in the hands of the trolls, and only used them against them at the point where they took them away from their previous owners ... Fully grown trolls can wield such a hammer in only one hand, and are seemingly unaffected by the weapon's malign powers. Stories of the final battles tell of troll champions who used these weapons to devastating effect, crushing all who came before them until eventually they were overwhelmed by sheer weight of numbers. Legend states that the original Trollhammers did not afflict their wielder, but that the dying trolls called down a curse upon the weapons their enemies had stolen from them - these are surely fanciful accounts embroidered by [[Wintermark culture and customs#Art and history|scops]] to make better sagas.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Two-handed Weapon|Two-handed Weapon]]. Despite the name any two-handed weapon may be a trollhammer.<br /> * '''Effect:''' You may spend a [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]] to call [[Magic overview#PARALYSE|PARALYSE]] when you strike with this weapon. You are also affected by PARALYSIS when you use this ability.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a trollhammer requires ten ingots of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]]. six ingots of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]] and six measures of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> A duelling form that saw some brief popularity in Temeschwar employed two opponents with Trollhammers fighting in a ring. The amusing interludes where both combatants were locked in position, glowering at each other, provided a novel series of stages to allow further betting and commentary on form. It was also a boon to artists who used the frozen tableau as a basis to fully capture the drama and savagery of a duel. In the end the fickle butterfly of League fashion flapped its wings, and the Trollhammer Bouts were simply no longer the done thing. The remaining Trollhammers were bought up cheap by the unscrupulous Free Captain, Ugo Berensky, who used them to equip a virtual suicide unit for his Free Company, employing the poor and desperate to run ahead of his own soliders and paralyse the enemy.<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Two-handed Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Trollhammer&diff=16662 2013-01-29T21:19:42Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> A trollhammer is a massive two-handed weapon, usually a mace or hammer, that strikes with such concussive force that it temporarily stuns both the target and the wielder.<br /> <br /> A common misconception about this weapon is that it is named a ''Trollhammer'' because it is a weapon used to kill trolls. While this may be the case, the fact of the matter is that the early [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] [[Wintermark history|first encountered]] these weapons in the hands of the trolls, and only used them against them at the point where they took them away from their previous owners ... Fully grown troll can wield such a hammer in only one hand, and are seemingly unaffected by the weapon's malign powers. Stories of the final battles tell of troll champions who used these weapons to devastating effect, crushing all who came before them until eventually they were overwhelmed by sheer weight of numbers. Legend states that the original Trollhammers did not afflict their wielder, but that the dying trolls called down a curse upon the weapons their enemies had stolen from them - these are surely fanciful accounts embroidered by [[Wintermark culture and customs#Art and history|scops]] to make better sagas.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Two-handed Weapon|Two-handed Weapon]]. Despite the name any two-handed weapon may be a trollhammer.<br /> * '''Effect:''' You may spend a [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]] to call [[Magic overview#PARALYSE|PARALYSE]] when you strike with this weapon. You are also affected by PARALYSIS when you use this ability.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a trollhammer requires ten ingots of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]]. six ingots of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]] and six measures of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> A duelling form that saw some brief popularity in Temeschwar employed two opponents with Trollhammers fighting in a ring. The amusing interludes where both combatants were locked in position, glowering at each other, provided a novel series of stages to allow further betting and commentary on form. It was also a boon to artists who used the frozen tableau as a basis to fully capture the drama and savagery of a duel. In the end the fickle butterfly of League fashion flapped its wings, and the Trollhammer Bouts were simply no longer the done thing. The remaining Trollhammers were bought up cheap by the unscrupulous Free Captain, Ugo Berensky, who used them to equip a virtual suicide unit for his Free Company, employing the poor and desperate to run ahead of his own soliders and paralyse the enemy.<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Two-handed Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Trollhammer&diff=16661 2013-01-29T21:06:25Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Description */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> A trollhammer is a massive two-handed weapon, usually a mace or hammer, that strikes with such concussive force that it temporarily stuns both the target and the wielder.<br /> <br /> A common misconception about this weapon is that it is named a ''Trollhammer'' because it is a weapon used to kill trolls. While this may be the case, the fact of the matter is that the early [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] [[Wintermark history|first encountered]] these weapons in the hands of the trolls, and only used them against them at the point where they took them away from their previous owners ... Fully grown troll can wield such a hammer in only one hand, and are seemingly unaffected by the weapon's malign powers. Stories of the final battles tell of troll champions who used these weapons to devastating effect, crushing all who came before them until eventually they were overwhelmed by sheer weight of numbers. Legend states that the original Trollhammers did not afflict their wielder, but that the dying trolls called down a curse upon the weapons their enemies had stolen from them - these are surely fanciful accounts embroidered by [[Wintermark culture and customs#Art and history|scops]] to make better sagas.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Two-handed Weapon|Two-handed Weapon]]. Despite the name any two-handed weapon may be a trollhammer.<br /> * '''Effect:''' You may spend a [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]] to call [[Magic overview#PARALYSE|PARALYSE]] when you strike with this weapon. You are also affected by PARALYSIS when you use this ability.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a trollhammer requires ten ingots of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]]. six ingots of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]] and six measures of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Two-handed Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Trollhammer&diff=16660 2013-01-29T21:05:40Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Description */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> A trollhammer is a massive two-handed weapon, usually a mace or hammer, that strikes with such concussive force that it temporarily stuns both the target and the wielder.<br /> <br /> A common misconception about this weapon is that it is named a ''Trollhammer'' because it is a weapon used to kill trolls. While this may be the case, the fact of the matter is that the early [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] [[Wintermark history|first encountered]] these weapons in the hands of the trolls, and only used them against them at the point where they took them away from their previous owners ... A full grown troll can wield such a hammer in only one hand, and are seemingly unaffected by the weapon's malign powers. Stories of the final battles tell of troll champions who used these weapons to devastating effect, crushing all who came before them until eventually they were overwhelmed by sheer weight of numbers. Legend states that the original Trollhammers did not afflict their wielder, but that the dying trolls called down a curse upon the weapons their enemies had stolen from them - these are surely fanciful accounts embroidered by [[Wintermark culture and customs#Art and history|scops]] to make better sagas.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Two-handed Weapon|Two-handed Weapon]]. Despite the name any two-handed weapon may be a trollhammer.<br /> * '''Effect:''' You may spend a [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]] to call [[Magic overview#PARALYSE|PARALYSE]] when you strike with this weapon. You are also affected by PARALYSIS when you use this ability.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a trollhammer requires ten ingots of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]]. six ingots of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]] and six measures of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Two-handed Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Banner_of_the_Bold&diff=16500 2013-01-28T12:52:26Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> The intricate needlework required to embroider a banner of the bold is time consuming in the extreme. Trace amounts of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]] are used to trim and reinforce the sturdy cloth of the standard, but it is the intricate designs worked into the fabric itself that provide most of the magic. In truth at least some of the effect is likely to be a placebo - any unit of fighting men and women benefits from the presence of their own standard - but the true potency of this banner becomes clear when the soldiers are exposed to auras of fear and dread such as those produced by some horrors or [[Eternals]], or built by enemies of the Empire to protect key areas.<br /> <br /> As with most magical banners, a banner of the bold bears the appropriate symbols for the heraldry or livery of the soldiers who will use it. This means that the banners are most often made for commission, although some [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]] focus their attention on producing fine blank canvases which can be embroidered or painted with appropriate symbols after they have been sold.<br /> <br /> A banner of the bold often bears the runes [[Feresh]] or [[Tykonus]] worked into the banner pole, or embroidered around the edge. Some banners, especially those made by [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Dawn magical traditions#Weavers|weaver cabals]] use the intricate [[Summer]] sigil, carefully worked in thin silver or gold thread into the reverse of the flag proper.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Banner]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' Any character bonded to this banner who is exposed to a roleplaying effect that creates fear can respond by becoming resolute and brave instead.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a banner of the bold requires no special materials. It takes two months to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;!--- Credit for text ---&gt;<br /> &lt;ic&gt;It is said that the General Halmerad always insisted on having his command banner unfurled and present when he was due to appear before the Empress Varkula. This was, of course, a sign of martial respect, and not - as has been scandalously suggested by certain other scholars - an indication that he in any way feared his beloved monarch...&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Banners]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Magistrate%27s_Grasp&diff=16483 2013-01-27T23:24:52Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> The pole-arm is very useful for dealing with skirmishers. The superior reach it grants also makes it quite effective for neutralizing enemies armed with one-handed weapons. <br /> <br /> It is also a common piece of equipment carried by the ''badgers'' working with the Imperial Magistrates. One of the first [[Imperial Law#Magistrates and trials|magistrates]], the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] Arnost Whitehair, focused his attention on pursuing and capturing criminals. He equipped his lieutenants with these useful pole-arms, and the name has since stuck. One of the Imperial Magistrates usually takes custody of Arnost's artefact version of this weapon, using it as both a badge of office and as a statement that they will commit themselves to the capture of fugitives. <br /> <br /> On occasions where a magistrate's grasp is loaned to a group of volunteers, there is often an impromptu footrace to determine who will wield the weapon - the candidate who wins this race (which often includes obstacles to leap over or duck under) in armour and carrying a pole-arm is usually the one who is bonded to it.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Pole-arms|Pole-arms]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' You can use a [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]] to call [[Magic overview#ENTANGLE|ENTANGLE]] when you hit with this weapon.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a magistrate's grasp requires eleven ingots of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]], six ingots of [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]], six ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] and five measures of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> It was sundown and the light was a sparkling blaze on the waters of the bay of Catazarr. The Lostok case had been a long and painstaking investigation, and now that it was finally concluded, Magistrate Inskipp and his officers were enjoying the afterglow of justice in the gardens of the &lt;i&gt;Merrow's Marina&lt;/i&gt;. Several bottles of excellent Dawnish wine had already been emptied, leaving both the badgers and their master deep in their cups.<br /> <br /> &quot;It's good, chief, don't get me wrong, of course it's good. But we celebrate and we drink, and we all know that tomorrow or next week or next month another Lostok will take over exactly where this one finished. I just..., I sometimes wonder what the point is.&quot;<br /> <br /> Inskipp's face took up its accustomed scowl; the badgers sighed and poured themselves another drink as they prepared for a sermon. &quot;The point, Denarus, the bloody &lt;i&gt;point&lt;/i&gt; is all around you! You think a city like this just happens? &lt;i&gt;&quot;Just happens&quot;&lt;/i&gt; leaves you with ugly stone shitpiles like Oran, or joyless warehouse towns like Hedra.&quot;<br /> <br /> He gestured grandly with his goblet, slopping wine onto the finely mosaiced paving stones around the taverna, &quot;&lt;i&gt;This&lt;/i&gt; is civilisation, this is the future of the Empire. One day, a long time from now, every city in the Empire is going to be like Sarvos. And they're going to look back on us, at this moment here and now and they're going to know that we were the first and the best.&quot;<br /> <br /> His mood lightened somewhat as he refilled his drink, &quot;But she's a harsh mistress, civilisation. She has to be tended to like a barbarian goddess - sacrificed to, even. From her first day to her last, the city will make its demands, and it's up to us to meet them without complaint or delay. In the end it's only our willingness to pay the cost of civilisation that separates us from the barbarians.&quot;<br /> <br /> The sun finally set in a riot of red and gold, framed by the towers and ships of the harbour.,<br /> <br /> &quot;Never assume that all this cannot end in an eyeblink. It can. Lostok thought differently, and all it took was one officer of the court and her stick to teach him different.&quot; <br /> <br /> Beyond them in the city thousands lanterns began twinkling into life as darkness fell. A chill touched the breeze and the table was silent for a moment, each person lost in their own thoughts.<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Pole-arms]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Magistrate%27s_Grasp&diff=16468 2013-01-27T18:50:08Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> The pole-arm is very useful for dealing with skirmishers. The superior reach it grants also makes it quite effective for neutralizing enemies armed with one-handed weapons. <br /> <br /> It is also a common piece of equipment carried by the ''badgers'' working with the Imperial Magistrates. One of the first [[Imperial Law#Magistrates and trials|magistrates]], the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] Arnost Whitehair, focused his attention on pursuing and capturing criminals. He equipped his lieutenants with these useful pole-arms, and the name has since stuck. One of the Imperial Magistrates usually takes custody of Arnost's artefact version of this weapon, using it as both a badge of office and as a statement that they will commit themselves to the capture of fugitives. <br /> <br /> On occasions where a magistrate's grasp is loaned to a group of volunteers, there is often an impromptu footrace to determine who will wield the weapon - the candidate who wins this race (which often includes obstacles to leap over or duck under) in armour and carrying a pole-arm is usually the one who is bonded to it.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Pole-arms|Pole-arms]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' You can use a [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]] to call [[Magic overview#ENTANGLE|ENTANGLE]] when you hit with this weapon.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a magistrate's grasp requires eleven ingots of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]], six ingots of [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]], six ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] and five measures of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> It was sundown and the light was a sparkling blaze on the waters of the bay of Catazarr. The Lostok case had been a long and painstaking investigation, and now that it was finally concluded, Magistrate Inskipp and his officers were enjoying the afterglow of justice in the gardens of the &lt;i&gt;Merrow's Marina&lt;/i&gt;. Several bottles of excellent Dawnish wine had already been emptied, leaving both the badgers and their master deep in their cups.<br /> <br /> &quot;It's good, chief, don't get me wrong, of course it's good. But we celebrate and we drink, and we all know that tomorrow or next week or next month another Lostok will take over exactly where this one finished. I just..., I sometimes wonder what the point is.&quot;<br /> <br /> Inskipp's face took up its accustomed scowl; the badgers sighed and poured themselves another drink as they prepared for a sermon. &quot;The point, Denarus, the bloody &lt;i&gt;point&lt;/i&gt; is all around you! You think a city like this just happens? &lt;i&gt;&quot;Just happens&quot;&lt;/i&gt; leaves you with ugly stone shitpiles like Oran, or joyless warehouse towns like Hedra.&quot;<br /> <br /> He gestured grandly with his goblet, slopping wine onto the finely mosaiced paving stones around the taverna, &quot;&lt;i&gt;This&lt;/i&gt; is civilisation, this is the future of the Empire. One day, a long time from now, every city in the Empire is going to be like Sarvos. And they're going to look back on us, at this moment here and now and they're going to know that we were the first and the best.&quot;<br /> <br /> His mood lightened somewhat as he refilled his drink, &quot;But she's a harsh mistress, civilisation. She has to be tended to like a pagan goddess - sacrificed to, even. From her first day to her last, the city will make it's demands, and its up to us to meet them without complaint or delay. In the end it's only our willingness to pay the cost of civilisation that separates us from the barbarians.&quot;<br /> <br /> The sun finally set in a riot of red and gold, framed by the towers and ships of the harbour.,<br /> <br /> &quot;Never assume that all this cannot end in an eyeblink. It can. Lostok thought differently, and all it took was one officer of the court and her stick to teach him different.&quot; <br /> <br /> Beyond them in the city thousands lanterns began twinkling into life as darkness fell. A chill touched the breeze and the table was silent for a moment, each person lost in their own thoughts.<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Pole-arms]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Magistrate%27s_Grasp&diff=16466 2013-01-27T18:45:57Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> The pole-arm is very useful for dealing with skirmishers. The superior reach it grants also makes it quite effective for neutralizing enemies armed with one-handed weapons. <br /> <br /> It is also a common piece of equipment carried by the ''badgers'' working with the Imperial Magistrates. One of the first [[Imperial Law#Magistrates and trials|magistrates]], the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] Arnost Whitehair, focused his attention on pursuing and capturing criminals. He equipped his lieutenants with these useful pole-arms, and the name has since stuck. One of the Imperial Magistrates usually takes custody of Arnost's artefact version of this weapon, using it as both a badge of office and as a statement that they will commit themselves to the capture of fugitives. <br /> <br /> On occasions where a magistrate's grasp is loaned to a group of volunteers, there is often an impromptu footrace to determine who will wield the weapon - the candidate who wins this race (which often includes obstacles to leap over or duck under) in armour and carrying a pole-arm is usually the one who is bonded to it.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Pole-arms|Pole-arms]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' You can use a [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]] to call [[Magic overview#ENTANGLE|ENTANGLE]] when you hit with this weapon.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a magistrate's grasp requires eleven ingots of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]], six ingots of [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]], six ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] and five measures of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> It was sundown and the light was a sparkling blaze on the waters of the bay of Catazarr. The Lostok case had been a long and painstaking investigation, and now that it was finally concluded, Magistrate Inskipp and his officers were enjoying the afterglow of justice in the gardens of the &lt;i&gt;Merrow's Marina&lt;/i&gt;. Several bottles of excellent Dawnish wine had already been emptied, leaving both the badgers and their master deep in their cups.<br /> <br /> &quot;It's good, chief, don't get me wrong, of course it's good. But we celebrate and we drink, and we all know that tomorrow or next week or next month another Lostok will take over exactly where this one finished. I just..., I sometimes wonder what the point is.&quot;<br /> <br /> Inskipp's face took up its accustomed scowl; the badgers sighed and poured themselves another drink as they prepared for a sermon. &quot;The point, Denarus, the bloody &lt;i&gt;point&lt;/i&gt; is all around you! You think a city like this just happens? &lt;i&gt;&quot;Just happens&quot;&lt;/i&gt; leaves you with ugly stone shitpiles like Oran, or joyless warehouse towns like Hedra.&quot;<br /> <br /> He gestured grandly with his goblet, slopping wine onto the finely mosaiced paving stones around the taverna, &quot;&lt;i&gt;This&lt;/i&gt; is civilisation, this is the future of the Empire. One day, a long time from now, every city in the Empire is going to be like Sarvos. And they're going to look back on us, at this moment here and now and they're going to know that we were the first and the best.&quot;<br /> <br /> His mood lightened somewhat as he refilled his drink, &quot;But she's a harsh mistress, civilisation. She has to be tended to like a pagan goddess - sacrificed to, even. From her first day to her last, the city will make it's demands, and its up to us to meet them without complaint or delay. In the end it's only our willingness to pay the cost of civilisation that separates us from the barbarians.&quot;<br /> <br /> The sun finally set in a riot of red and gold, framed by the towers and ships of the harbour.,<br /> <br /> &quot;Never assume that all this cannot end in an eyeblink. It can. Lostok thought differently, and all it took was one officer of the court and her stick to teach him different.&quot; <br /> <br /> A chill touched the breeze as it came in off the bay and night began to fall. Thousands of lanterns began to flicker into life across the city, and for a moment the table was silent as each person was lost in thought.<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Pole-arms]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Agramant%27s_Bargain&diff=16451 2013-01-27T15:46:34Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Description */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> These staves are usually made of dark pinewood, or carefully shaped and sanded oak bleached white. They are soaked and cleaned in a weak solution of beggar's lye, and carved with runes such as [[Kyrop]] and [[Lann]]. Many bear staring faces, skulls, or in the [[The Marches|Marches]] the appearance of carrion creatures such as rats and crows. They are usually unsettling things to look upon.<br /> <br /> They are sometimes called a ''[[Draughir]]'s Bargain''. Both names mean roughly the same thing - a bargain where both parties are weakened or harmed, but one of the parties is capable of enduring or mastering the pain or debilitation to the detriment of the other party.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Magic overview#Staffs|Staff]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' You may cast the [[Spell list#Paralysis|paralysis]] spell as if you knew it.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a wendigo's bargain requires seven measures of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;!--- Had to move IC-text as copy/paste error had put wrong spell on this staff, sorry. Raff ---&gt;<br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Staffs]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Seer%27s_Probe&diff=16291 2013-01-24T16:03:02Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> A seer's probe is most often a delicate length of pale wood around a core of iridescent gloaming and weltsilver, carefully with tempest jade to ensure it remains flexible and light. Inlays are often suggestive of the runes of [[Rune Overview#Runes of Day|day]] or [[Rune Overview#Runes of Night|night]], although [[Varushka|Varushkan]] artisans prefer to decorate the wand with images of spiders or squirrels. In [[Highguard]] it is sometimes called an ''[[Highguard history#Archivists|Archivist's]] Quill'', and constructed to suggest a writing implement, while in [[Urizen]] it is often crafted to suggest a key, and given a variety of evocative names such as ''Lorekeeper's Sigil''.<br /> <br /> The wand is of most use to investigators and scholars, who enhance their personal abilities with additional use of two valuable divinatory spells. It is often held between the thumb and two forefingers, as if it were a conductor's baton. It is clearly not intended for violent use - although in a pinch it can be used to deliver an unexpectedly robust magical assault.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Magic overview#wands|Wand]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' You can cast [[Spell list#Detect Magic|detect magic]] or [[Spell list#Voice for the Dead|voice for the dead]] three times each day in any combination without spending any mana.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a Seer's Probe requires seven portions of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]], five portions of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and three ingots of [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> “I'm so cold, captain, .. I..I can't feel my legs. I think I must be done for.”<br /> <br /> “Nonsense, lass. The surgeons are working on you now, the best money can buy. You'll be right as thronepence in no time. But I need you to concentrate now, and tell me how many enemy warriors there were in the pass. Hmm? Can you do that for your old Captain?”<br /> <br /> “It's hard...hard to remember. I can't see anything, Captain. Why can't I see anything?”<br /> <br /> “You've got a bandage, girl. Head wound. Best to leave it on – doctor's orders. Now, can you focus for me? How many orcs were there? How many orcs in the pass, Wiletta?”<br /> <br /> “Orcs? Yes, the orcs. There... there were too many. Ambushed us, dozens. Dozens and dozens. Too many. No time to fall back, tried to run...”<br /> <br /> “Good! Good girl, Wiletta. Well done!”<br /> <br /> “Did I do well, sir? I feel so strange, like I'm slipping away, like a great tide is pulling at me. What's happening, Captain, I...I...”<br /> <br /> “Shhh, Wiletta, let go now. Your work here is done, and your shares will be paid out to your next of kin...”<br /> <br /> He continued to mutter pleasantries to the girl's corpse until her croaking words began to fade away into silence, then stood up and brushed himself down. He turned to his adjutant, “Dozens, eh? Sounds like the main force - old “Broken-Teeth” must have taken the bait. Signal the scouts to begin torching the grass at the opposite end of the valley, then form everybody up for a defence in depth. They can't use full frontage on us here. As long as the wind holds, we'll catch them between hammer and anvil!”<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Wands]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Seer%27s_Probe&diff=16290 2013-01-24T16:02:04Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> A seer's probe is most often a delicate length of pale wood around a core of iridescent gloaming and weltsilver, carefully with tempest jade to ensure it remains flexible and light. Inlays are often suggestive of the runes of [[Rune Overview#Runes of Day|day]] or [[Rune Overview#Runes of Night|night]], although [[Varushka|Varushkan]] artisans prefer to decorate the wand with images of spiders or squirrels. In [[Highguard]] it is sometimes called an ''[[Highguard history#Archivists|Archivist's]] Quill'', and constructed to suggest a writing implement, while in [[Urizen]] it is often crafted to suggest a key, and given a variety of evocative names such as ''Lorekeeper's Sigil''.<br /> <br /> The wand is of most use to investigators and scholars, who enhance their personal abilities with additional use of two valuable divinatory spells. It is often held between the thumb and two forefingers, as if it were a conductor's baton. It is clearly not intended for violent use - although in a pinch it can be used to deliver an unexpectedly robust magical assault.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Magic overview#wands|Wand]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' You can cast [[Spell list#Detect Magic|detect magic]] or [[Spell list#Voice for the Dead|voice for the dead]] three times each day in any combination without spending any mana.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a Seer's Probe requires seven portions of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]], five portions of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and three ingots of [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> “I'm so cold, captain, .. I..I can't feel my legs. I think I must be done for.”<br /> <br /> “Nonsense, lass. The surgeons are working on you now, the best money can buy. You'll be right as thronepence in no time. But I need you to concentrate now, and tell me how many enemy warriors there were in the pass. Hmm? Can you do that for your old Captain?”<br /> <br /> “It's hard...hard to remember. I can't see anything, Captain. Why can't I see anything?”<br /> <br /> “You've got a bandage, girl. Head wound. Best to leave it on – doctor's orders. Now, can you focus for me? How many orcs were there? How many orcs in the pass, Wiletta?”<br /> <br /> “Orcs? Yes, the orcs. There... there were too many. Ambushed us, dozens. Dozens and dozens. Too many. No time to fall back, tried to run...”<br /> <br /> “Good! Good, girl, Wiletta. Well done!”<br /> <br /> “Did I do well, sir? I feel so strange, like I'm slipping away, like a great tide is pulling at me. What's happening, Captain, I...I...”<br /> <br /> “Shhh, Wiletta, let go now. Your work here is done, and your shares will be paid out to your next of kin...”<br /> <br /> He continued to mutter pleasantries to the girl's corpse until her croaking words began to fade away into silence, then stood up and brushed himself down. He turned to his adjutant, “Dozens, eh? Sounds like the main force - old “Broken-Teeth” must have taken the bait. Signal the scouts to begin torching the grass at the opposite end of the valley, then form everybody up for a defence in depth. They can't use full frontage on us here. As long as the wind holds, we'll catch them between hammer and anvil!”<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Wands]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Ring_of_Adversity&diff=16243 2013-01-24T11:12:47Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> The most common forms taken by a ring of adversity is either a single band marked with one each of the [[Runes]] of [[Runes#Runes of Spring|Spring]], [[Runes#Runes of Winter|Winter]] and [[Runes#Runes of Night|Night]] or a single ring formed of three interwoven bands, each of a different precious metal.<br /> <br /> These [[Rings in the League|rings]] are most common in the theatrical circles of [[the League]]. The leader of a [[troupe]] might offer this ring to a particularly valued performer-ritualist to guarantee their loyalty to the troupe. While those who play heroes are offered a [[Ring of Triumph]], these rings are offered to those who prefer to play the villains and specialise in more vicious rituals. Should a patron offer this ring to a player, it is usually devoid of any symbol which might reveal the patron's identity. An actor wearing an unmarked Ring of Adversity invites a torrent of speculation over who has sponsored them to perform curses and obfuscations on their behalf, heightening the audience's reaction to their villainous performances.<br /> <br /> Across the Empire, these are favoured by ritualists who like to experiment with a broad range of darker magics. Marchers tend to be suspicious of anyone who wears this ring, calling it ''[[The Marches magical traditions#Sorcery and the Threshers|Sorceror's]] Circle''. Kallavesi [[Mystic|Mystics]] and [[Highguard]] [[Magisters]] both take a more practical approach to the power this ring offers, particularly to lesser specialised ritualists who wish to assist their covens.[[Naga]] magicians are drawn to these rings, seeking to better control their birthright of the Night realm and to dabble in other realms which take their fancy.<br /> &lt;!-- Descriptive text contributed to by Zoe McAuley --&gt;<br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' Jewellery (Talisman)<br /> * '''Effect:''' Once per day you may use this ring to gain one additional rank of either Spring [[Magic overview#Ritual Lore|Lore]], Winter Lore or Night Lore for the purposes of performing a single ritual.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a ring of adversity requires nine measures of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]], nine measures of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]], six ingots of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and six measures of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;Anushka squeezed her eyes tightly shut and threw the last of her power into a blast of magical force which slammed into the dark, ragged figure, throwing him off balance and onto the treacherous lip of rock overlooking the waterfall. Close to collapse, she crawled towards him as he struggled to pull himself back from the brink. Her scrabbling hand found only a rock as a weapon, and without thinking she raised it high and then slammed it down against the cadaverous skull of the filthy Volodny who had withered the crops of her village with his foul magic. The first blow knocked him insensible, his eyes rolling back in their sockets, but she kept on, hammering again and again with a furious strength she didn't even know she possessed. When she finally came to her senses she was panting and covered in gore and bone, and the Volodny was as dead as any man could be.<br /> <br /> Shakily, the young Volhov got to her feet and tried to clear some of the gore clinging to her face, but her caked hands only made it worse. Grimacing, she reached for the dead mage's robe to clean herself, and that was when she saw it. About his finger was an exquisite ring, glistening with strands of magical metal and artistry. Beautiful and powerful, she knew what it was as soon as she laid eyes on it. <br /> <br /> She teased the ring from the Volodny's dead finger, grimacing at his long, filth-encrusted nails, and held it to the light. Beautiful, powerful, but unwholesome; she could feel the hungers of Winter, the wild lusts of Spring and the whispered promises of Night as she held it in her hand. To repair the damage the Volodny had done, she would need more power than she currently possessed. The ring promised it would be hers, along with so much more.<br /> <br /> She slipped it into a pocket, telling herself that she didn't need to decide now, but in her heart she knew the decision had already been made.&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Talismans]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Thundering_Mace&diff=16233 2013-01-24T10:50:41Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> These weapons strike with incredible force. The tempest jade inlaid into the head and handle enhance the weapon's momentum and hurl the enemy to the ground - sometimes literally lifting them off the ground with the power of the blow before bringing them crashing back down to earth, prone and vulnerable. Many foes are unprepared for the mighty blow this weapon can strike, and the moment of fear and confusion coupled with their disadvantageous position makes them easy prey for any follow up strikes.<br /> <br /> Several magistrates are known to maintain a small stock of these weapons, issued to trusted adjutants and investigators for the express purpose of preventing suspected criminals from evading capture. In some quarters, they may be called a ''Watchman's Rod'' or more informally a ''Culpritbane Cudgel''.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#One-handed Weapon|One-handed Weapon]]. Despite the name any one-handed weapon may be a thundering mace.<br /> * '''Effect:''' Once per day, you may spend a [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]] to call [[Combat#STRIKEDOWN|STRIKEDOWN]] with this weapon.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a thundering mace requires seven units of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and seven ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;&quot;Correction, the magistrate &lt;i&gt;thinks&lt;/i&gt; he has a stock of Thundering Maces in the locked chest in his basement - what he actually has is a pile of driftwood fished from the river. I swapped those maces with Big Aldo, the quartermaster in the Greenapples free company, for a sack of officer's uniforms that were on their way to be laundered. As you know, the Greenapples run security for the &lt;i&gt;Grandiose&lt;/i&gt; playhouse, so we use those uniforms to infiltrate during their busiest time of day and make our way to the third floor, where the troupe keep their ritual paraphernalia. Spiro here will run a &lt;i&gt;Bishop's Bloomers&lt;/i&gt; wheeze to keep all the attention up front while Carlotta and I pick the locks make our way inside. Once we get in then we swipe everything and leave a glove so they know it was the Flash Hand mob that done the job, before exiting via the stage door onto the waiting canal boat!&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;An ingenious plan, Fortenza, with just one small flaw.&quot;<br /> The mountebank gasped as he turned towards the doorway where Magistrate Inskipp stood, glowering. Five burly bravos in deputised city colours stood at his back, each one wielding a fierce looking cudgel of green metal.<br /> &quot;You see, Fortenza, I still have my stock of Thundering Maces - what you gave to Aldo were five excellent props, supplied by the players of the &lt;i&gt;Grandiose&lt;/i&gt; when they learned that you were planning to rob them.&quot;<br /> Fortenza could only gape, mouth opening and closing in horror as the steel manacles were brought forth and placed on his arms. How could all his work, all his plans have come to ruin so quickly? The entire Flash Hand mob pinched at once, they'd never recover from this...<br /> <br /> &quot;You'll have your day in court, of course.&quot; Inskipp leaned in, &quot;But in the meantime you'll be sharing a cell with Big Aldo, and he's not too pleased with you at present&quot;<br /> <br /> Inskipp allowed a rare smile to cross his craggy features, &quot;Take them away, boys!&quot;<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:One-handed Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Thundering_Mace&diff=16232 2013-01-24T10:50:19Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> These weapons strike with incredible force. The tempest jade inlaid into the head and handle enhance the weapon's momentum and hurl the enemy to the ground - sometimes literally lifting them off the ground with the power of the blow before bringing them crashing back down to earth, prone and vulnerable. Many foes are unprepared for the mighty blow this weapon can strike, and the moment of fear and confusion coupled with their disadvantageous position makes them easy prey for any follow up strikes.<br /> <br /> Several magistrates are known to maintain a small stock of these weapons, issued to trusted adjutants and investigators for the express purpose of preventing suspected criminals from evading capture. In some quarters, they may be called a ''Watchman's Rod'' or more informally a ''Culpritbane Cudgel''.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#One-handed Weapon|One-handed Weapon]]. Despite the name any one-handed weapon may be a thundering mace.<br /> * '''Effect:''' Once per day, you may spend a [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]] to call [[Combat#STRIKEDOWN|STRIKEDOWN]] with this weapon.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a thundering mace requires seven units of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and seven ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;&quot;Correction, the magistrate &lt;i&gt;thinks&lt;/i&gt; he has a stock of Thundering Maces in the locked chest in his basement - what he actually has is a pile of driftwood fished from the river. I swapped those maces with Big Aldo, the quartermaster in the Greenapples free company, for a sack of officer's uniforms that were on their way to be laundered. As you know, the Greenapples run security for the &lt;i&gt;Grandiose&lt;/i&gt; playhouse, so we use those uniforms to infiltrate during their busiest time of day and make our way to the third floor, where the troupe keep their ritual paraphernalia. Spiro here will run a &lt;i&gt;Bishop's Bloomers&lt;/i&gt; wheeze to keep all the attention up front while Carlotta and I pick the locks make our way inside. Once we get in then we swipe everything and leave a glove so they know it was the Flash Hand mob that done the job, before exiting via the stage door onto the waiting canal boat!&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;An ingenious plan, Fortenza, with just one small flaw.&quot;<br /> The Mountebank gasped as he turned towards the doorway where Magistrate Inskipp stood, glowering. Five burly bravos in deputised city colours stood at his back, each one wielding a fierce looking cudgel of green metal.<br /> &quot;You see, Fortenza, I still have my stock of Thundering Maces - what you gave to Aldo were five excellent props, supplied by the players of the &lt;i&gt;Grandiose&lt;/i&gt; when they learned that you were planning to rob them.&quot;<br /> Fortenza could only gape, mouth opening and closing in horror as the steel manacles were brought forth and placed on his arms. How could all his work, all his plans have come to ruin so quickly? The entire Flash Hand mob pinched at once, they'd never recover from this...<br /> <br /> &quot;You'll have your day in court, of course.&quot; Inskipp leaned in, &quot;But in the meantime you'll be sharing a cell with Big Aldo, and he's not too pleased with you at present&quot;<br /> <br /> Inskipp allowed a rare smile to cross his craggy features, &quot;Take them away, boys!&quot;<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:One-handed Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Vowkeeper&diff=16225 2013-01-24T10:37:41Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> These magical bows have been used for centuries by battlefield archers, skirmishers and scouts. It is traditional to whisper promises and secrets to the bow, and some mystically inclined archers swear that their arrows fly truer when they speak an oath or remind the bow of a past promise just before they loose their arrow.<br /> <br /> In the [[The League|League]] an oathkeeper is sometimes called a ''final word'', but often the crossbow is given an ironic or fanciful name such as ''diplomacy'' or ''compelling argument'' referencing the ability of the crossbow to bring a conflict to a speedy conclusion. While a crossbow is often seen as a more pragmatic weapon than a longbow, many of the master archers of the League continue the practice of whispering oaths before firing it.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Bow|Bow]].<br /> * '''Effect:'''You gain one additional [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]].<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting an oathkeeper requires ten ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]], seven measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and seven measures of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;!--- Credit for text ---&gt;<br /> &lt;ic&gt;The gruff Holberger wasn't much to look at; a rheumy old bravo with a red-veined nose and a moustache you could lose a cat in. Paunch hung in a roll over his worn belt, and the battered pipe jutting from the corner of his mouth emitted clouds of fumes at seemingly random intervals. This, &lt;i&gt;this&lt;/i&gt;, was Albrecht Heynes? The deadliest shot ever to come out of Holberg? The hero of the Graf's Gate massacre?<br /> <br /> &quot;According to my information, Signeur Bartelli, this is the man you want by your side if you are planning an expedition into barbarian territory.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;Your sources had better be right, Martellus&quot; put in the young man sourly as he adjusted his finery, &quot;If this is a waste of my time they'll be trying to find you a new cicisbeo position come the morning.&quot;<br /> <br /> Albrecht wiped the beer foam from his moustache as the two guilders sat down at his table, uninvited. He belched loudly into the younger one's face and then grinned at his rat-faced companion, &quot;Tell me the particulars, I'll name a price. You don't like the price you can go bugger yourself with a splintered broom-handle, because I don't negotiate.&quot;<br /> The young arse began to splutter about who he was and why he couldn't be talked to like that; all the usual palaver. Albrecht reached over and casually slapped him.<br /> <br /> &quot;Good manners? I don't have them, never needed them. I'm the best at what I do, and that's all that should matter to you. You want someone or something killed, and I can do that. So tell me the details, I'll give you a price - payable in advance, of course.&quot; <br /> He puffed out another cloud of noxious weed-smoke, &quot;And if you're thinking of having your two apes in the corner there come over and help teach me some manners, how long do you think they'll keep fighting after I pin your balls to the bench?&quot; He pulled the beautifully intricate crossbow known as &lt;i&gt;Final Offer&lt;/i&gt; out from under the table where it had been hiding, fully loaded and very deadly. &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Other Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Legendary_beasts&diff=16197 2013-01-24T09:15:33Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Griffon in Play */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> Not everything exists in the Empire closed-world campaign, but some magical creatures are quite real. While this section talks about using parts of these legendary beasts in costume, or their parts in magic, it shouldn't be taken to be an endorsement of that practice in the real world.<br /> <br /> Legendary beasts are often used in magic; a magician can evoke the spirit or qualities of a legendary beast when performing magic that grants special characteristics to an ally. For example the chimera and the unicorn both may be evoked when casting a spell or ritual to [[Spell list#Empower|empower]] a comrade, while the yale or the hydra may be mentioned when a [[Spell list#Heal|healing]] spell is cast.<br /> <br /> ==Gryphon==<br /> The gryphon is a beast that combines the aspect of an eagle and a lion. They are about the size of an adult [[Mundane beasts#Oxen|ox]] with the forequarters of a great bird of prey and the hindquarters of a predatory cat. Despite their size they are not built to be ridden' there are tales of slightly built heroes and children riding on the back of gryphons but they are almost certainly fanciful. It is doubtful a gryphon could get off the ground with a rider, and even less doubtful that they would tolerate one for any period of time.<br /> <br /> An adult gryphon is a match for an armoured knight. Their sharp talons tear through light armour to deliver crippling injuries. They favour hilly and mountainous areas that overlook fertile plains. A pride of gryphon will hunt across a large area, and they have been known to be a nuisance to animal herders in their territory. They mostly avoid humans but they are noted for their ferocity when threatened. They are particularly defensive of their young (which are born live, rather than in eggs) and there are stories of a pride tracking someone who has injured one of their cubs across hundreds of miles. They are capable of coordinated tactics, and work together to bring down larger prey; legends from [[Wintermark]] speak of the now-extinct gryphons of the mountains to the west of [[Skarsind]] hunting and bringing down adult mammoths. <br /> <br /> These majestic beasts are very rare within the Empire; there are a few prides on the lower slopes of [[Urizen]] and the mountains of southern [[Kharaman]] but otherwise they have been hunted and driven out of areas claimed by Imperial citizens. Much larger specimens are believed to be found in the [[Realm]] of [[Summer]], immense creatures that are powerful enough to be ridden by the [[Eternals]] of that realm; the gryphons of Summer are said to be intelligent, and capable of conversing. Their relationship, if any, to the beast found in the mortal realm is not known.<br /> <br /> The gryphon is used extensively in the [[heraldry]] of [[Dawn]]. It is an enduring symbol of victory, prowess, pride and potency, and is strongly identified with the [[Rune overview#Runes of Summer|runes]] of Summer. Some [[Suaq]] hunters paint gryphons on their leather to draw on their powerful senses and hunting abilities. There is also some small trade in gryphon parts; magicians use feathers in rituals designed to grant strength, courage or pride and [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]] are known to work talons, hide, bones and feathers into the construction of some enchanted items.<br /> <br /> ====Gryphon in Play====<br /> Gryphon provably exist. They are dangerous opponents, and their ability to fly makes them difficult to fight. It's worth reiterating that they don't serve as steeds; a gryphon would throw someone who tried to ride it onto the ground then tear them apart. They are rare in the Empire, but it is perfectly acceptable to roleplay that fur, feathers or talons are pieces from a gryphon, or to use pieces of them in ritual magic<br /> <br /> ==Unicorn==<br /> A unicorn is a horse with a single spiral horn on the forehead, usually with a goat's beard and cloven hooves. They are often white, although not exclusively so. They represent strength, ferocity and nobility of spirit. They are characterised as gentle in peace and implacable warriors in battle. According to stories, unicorns have the ability to variously sense &quot;evil&quot;, [[Malign Spiritual Presences|malignant spirits]], cowardice and in some cases unvirtuous souls and attack them without mercy. They also appear in tales as protectors of the innocent, defending lone children from the depredations of monsters or bandits, or aiding those who have been wronged to gain justice from their persecutors. All of these things are just stories, however.<br /> <br /> Unicorns do not exist in the mortal realm. [[Highguard|Highborn]] [[Highguard military concerns|cataphracts]] sometimes equipped their war horses with armour designed to evoke the image of the unicorn, with specially reinforced headpieces as part of their barding, but the horns were largely ceremonial. This unicorn barding was popular with the limited Dawnish cavalry, and some pieces are still preserved in both nations as relics of a bygone age.<br /> <br /> These beautiful beasts are used in the heraldry of Daw as symbols of pride and courage. They are quintessentially noble creatures, proud and regal on the one hand, ferocious and brave on the other. A black unicorn is sometimes used to suggest great passion, while blue and violet unicorns have been used in a few places to represent houses that have a higher-than-normal proportion of [[Dawn magical traditions|War Witches]] among their number.<br /> <br /> As with many legendary beasts, unicorns are said to exist in the Realm of Summer. Some Eternals possess rods and wands that they claim are made from the horns of unicorns, but there is no real way to verify this.<br /> <br /> ====Unicorns in Play====<br /> Unicorns are not real. It is perfectly fine to have pieces that you claim come from a unicorn, but such artefacts are not actually from this legendary beast - a unicorn horn is likely to be a carved mammoth tusk, for example. People who claim to have seen unicorns are often pitied, but it must be said that there are plenty of tales of people who swear they've seen the beasts in the wilderness. Claiming to have seen or ridden a unicorn is analagous to claiming to have been abucted by aliens in the real world.<br /> <br /> ===Winged Horses===<br /> A horse with wings is an enduring image. Sometimes depicted as a hippalectryon (a creature with the forequarters of a horse and the hindquarters of a rooster) or a hippogryph (a creature like a gryphon but with the body and tail of a horse rather than a lion), it is a symbol of speed, grace and pride. Sometimes armoured knights are shown mounted on these creatures, often swooping down on their enemies with devastating effect.<br /> <br /> The winged horse, like the unicorn, is referenced in early cavalry. Leather barding was often crafted to suggest wings, drawing attention to the incredible speeds a mounted rider could achieve..They are used in heraldry and art, often representing pride, loyalty, grace or ambition.<br /> <br /> ====Winged Horses in Play====<br /> Sadly these creatures are entirely fictional. Humans still dream of riding flying mounts into the sky, of aerial cavalry that can strike with pinpoint accuracy into the heart of enemy forces ... but dreams are all they have.<br /> <br /> ==Chimera==<br /> The term chimera is used to describe any number of creatures that combine the parts of three or more animals. The traditional chimera appears as a lion with two heads - the second being that of a goat, stag or a dragon - with a tail that ends in a serpent's head, often possessing metallic scales on the forequarters. They are often shown as having wings. When presented in heraldry, there are many other versions of this beast incorporating different animals, lacking wings, having more than four legs and so on.<br /> <br /> In stories they are ferocious monsters, usually encountered singly, and usually representing some terrible challenge that has claimed the lives of many other heroes. They sometimes appear in [[Varushka|Varushkan]] folk-tales as extremely destructive forces that must be tamed by cleverness - Varushkan chimera are usually wingless but often capable of speech, but presented as monumentally stupid and easily duped. In the stories, the chimera is usually tricked a symbolic three times before it is ultimately defeated and either killed by some natural force (drowning, being caught in a landslide or burnt alive in a forest fire of its own creation) or tamed and made to serve the wise heroine in the completion of further tasks.<br /> <br /> The chimera is a legendary symbol of a ferocious, dangerous opponent that is supremely adaptable to battle, whether tearing into an opponent with it's talons, poisoning them with it's serpentine tail, terrorizing them with it's roar or knocking them prone with an overwhelming charge. In some legends the chimera can even breathe fire or spit poison, adding a ranged component to it's deadly arsenal. In the heraldry of [[Dawn]] it is used by houses that are especially proud of their battlefield prowess. As with the unicorn, the chimera is sometimes evoked by those casting spells designed to [[Spell list#Empower|empower]] their allies with martial prowess.<br /> <br /> ====Chimera in Play====<br /> Chimera do not appear to be real.<br /> <br /> ==Firebird==<br /> The firebird, also known as the phoenix, is a massive bird of prey that burns with the light of the sun. Some version depict them as being close to great hawks, while others have more of the appearance of a bird-of-paradise. They are strongly associated with fire, and according to legends their feathers continue to burn even when removed from the beast, providing enough light to illuminate a room, lead a hero through a dark night, or keep predatory monsters at bay. Depending on the story the firebird may be able to burn enemies with it's gaze or the slash of its talons.<br /> <br /> The phoenix is a variant of the firebird; the phoenix is said to be very long lived, and when it dies it is consumed in a conflagration of irresistible flame. This creature is sometimes seen as a symbol of [[reincarnation]]; some priests of the Way consider this to be blasphemous and claim that the phoenix ''actually'' represents the idea of resurrection. The bird is reborn not as a new bird, but as a younger incarnation of the same creature. When these legendary beasts appear in stories they are usually presented as being very wise, and possessed of the power of speech; as such they are sometimes connected to the [[Realm]] of [[Day]]..<br /> <br /> The typical role of a firebird is as the object of a difficult quest. It is also a powerful metaphor for ambition - while the hero aspires to capture a firebird, he must take care not to be consumed by its magical flames. The phoenix is often sought in a story in the role of a magical sage whose many lifetimes It is often used in the heraldry of [[Dawn]] to suggest ambition, or wisdom.<br /> <br /> ====Firebirds in Play====<br /> There do not seem to be any real firebirds in the Empire. There are stories of firebirds existing in foreign lands, but these are not verified.<br /> <br /> ==Yale==<br /> The yale is usually depicted as a goat- or antelope-like creature with massive curling horns and a body spotted like that of a leopard, often with a lion-like tail and occasionally with clawed feet instead of hooves. While sometimes dismissed as being comical, they are used in heraldry to present both the idea of a house whose strength is underestimated, and a house that is proud of its ability to defend its territory and its people. Their goat-like characteristics are greatly exaggerated, and so the yale comes to symbolise great tenacity, stubbornness or a refusal to give in despite the odds.<br /> <br /> Some images depict the yale as having a more feline appearance. like a large horned leopard. <br /> <br /> While the yale is often believed to be entirely fictional within the Empire, it actually exists in foreign parts. The spotted antelope-like creature does indeed have clawed feet, and is known to live in hot, scrubby grassland. They are omnivorous creatures hunted by certain foreigners and prized for their horns and spotted hides.<br /> <br /> ====Yale in Play====<br /> Yale are not found in the Empire, but parts of them are imported by traders. It is fine to claim that horn and spotted furs are parts of a yale.<br /> <br /> ===Centaur===<br /> A centaur is the body of a horse with the torso, arms and head of a human replacing the head. They are symbols that combine the strength and dignity of the horse with the skill and intelligence of a man. Some versions present a more slender creature with a body clsoer to that of a deer, often with the pointed-ears and spiral birthmarks of a [[Changeling]].<br /> <br /> A centaur bedecked in plate with a shield and lance is a powerful symbol of nobility, and is popular in the heraldry of a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Knight-errant]]. Some priests object to this union of human and animal characteristics as being inappropriate, but their complaints are rarely taken very seriously.<br /> <br /> ====Centaurs in Play====<br /> Sadly these creatures are fictional. While creatures that seem to combine human and animal characteristics certainly exist, the centaur does not.<br /> <br /> ===Winged Serpents===<br /> The winged serpent or amphiptere is a great scaled snake with bat- or bird-like wings. They are sometimes shown covered in feathers, at other times they may possess a scorpion-like stinger. They never have arms or legs. They are used in [[Dawn|Dawnish]] heraldry as symbols for cleverness and mystical insight.<br /> <br /> The winged serpent does not exist in the mortal world, but is said to be the natural form of the [[Eternal|Eternals]] of the [[Realm]] of [[Night]]. As a consequence, it is sometimes used on the heraldry of houses that have a higher-than-usual population of [[Naga]]. Outside the Empire, a species of flying serpent called a ''jaculi'' is known to exist in tropical jungles. No longer than a man's arm, with brightly coloured scales and feathered wings, they are said to glide between trees and to possess a painful, but rarely deadly, sting.<br /> <br /> ====Winged Serpents in Play====<br /> These creatures are Eternals and so might be encountered in the same way that other eternals are. Jaculi are rare in the Empire, but it is not impossible for a character to have encountered them or to have some relic of them from a trip to foreign parts.<br /> <br /> ==Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms==<br /> TBC. probably they need their own page.<br /> <br /> ====Dragon in Play====<br /> TBC. <br /> <br /> [[Category:Bestiary]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Tombshroud_Guardian&diff=16166 2013-01-23T14:52:08Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> The most common group of [[Highguard|Highborn]] [[Highguard military concerns|guardians]] who wear this mithril plate armour are the protectors of the [[Necropolis]]. The armour forged in that shrouded city is often [[Priest skills#Hallow|hallowed]] by priests of [[Vigilance]]m even when it is worn by guardians from other [[chapters]]. According to popular belief, when the armour is used dead spirits who have yet to pass into the [[The Labyrinth of Ages and the Paragons and Exemplars|labyrinth of ages]] are drawn to the wearer and offer a little of their essence to revitalise him in whatever battle he is engaged.<br /> <br /> Building on these legends, the [[Imperial Orcs]] call this armour a ''shaman's beacon''. They claim that when they call on the revitalizing energy bound into the armour their renewed energy comes from their [[Imperial Orcs religious beliefs#Ancestors and hero points|ancestors]], and they often hear them more clearly than normal when they evoke its power. <br /> <br /> Outside of Highguard, the tombsteel guardian is as likely to be mithril chain as it is mithril plate, and occasionally it is made of heavy segmented leather finished with ambergelt resin and carefully inlaid with weltsilver. Scouts, spies, merchants and other people who must often operate by themselves for long periods of time favour this armour because it provides vital healing when a situation turns unexpectedly deadly.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Medium Armour|Medium Armour]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' Twice per day you may use the [[Heroic skills#Second Wind|second wind]] skill.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting tombsteel guardian armour requires fifteen ingots of [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]], nine ingots of [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]], nine measures of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]], seven measures of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]] and four ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=HighArmour4.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings|width=187|align=right}}<br /> &lt;!--- Credit for text ---&gt;<br /> &lt;ic&gt;&quot;You'll have plenty of time to sleep when you're dead. Until then, on your feet, soldier!&quot;&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Medium Armour]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Thundering_Mace&diff=16165 2013-01-23T14:47:18Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> These weapons strike with incredible force. The tempest jade inlaid into the head and handle enhance the weapon's momentum and hurl the enemy to the ground - sometimes literally lifting them off the ground with the power of the blow before bringing them crashing back down to earth, prone and vulnerable. Many foes are unprepared for the mighty blow this weapon can strike, and the moment of fear and confusion coupled with their disadvantageous position makes them easy prey for any follow up strikes.<br /> <br /> Several magistrates are known to maintain a small stock of these weapons, issued to trusted adjutants and investigators for the express purpose of preventing suspected criminals from evading capture. In some quarters, they may be called a ''Watchman's Rod'' or more informally a ''Culpritbane Cudgel''.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#One-handed Weapon|One-handed Weapon]]. Despite the name any one-handed weapon may be a thundering mace.<br /> * '''Effect:''' Once per day, you may spend a [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]] to call [[Combat#STRIKEDOWN|STRIKEDOWN]] with this weapon.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a thundering mace requires seven units of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and seven ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;&quot;Correction, the magistrate &lt;i&gt;thinks&lt;/i&gt; he has a stock of Thundering Maces in the locked chest in his basement - what he actually has is a pile of driftwood fished from the river. I swapped those maces with Big Aldo, the quartermaster in the Greenapples free company, for a sack of officer's uniforms that were on their way to be laundered. As you know, the Greenapples run security for the &lt;i&gt;Grandiose&lt;/i&gt; playhouse, so we use those uniforms to infiltrate during their busiest time of day and make our way to the third floor, where the troupe keep their ritual paraphernalia. Spiro here will run a &lt;i&gt;Bishop's Bloomers&lt;/i&gt; wheeze to keep all the attention up front while Carlotta and I pick the locks make our way inside. Once we get in then we swipe everything and leave a glove so they know it was the Flash Hand mob that done the job, before exiting via the stage door onto the waiting canal boat...&quot;&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:One-handed Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Thundering_Mace&diff=16164 2013-01-23T14:46:54Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> These weapons strike with incredible force. The tempest jade inlaid into the head and handle enhance the weapon's momentum and hurl the enemy to the ground - sometimes literally lifting them off the ground with the power of the blow before bringing them crashing back down to earth, prone and vulnerable. Many foes are unprepared for the mighty blow this weapon can strike, and the moment of fear and confusion coupled with their disadvantageous position makes them easy prey for any follow up strikes.<br /> <br /> Several magistrates are known to maintain a small stock of these weapons, issued to trusted adjutants and investigators for the express purpose of preventing suspected criminals from evading capture. In some quarters, they may be called a ''Watchman's Rod'' or more informally a ''Culpritbane Cudgel''.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#One-handed Weapon|One-handed Weapon]]. Despite the name any one-handed weapon may be a thundering mace.<br /> * '''Effect:''' Once per day, you may spend a [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]] to call [[Combat#STRIKEDOWN|STRIKEDOWN]] with this weapon.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a thundering mace requires seven units of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and seven ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;&quot;Correction, the magistrate &lt;i&gt;thinks&lt;/i&gt; he has a stock of Thundering Maces in the locked chest in his basement, what he actually has is a pile of driftwood fished from the river. I swapped those maces with Big Aldo, the quartermaster in the Greenapples free company, for a sack of officer's uniforms that were on their way to be laundered. As you know, the Greenapples run security for the &lt;i&gt;Grandiose&lt;/i&gt; playhouse, so we use those uniforms to infiltrate during their busiest time of day and make our way to the third floor, where the troupe keep their ritual paraphernalia. Spiro here will run a &lt;i&gt;Bishop's Bloomers&lt;/i&gt; wheeze to keep all the attention up front while Carlotta and I pick the locks make our way inside. Once we get in then we swipe everything and leave a glove so they know it was the Flash Hand mob that done the job, before exiting via the stage door onto the waiting canal boat...&quot;&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:One-handed Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Thundering_Mace&diff=16158 2013-01-23T14:32:23Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Description */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> These weapons strike with incredible force. The tempest jade inlaid into the head and handle enhance the weapon's momentum and hurl the enemy to the ground - sometimes literally lifting them off the ground with the power of the blow before bringing them crashing back down to earth, prone and vulnerable. Many foes are unprepared for the mighty blow this weapon can strike, and the moment of fear and confusion coupled with their disadvantageous position makes them easy prey for any follow up strikes.<br /> <br /> Several magistrates are known to maintain a small stock of these weapons, issued to trusted adjutants and investigators for the express purpose of preventing suspected criminals from evading capture. In some quarters, they may be called a ''Watchman's Rod'' or more informally a ''Culpritbane Cudgel''.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#One-handed Weapon|One-handed Weapon]]. Despite the name any one-handed weapon may be a thundering mace.<br /> * '''Effect:''' Once per day, you may spend a [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]] to call [[Combat#STRIKEDOWN|STRIKEDOWN]] with this weapon.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a thundering mace requires seven units of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and seven ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:One-handed Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Vowkeeper&diff=16155 2013-01-23T14:23:31Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> These magical bows have been used for centuries by battlefield archers, skirmishers and scouts. It is traditional to whisper promises and secrets to the bow, and some mystically inclined archers swear that their arrows fly truer when they speak an oath or remind the bow of a past promise just before they loose their arrow.<br /> <br /> In the [[The League|League]] an oathkeeper is sometimes called a ''final word'', but often the crossbow is given an ironic or fanciful name such as ''diplomacy'' or ''compelling argument'' referencing the ability of the crossbow to bring a conflict to a speedy conclusion. While a crossbow is often seen as a more pragmatic weapon than a longbow, many of the master archers of the League continue the practice of whispering oaths before firing it.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Bow|Bow]].<br /> * '''Effect:'''You gain one additional [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]].<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting an oathkeeper requires ten ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]], seven measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and seven measures of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;!--- Credit for text ---&gt;<br /> &lt;ic&gt;The gruff Holberger wasn't much to look at; a rheumy old bravo with a red-veined nose and a moustache you could lose a cat in. Paunch hung in a roll over his worn belt, and the battered pipe jutting from the corner of his mouth emitted clouds of fumes at seemingly random intervals. This, &lt;i&gt;this&lt;/i&gt;, was Albrecht Heynes? The deadliest shot ever to come out of Holberg? The hero of the Graf's Gate massacre?<br /> <br /> &quot;According to my information, Signeur Bartelli, this is the man you want by your side if you are planning an expedition into enemy territory.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;Your sources had better be right, Martellus&quot; put in the young man sourly as he adjusted his finery, &quot;If this is a waste of my time they'll be trying to find you a new cicisbeo position come the morning.&quot;<br /> <br /> Albrecht wiped the beer foam from his moustache as the two guilders sat down at his table, uninvited. He belched loudly into the younger one's face and then grinned at his rat-faced companion, &quot;Tell me the particulars, I'll name a price. You don't like the price you can go bugger yourself with a splintered broom-handle, because I don't negotiate.&quot;<br /> The young arse began to splutter about who he was and why he couldn't be talked to like that; all the usual palaver. Albrecht reached over and casually slapped him.<br /> <br /> &quot;Good manners? I don't have them, never needed them. I'm the best at what I do, and that's all that should matter to you. You want someone or something killed, and I can do that. So tell me the details, I'll give you a price - payable in advance, of course.&quot; <br /> He puffed out another cloud of noxious weed-smoke, &quot;And if you're thinking of having your two apes in the corner there come over and help teach me some manners, how long do you think they'll keep fighting after I pin your balls to the bench?&quot; He pulled the beautifully intricate crossbow known as &lt;i&gt;Final Offer&lt;/i&gt; out from under the table where it had been hiding, fully loaded and very deadly. &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Other Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Vowkeeper&diff=16153 2013-01-23T14:19:55Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> These magical bows have been used for centuries by battlefield archers, skirmishers and scouts. It is traditional to whisper promises and secrets to the bow, and some mystically inclined archers swear that their arrows fly truer when they speak an oath or remind the bow of a past promise just before they loose their arrow.<br /> <br /> In the [[The League|League]] an oathkeeper is sometimes called a ''final word'', but often the crossbow is given an ironic or fanciful name such as ''diplomacy'' or ''compelling argument'' referencing the ability of the crossbow to bring a conflict to a speedy conclusion. While a crossbow is often seen as a more pragmatic weapon than a longbow, many of the master archers of the League continue the practice of whispering oaths before firing it.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Bow|Bow]].<br /> * '''Effect:'''You gain one additional [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]].<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting an oathkeeper requires ten ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]], seven measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and seven measures of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;!--- Credit for text ---&gt;<br /> &lt;ic&gt;The gruff Holberger wasn't much to look at; a rheumy old bravo with a red-veined nose and a moustache you could lose a cat in. Paunch hung in a roll over his worn belt, and the battered pipe jutting from the corner of his mouth emitted clouds of fumes at seemingly random intervals. This, &lt;i&gt;this&lt;/i&gt;, was Albrecht Heynes? The deadliest shot ever to come out of Holberg? The hero of the Graf's Gate massacre?<br /> <br /> &quot;According to my information, Signeur Bartelli, this is the man you want by your side if you are planning a dangerous expedition.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;Your sources had better be right, Martellus&quot; put in the young man sourly as he adjusted his finery, &quot;If this is a waste of my time they'll be trying to find you a new cicisbeo position come the morning.&quot;<br /> <br /> Albrecht wiped the beer foam from his moustache as the two guilders sat down at his table, uninvited. He belched loudly into the younger one's face and then grinned at his rat-faced companion, &quot;Tell me the particulars, I'll name a price. You don't like the price you can go bugger yourself with a splintered broom-handle, because I don't negotiate.&quot;<br /> The young arse began to splutter about who he was and why he couldn't be talked to like that; all the usual palaver. Albrecht reached over and casually slapped him.<br /> <br /> &quot;Good manners? I don't have them, never needed them. I'm the best at what I do, and that's all that should matter to you. You want someone or something killed, and I can do that. So tell me the details, I'll give you a price - payable in advance, of course.&quot; <br /> He puffed out another cloud of noxious weed-smoke, &quot;And if you're thinking of having your two apes in the corner there come over and help teach me some manners, how long do you think they'll keep fighting after I pin your balls to the bench?&quot; He pulled the beautifully intricate crossbow known as &lt;i&gt;Final Offer&lt;/i&gt; out from under the table where it had been hiding, fully loaded and very deadly. &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Other Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Runemark_Shirt&diff=16149 2013-01-23T09:23:40Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> A runemark shirt is a light hauberk or harness of padded cloth or thin leather. However, its true power lies in its ability to inspire the wearer. The appearance of these shirts varies greatly across the Empire but most bear symbols important to the wearer, emblems of organisations or ideas they believe in and can drive them to greatness. Bonding to these shirts can lead to an even greater devotion to the cause depicted, as they fill the wearer with [[pride]] and [[courage]]. <br /> <br /> Those made in [[Wintermark]] most closely live up to the name ''Runemark Shirt'', bearing [[Verys]], the rune of might, and other [[runes]] important to the wearer, such as runes associated with their lineage or favoured virtue. The presence of the runes in general remind the Winterfolk of their rich mystical heritage.<br /> <br /> In [[Varushka]] the ''Runemark Shirt'' is more likely to depict [[Varushka religious beliefs#The Virtuous Animals|animals]], particularly bears, boars and hounds.<br /> <br /> While the [[Imperial Orcs]] will obviously work their personal [[Imperial Orcs|legion]] [[Imperial_Orcs_hearth_magic#Symbols|symbol]] into the crafting of the armour. Some take particular pride in wearing runemark shirts bearing the image of the Imperial [[Horses|Horse]], proclaiming that their greatest inspiration is the Empire as a whole, rather than any small part of it.<br /> <br /> Other nations decorate them with their own favoured symbols such as [[Dawn culture and customs#Heraldry|Dawnish heraldry]], the symbols of their [[chapter]], or whatever it takes to inspire the wearer to push themselves to greater deeds. <br /> &lt;!-- Descriptive text contributed to by Zoe McAuley --&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Light Armour|Light Armour]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' While wearing this armour, you gain 1 [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]].<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a runemark shirt requires twelve ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]], six ingots of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]] and six units of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;&quot;Forgive me, ancestors, but you are wrong. I shall prove our worth to my brothers and sisters in the Legion. I shall prove our worth to the the humans that look on us with fear and mistrust. And I shall prove our worth to you as well, even if I have to cross the Abyss to do it.&quot;&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Light Armour]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Vowkeeper&diff=16139 2013-01-22T18:31:10Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> These magical bows have been used for centuries by battlefield archers, skirmishers and scouts. It is traditional to whisper promises and secrets to the bow, and some mystically inclined archers swear that their arrows fly truer when they speak an oath or remind the bow of a past promise just before they loose their arrow.<br /> <br /> In the [[The League|League]] an oathkeeper is sometimes called a ''final word'', but often the crossbow is given an ironic or fanciful name such as ''diplomacy'' or ''compelling argument'' referencing the ability of the crossbow to bring a conflict to a speedy conclusion. While a crossbow is often seen as a more pragmatic weapon than a longbow, many of the master archers of the League continue the practice of whispering oaths before firing it.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Bow|Bow]].<br /> * '''Effect:'''You gain one additional [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]].<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting an oathkeeper requires ten ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]], seven measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and seven measures of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;!--- Credit for text ---&gt;<br /> &lt;ic&gt;The gruff Holberger wasn't much to look at; a rheumy old bravo with a veined red nose and a silver moustache you could lose a cat in. Paunch hung in a roll over his worn belt, and the battered pipe jutting from the corner of his mouth emitted clouds of fumes at seemingly random intervals. This, &lt;i&gt;this&lt;/i&gt;, was Albrecht Heynes? The deadliest shot ever to come out of Holberg? The hero of the Graf's Gate massacre?<br /> &quot;According to my information, Signeur Bartelli, that is indeed him.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;Your sources had better be right, Martellus&quot; put in the young man sourly as he adjusted his finery, &quot;If this is a waste of my time they'll be trying to find you a new cicisbeo position come the morning.&quot;<br /> <br /> Albrecht wiped the beer foam from his moustache as the two guilders sat down at his table, uninvited. He belched loudly into the younger one's face and then grinned at his rat-faced companion, &quot;Tell me the particulars, I'll name a price. You don't like the price you can go bugger yourself with a splintered broom-handle, because I don't negotiate.&quot;<br /> The young arse began to splutter about who he was and why he couldn't be talked to like that; all the usual palaver. Albrecht reached over and casually slapped him.<br /> <br /> &quot;Good manners? I don't have them, never needed them. I'm the best at what I do, and that's all that should matter to you. You want someone or something killed, and I can do that. So tell me the details, I'll give you a price - payable in advance, of course.&quot; <br /> He puffed out another cloud of noxious weed-smoke, &quot;And if you're thinking of having your two apes in the corner there come over and help teach me some manners, how long do you think they'll keep fighting after I pin your balls to the bench?&quot; He pulled the beautifully intricate crossbow out from under the table where it had been hiding, fully loaded and very deadly. &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Other Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Vowkeeper&diff=16138 2013-01-22T18:10:06Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> These magical bows have been used for centuries by battlefield archers, skirmishers and scouts. It is traditional to whisper promises and secrets to the bow, and some mystically inclined archers swear that their arrows fly truer when they speak an oath or remind the bow of a past promise just before they loose their arrow.<br /> <br /> In the [[The League|League]] an oathkeeper is sometimes called a ''final word'', but often the crossbow is given an ironic or fanciful name such as ''diplomacy'' or ''compelling argument'' referencing the ability of the crossbow to bring a conflict to a speedy conclusion. While a crossbow is often seen as a more pragmatic weapon than a longbow, many of the master archers of the League continue the practice of whispering oaths before firing it.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Bow|Bow]].<br /> * '''Effect:'''You gain one additional [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]].<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting an oathkeeper requires ten ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]], seven measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and seven measures of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;!--- Credit for text ---&gt;<br /> &lt;ic&gt;The gruff Holberger wasn't much to look at; a rheumy old bravo with a veined red nose and a silver moustache you could lose a cat in. Paunch hung in a roll over his worn belt, and the battered pipe jutting from the corner of his mouth emitted clouds of fumes at seemingly random intervals. This, &lt;i&gt;this&lt;/i&gt;, was Albrecht Heynes? The deadliest shot ever to come out of Holberg? The hero of the Graf's Gate massacre?<br /> &quot;According to my information, Signeur Bartelli, that is indeed him.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;Your sources had better be right, Martellus&quot; put in the young man sourly as he, adjusted his finery, &quot;If this is a waste of my time they'll be trying to find you a new cicisbeo position come the morning.&quot;<br /> <br /> Albrecht wiped the beer foam from his moustache as the two guilders sat down at his table, uninvited. He belched loudly into the younger one's face and then grinned at his rat-faced companion, &quot;Tell me the particulars, I'll name a price. You don't like the price you can go bugger yourself with a splintered broom-handle, because I don't negotiate.&quot;<br /> The young arse began to splutter about who he was and why he couldn't be talked to like that; all the usual palaver. Albrecht reached over and casually slapped him.<br /> <br /> &quot;Good manners? I don't have them, never needed them. I'm the best at what I do, and that's all that should matter to you. You want someone or something killed, and I can do that. So tell me the details, I'll give you a price - payable in advance, of course.&quot; <br /> He puffed out another cloud of noxious weed-smoke, &quot;And if you're thinking of having your two apes in the corner there come over and help teach me some manners, how long do you think they'll keep fighting after I pin your balls to the bench?&quot; He pulled the beautifully intricate crossbow out from under the table where it had been hiding, fully loaded and very deadly. &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Other Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Vowkeeper&diff=16137 2013-01-22T18:07:45Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> These magical bows have been used for centuries by battlefield archers, skirmishers and scouts. It is traditional to whisper promises and secrets to the bow, and some mystically inclined archers swear that their arrows fly truer when they speak an oath or remind the bow of a past promise just before they loose their arrow.<br /> <br /> In the [[The League|League]] an oathkeeper is sometimes called a ''final word'', but often the crossbow is given an ironic or fanciful name such as ''diplomacy'' or ''compelling argument'' referencing the ability of the crossbow to bring a conflict to a speedy conclusion. While a crossbow is often seen as a more pragmatic weapon than a longbow, many of the master archers of the League continue the practice of whispering oaths before firing it.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Bow|Bow]].<br /> * '''Effect:'''You gain one additional [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]].<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting an oathkeeper requires ten ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]], seven measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and seven measures of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;!--- Credit for text ---&gt;<br /> &lt;ic&gt;The gruff Holberger wasn't much to look at; a rheumy old bravo with a veined red nose and a silver moustache you could lose a cat in. Paunch hung in a roll over his worn belt, and the battered pipe jutting from the corner of his mouth emitted clouds of fumes at seemingly random intervals. This, &lt;i&gt;this&lt;/i&gt;, was Albrecht Heynes? The deadliest shot ever to come out of Holberg? The hero of the Graf's Gate massacre?<br /> &quot;According to my information, Signeur Bartelli, that is indeed him.&quot;<br /> &quot;Your sources had better be right, Martellus&quot; put in the young man sourly as he, adjusted his finery, &quot;If this is a waste of my time they'll be trying to find you a new cicisbeo position come the morning.&quot;<br /> <br /> Albrecht wiped the beer foam from his moustache as the two guilders sat down at his table, uninvited. He belched loudly into the younger one's face and then grinned at his rat-faced companion, &quot;Tell me the particulars, I'll name a price. You don't like the price you can go bugger yourself with a splintered broom-handle, because I don't negotiate.&quot;<br /> The young arse began to splutter about who he was and why he couldn't be talked to like that; all the usual palaver. Albrecht reached over and casually slapped him.<br /> <br /> &quot;Good manners? I don't have them, never needed them. I'm the best at what I do, and that's all that should matter to you. You want someone or something killed, and I can do that. So tell me the details, I'll give you a price - payable in advance, of course.&quot; <br /> He puffed out another cloud of noxious weed-smoke, &quot;And if you're thinking of having your two apes in the corner there come over and help, how long do you think they'll keep fighting after I pin your balls to the bench?&quot; He pulled the beautifully intricate crossbow out from under the table where it had been hiding, fully loaded and very deadly. &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Other Weapons]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Jack_of_Irons&diff=16104 2013-01-22T11:38:42Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> This useful armour is most often crafted in the form of a heavy arming jacket, usually with reinforced steel jack chains on the arms. It is popular with officers and sergeants in [[The Marches|Marches]] and the [[The League|League]]. A variant form of the jack of irons called the ''bloodiron hauberk'' is crafted in [[Wintermark]], mixing weltsilver and mithril to provide a long leather jacket that covers the arms and upper legs and is worn over mithril chain.<br /> <br /> In the the Marches it is also called a ''jack of chains''; both names come from a legendary giant called variously Jack-in-chains, Jack-of-Irons and Bloody Jack. Wrapped in heavy chains and wielding a terrible spiked club, the massive creature is said to be twice the size of a man and impossible to kill. According to stories the creature recovers almost immediately from even mortal wounds, and limbs hacked off continue fighting. Popular tales suggest that the demonic horror was defeated by a girl variously known as ''Clever Jill'' and ''Wise Mary'' who tricks the beast into falling down a well from which it is unable to escape. The legend insists that the giant is still buried under the earth somewhere near the modern town of [[Mitwold#Wayford|Wayford]]. <br /> <br /> Interestingly, some scholars believe the creature spoken of in [[Suaq]] and [[Kallavesi]] legends that they call the ''skinned king'' may be the same creature, although in the stories of [[Wintermark]] the giant beast has no skin and is ultimately defeated by a clever hunter who creates a human-shaped mannikin of fresh deer meat studded with spiked hooks, and then taunts the giant into grappling the mannikin. Trapped by the hooks, the giant cannot escape and is rolled down a steep incline into the waters of Westmere where it is assumed to have drowned.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Light Armour|Light Armour]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' Once per day you may spend ten seconds of [[appropriate roleplaying]] to repair one of your limbs that has been ruined by the [[Combat#CLEAVE|cleave]] or [[Combat#IMPALE|impale]] call.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a jack of irons requires twelve ingots of [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]], twelve measures of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]], eight ingots of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and four measures of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;!--- Credit for text ---&gt;<br /> &lt;ic&gt;&quot;Why would I, Rhondira Havarri, the greatest thief in all of Sarvos, choose such a martial piece of armour? Rhondira Havarri who stole the signet ring from the Prince of Tassato! Rhondira Havarri who seduced the Bishop of Vigilance and made off with his coinbox! Rhondirra Havarri who forged the signature of the head of the civil service and proclaimed a day's holiday throughout the League! Why would I choose armour? Why, precisely so that I could pull my hand through such cruelly tight handcuffs as you have used, my friend. It mends broken bones mend quite splendidly quickly. Ah, you have notice that your blade is in my hands now? Yes, and the coin-purse as well, if you please. You will not be collecting the sizeable bounty on my head this day, but you're a comely lad, so Rhondira Havarri will leave you with a kiss for your troubles...&quot;&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Light Armour]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Ironbrand_Thorn&diff=16098 2013-01-22T10:19:14Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> Description<br /> Sometimes called a ''greensteel spear'', these weapons have a history of being carried by Navarri [[Brand|brands]]. Service to the wandering nation is a difficult calling and those who hear it require a determined spirit. These spears bolster the soul bonded to them, often feeling reassuringly solid in their owner's hand. Some brands have likened their presence to that of a faithful hound, ever ready to defend and reassure their masters. While bonded to such a spear, brands find it much easier to shrug off malicious influences on their minds which might drive them to fail in their duty to their people. These spears are sometimes decorated with patterns similar to their intended wielder's [[Navarr hearth magic#Tattoos and brands|tattoos and brands]] to strengthen the bond between them. It is believed that a greensteel spear was the weapon used by Isaella to murder the mad [[Imperial_history#.28200_YE_-_209_YE.29_Reign_of_Emperor_Nicovar_.22the_Mad.22|Emperor Nicovar]] in 209 YE.<br /> <br /> These spears also find favour in [[Urizen]]. They are well-suited to the precise style of battle practised in the [[Urizen military concerns|citadels]] and aid the wielder in mastering themselves, encouraging mental clarity and versatility rather than providing brute force. In some spires, the spearheads are made from particularly clear pieces of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and are known as ''Storm's Eye Spears'', reminding the wielder to maintain a calm thoughtfulness even in the chaos of battle. During their manufacture, the tempest jade is gently smoothed into shape using water from the purest mountain springs and after using their spears in battle, [[Urizen military concerns#sentinels|sentinels]] are encouraged to cleanse the spears with water from the same spring, removing all traces of blood and filth, to maintain both the blade's quality and their own mental purity. Naturally [[Cavul]], the [[Runes|rune]] of purity, is worked into many of these spears.<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- Descriptive Text Contributed to by Zoe McAuley --&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#One-handed Spear|One-handed Spear]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' You gain one additional hero point.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting an ironbrand thorn requires twelve ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]], six ingots of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and six measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> &quot;This spear was made for you by the smiths of the Striding. It cost time, sweat, and precious resources. Properly wielded, it will make a man into a hero, and a hero into a legend. It is fitting that the first blood it tastes should be yours, so that you shall know the marks of its thorns all your days.&quot;<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:One-handed Spears]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Crystaltender%27s_Vestment&diff=16091 2013-01-21T23:27:32Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> These simple robes are sometimes reinforced with mithril, silver or golden threads. They are relatively easy to create, but require painstaking attention to detail in preparing the embroidery that runs through them. While they were originally favoured by magicians who tend [[Resource overview#Personal Resource|mana sites]], they are increasingly popular with magicians who focus their magic on [[Magic overview#Spellcasting|spellcasting]] rather than ritual magic. <br /> <br /> By invoking the simple charms woven into the fabric of the vestment, a magician can unwind the magical essence inside a piece of cyrstalised mana. The resulting energy is channelled through the precious metal embroidered into the robe, and infuses the wearer, restoring their personal ability to perform incantations.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' Robes.<br /> * '''Effect:''' Once per day you can consume a piece of crystallised mana to restore two points of spent personal mana..<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a crystaltender's vestment requires no special resources. It takes two months to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> &quot;Addictive? My dear sir, such rumours are plainly base slander, put about by those less accomplished in the arcane arts. It simply is not possible to become addicted to mana, no matter how much magical power one absorbs. Really, I assure you, the late Arbiter Vortis did not explode because he absorbed too much mana! Clearly, he exploded because he forgot to carry forward a seven in his ritual calculations...&quot;<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Robes]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Pilgrim%27s_Shield&diff=16089 2013-01-21T23:12:41Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> Tiny amounts of dragonbone are used in the creation of these shields, often mixed with an abrasive and used to shape the materials or polish the finished item. They are time consuming items to craft, requiring great attention to detail, and are usually shaped for a specific owner who is often asked to participate in the crafting process spending time either as an assistant to the [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisan]], or in meditation and contemplation of the teachings of the Imperial Faith. <br /> <br /> While a pilgrim's shield may be inscribed with a rune, usually one that is connected to a virtue, it is much more common for these items to be decorated with symbols appropriate to either a specific virtue or the way as a whole such as the labyrinth or the seven-spoked wheel.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Shields|shield]] (Talisman). You cannot make a pilgrim's shield that is a buckler.<br /> * '''Effect:''' As long as you are [[Religious skills#Dedication|dedicated]] or [[Religious skills#Anointing|anointed]], you gain an additional rank of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]].<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a pilgrim's shield requires no special materials. It takes two months to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> Legend speaks of a company of heroes known as the Seven Pilgrims who served as early champions of the Imperial faith. Each one carried a Pilgrim's Shield dedicated to one of the virtues, gifted to them by the Ezkiah the Benefactor, greatest smith of the Highborn. Individually each Pilgrim was a truly formidable combatant, but together they formed an all but unbeatable force. Many tales are told of their deeds as they scoured the Empire for weakness and corruption while protecting the innocent.<br /> <br /> Uris of Rising Spear, the Highborn cataphract, was awarded ''Excelsis'', the shield of Ambition for his tireless campaigning against the barbarian hordes. Never content to sit on his laurels, he was at the forefront of every battle to extend the Empire's borders, and spoke at length in the Senate about the Empire's manifest destiny to control the world.<br /> <br /> Kaya of Thornhaven bore ''Torchbrand'', the shield of Courage. Despite her briar heritage she proved herself to the synod through repeated acts of selfless bravery and honesty. It's said that she was so heavily scarred from her travails that thorns grew from almost every inch of her body.<br /> <br /> Pietro the Golden, the famous Free Company captain, bore ''Glistering'', the shield of Prosperity, won for his skills at negotiation and strategy. Richer than many Princes, he roamed the Empire in search of opportunity and challenge. It's said that as he travelled he often fostered and trained orphans, many of whom later became notable generals or guild-masters in their own right.<br /> <br /> Sir Hugh Brocking (also known as the Peacock of Astolat), bore ''Ajax'', the shield of Pride. Although accused of being vain, his accomplishments as a poet, author, swordsman and lover were legendary. It is said that when the famous bard, Myria of Saus, tried to record his life story she ran out of paper after filling every sheet of parchment in city, and had to leave the task unfinished.<br /> <br /> Leia the Hawk bore ''Bawn-Watch'', the shield of Vigilance. A Navarri, she came to Ezkiah's attention for her duties escorting priests too and from the most isolated steadings standing watch over the Vallorn. Her sharp eyes and ears saved many holy men and women from bandits and kept the flame of Imperial faith burning.<br /> <br /> Sister Carmena the Peacemaker bore ''Measure'', the shield of Wisdom. Her efforts brought Dawn and the Marches from the brink of bloodshed during the notorious War of the Sisters crisis. Later she helped write several texts on the lives of the Exemplars that are still regarded as definitive.<br /> <br /> Drumlin the Sworn bore ''Oath-Heart'', the shield of Loyalty. Thrice-geased, he swore to serve the other Pilgrims for the rest of his life, and the doubty Wintermarker more than proved his worth through hard-headed practicality and mulish stubbornness. It is said that he bound the Seven together with both words and magic.<br /> <br /> Over the centuries the shields were passed down from champion to champion, each bearer choosing the next whenever possible, or the priests of the virtue selecting a new bearer when circumstance conspired to prevent an orderly line of inheritance. <br /> <br /> At the battle of Reikos in 367 YE the Seven Pilgrims of the day charged an entire enemy army on their own, allowing the outmatched Imperial forces time to quit the field in good order. The fate of their shields is unknown, although rumours continue to circulate of their appearance in the hands of the barbarians. To add to the confusion, many other Pilgrim's Shields have been given these names through the centuries, either as sincere emulation or a ruthless attempt to drive up the price.<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Talismans]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Pilgrim%27s_Shield&diff=15393 2013-01-14T13:30:13Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> Tiny amounts of dragonbone are used in the creation of these shields, often mixed with an abrasive and used to shape the materials or polish the finished item. They are time consuming items to craft, requiring great attention to detail, and are usually shaped for a specific owner who is often asked to participate in the crafting process spending time either as an assistant to the [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisan]], or in meditation and contemplation of the teachings of the Imperial Faith. <br /> <br /> While a pilgrim's shield may be inscribed with a rune, usually one that is connected to a virtue, it is much more common for these items to be decorated with symbols appropriate to either a specific virtue or the way as a whole such as the labyrinth or the seven-spoked wheel.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Shields|shield]] (Talisman). You cannot make a pilgrim's shield that is a buckler.<br /> * '''Effect:''' As long as you are [[Religious skills#Dedication|dedicated]] or [[Religious skills#Anointing|anointed]], you gain an additional rank of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]].<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a pilgrim's shield requires no special materials. It takes two months to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> Legend speaks of a company of seven Highguard cataphracts who served as early champions of the Imperial faith. Each of these heroes carried a Pilgrim's Shield dedicated to one of the virtues, gifted to them by the most pious smiths in the Empire.<br /> <br /> Uris of Rising Wood bore &lt;i&gt;Excelsis&lt;/i&gt;, the shield of Ambition<br /> <br /> Kaya of Spearhaven bore &lt;i&gt;Torchbrand&lt;/i&gt;, the shield of Courage<br /> <br /> Peter the Golden bore &lt;i&gt;Glistering&lt;/i&gt;, the shield of Prosperity<br /> <br /> Hugh of Brock's Lee (also known as the Peacock of Reikos), bore &lt;i&gt;Ajax&lt;/i&gt;, the shield of Pride<br /> <br /> Leia the Hawk bore &lt;i&gt;Bawn-Watch&lt;/i&gt;, the shield of Vigilance <br /> <br /> Sister Carmena bore &lt;i&gt;Measure&lt;/i&gt;, the shield of Wisdom<br /> <br /> Drumlin the Sworn bore &lt;i&gt;Oath-Heart&lt;/i&gt;, the shield of Loyalty<br /> <br /> At their final battle the Seven are said to have charged an entire army of barbarians on their own, allowing the outmatched Imperial forces time to quit the field in good order. The fate of the shields is unknown, although rumours continue to circulate of their appearance during the Empire's darkest hours. To add to the confusion, many other Pilgrim's Shields have been given these names through the centuries, either as sincere emulation or a ruthless attempt to drive up the price.<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Talismans]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Pilgrim%27s_Shield&diff=15391 2013-01-14T13:29:37Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> Tiny amounts of dragonbone are used in the creation of these shields, often mixed with an abrasive and used to shape the materials or polish the finished item. They are time consuming items to craft, requiring great attention to detail, and are usually shaped for a specific owner who is often asked to participate in the crafting process spending time either as an assistant to the [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisan]], or in meditation and contemplation of the teachings of the Imperial Faith. <br /> <br /> While a pilgrim's shield may be inscribed with a rune, usually one that is connected to a virtue, it is much more common for these items to be decorated with symbols appropriate to either a specific virtue or the way as a whole such as the labyrinth or the seven-spoked wheel.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Shields|shield]] (Talisman). You cannot make a pilgrim's shield that is a buckler.<br /> * '''Effect:''' As long as you are [[Religious skills#Dedication|dedicated]] or [[Religious skills#Anointing|anointed]], you gain an additional rank of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]].<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a pilgrim's shield requires no special materials. It takes two months to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> Legend speaks of a company of Highguard Cataphracts who served as early champions of the Imperial faith. Each of these heroes carried a Pilgrim's Shield dedicated to one of the virtues, gifted to them by the most pious smiths in the Empire.<br /> <br /> Uris of Rising Wood bore &lt;i&gt;Excelsis&lt;/i&gt;, the shield of Ambition<br /> <br /> Kaya of Spearhaven bore &lt;i&gt;Torchbrand&lt;/i&gt;, the shield of Courage<br /> <br /> Peter the Golden bore &lt;i&gt;Glistering&lt;/i&gt;, the shield of Prosperity<br /> <br /> Hugh of Brock's Lee (also known as the Peacock of Reikos), bore &lt;i&gt;Ajax&lt;/i&gt;, the shield of Pride<br /> <br /> Leia the Hawk bore &lt;i&gt;Bawn-Watch&lt;/i&gt;, the shield of Vigilance <br /> <br /> Sister Carmena bore &lt;i&gt;Measure&lt;/i&gt;, the shield of Wisdom<br /> <br /> Drumlin the Sworn bore &lt;i&gt;Oath-Heart&lt;/i&gt;, the shield of Loyalty<br /> <br /> At their final battle the Seven are said to have charged an entire army of barbarians on their own, allowing the outmatched Imperial forces time to quit the field in good order. The fate of the shields is unknown, although rumours continue to circulate of their appearance during the Empire's darkest hours. To add to the confusion, many other Pilgrim's Shields have been given these names through the centuries, either as sincere emulation or a ruthless attempt to drive up the price.<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Talismans]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]<br /> [[Category:Descriptive_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Caress_of_Arhallogen&diff=15175 2013-01-10T17:10:33Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> This wooden staff is often marked with the shape of spiders, scorpions and other poisonous bugs. It sometimes seems sticky to the touch, and several owners have commented that the staff sometimes seems to be ''watching'' them. It is named for the [[Eternals|Eternal]] [[Arhallogen]], who has dominion over many forms of insect and arachnid. Some scholars believe that the knowledge of how to make these magical implements was first derived from that Eternal, and that each one that is made is somehow connected to the King of Spiders. It has been noted by some [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|stargazers]] and [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanters|enchanters]] in particular that the Eternal and it's heralds seem better disposed towards magician-diplomats who are bonded to one of these items.<br /> <br /> The [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] used their influence to ban the creation of this item during the reign of [[Empress Teleri]], but the [[Empress Varkula]] had that decision reversed, claiming with characteristic practicality that she largely did not care where a magician got his power from as long as he used it in the service of the Empire. Still, creation or possession of one of these staffs may cause concern in the Synod, and result in an individual being called before one of the assemblies (especially the [[Virtue Assembly|assembly]] of [[Vigilance]].)<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Magic overview#Staffs|Staff]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' Twice per day you may cast the [[Spell list#Venom|venom]] or [[Spell list#Paralysis|paralysis]] spell without spending any mana.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a caress of arhallogen requires twenty-one measures of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]], nine measures of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]] and nine measures of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> &quot;You want to beat orcs then you've got to understand how they think. They aren't afraid of dying on the end of a sword or a spear. Torture don't scare them - they'll just spit in your eye and fight you with every breath. But the idea of just being helpless, pissing yourself with anger as the enemy chain you up and drag you away to be a slave for the rest of your life, now that's something that gets them where it &lt;i&gt;hurts&lt;/i&gt;. Let 'em know that if they come near us then their precious families and tribes will be labouring as our slaves until the end of time. That's where these come in, because the real power they've got isn't magic, it's fear.&quot;<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Staffs]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Caress_of_Arhallogen&diff=15174 2013-01-10T16:45:16Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Description */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> This wooden staff is often marked with the shape of spiders, scorpions and other poisonous bugs. It sometimes seems sticky to the touch, and several owners have commented that the staff sometimes seems to be ''watching'' them. It is named for the [[Eternals|Eternal]] [[Arhallogen]], who has dominion over many forms of insect and arachnid. Some scholars believe that the knowledge of how to make these magical implements was first derived from that Eternal, and that each one that is made is somehow connected to the King of Spiders. It has been noted by some [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|stargazers]] and [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanters|enchanters]] in particular that the Eternal and it's heralds seem better disposed towards magician-diplomats who are bonded to one of these items.<br /> <br /> The [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] used their influence to ban the creation of this item during the reign of [[Empress Teleri]], but the [[Empress Varkula]] had that decision reversed, claiming with characteristic practicality that she largely did not care where a magician got his power from as long as he used it in the service of the Empire. Still, creation or possession of one of these staffs may cause concern in the Synod, and result in an individual being called before one of the assemblies (especially the [[Virtue Assembly|assembly]] of [[Vigilance]].)<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Magic overview#Staffs|Staff]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' Twice per day you may cast the [[Spell list#Venom|venom]] or [[Spell list#Paralysis|paralysis]] spell without spending any mana.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a caress of arhallogen requires twenty-one measures of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]], nine measures of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]] and nine measures of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Staffs]]<br /> [[Category:IC_Text_Required]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Amberglass_Chain&diff=15020 2013-01-09T09:22:15Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> The most cunning [[Crafting skills#Artificer|artificers]] create these staves so that they appear to be rigid chains of translucent amber or glass. The majority however take the form of a shaft of wood or metal wound around with amber or golden chains. They are sometimes favoured by bounty hunters and thief-takers who use them to hold fugitives in place so they can be arrested, or in battles with fast-moving skirmishers to pin them down and speed their eventual defeat.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Magic overview#Staffs|Staff]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' Once per day when you cast the [[Spell list#Entangle|entangle]] spell you may do so without expending any mana.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting an amberglass chain requires five measures of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]] and three measures of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> As the other cities of the Leagued joined with Temeschwar, they found that they were dealing with a different breed of criminal than their magistrates were used to. Violent, disciplined men and women who had been willing to stand up to the might of the boyars found little to fear in facing up to League justice. Reasoning that the rooting out of these criminals was a specialist task best suited to specialists, the Princes hired Varushkan bounty hunters to deal with the situation. Using fear and brutality, the bounty-hunters broke the criminals and scattered them back to their rat-holes. Over time this &quot;Iron Harvest&quot; was repeated again and again, until whole families of Varushkan bounty hunters moved to the League permanently, being absorbed into the culture of the city-states. In more recent times these well-established &quot;Ironblood&quot; families have turned to more civilised methods, leaving the more brutal end of bounty-hunting to the orcs.<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Staffs]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Radiant_Torrent&diff=14999 2013-01-08T18:04:59Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> These solid rods are often polished to a mirror-smooth sheen. They allow a battlefield healer to completely restore two allies, and in the right circumstances are capable of preventing a bloody engagement turning into a rout.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Magic overview#Rods|Rod]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' Once per day when you cast the [[Spell list#Swift Heal|swift heal]] spell, you may use it on two targets rather than one. You still have [[Spell list#Offensive Spells|only ten seconds]] to deliver both uses.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a tumultuous fork requires twenty ingots of [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]], twelve measures of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]], eight measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and eight ingots of [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> One of these items is, of course, the central device in the famous Marcher play, &quot;Twelve Pigs&quot;. The Torrent is inadvertently mixed in with the feed for a herd of swine on their way to market, and the penniless protagonist must scour the countryside trying to find the pig which has eaten it in order to secure his fortune. Despite the fact that the hero has to spend a good deal of time on hands and knees combing through pig-faeces, the play was originally regarded as a parable on Prosperity, and many in the Marches were outraged to discover that the League playhouses were playing it as a farce. <br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Rods]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Furrowed_Wake&diff=14985 2013-01-08T15:46:56Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> A furrowed wake is a stout wooden stick, reinforced with bands of green iron and inlaid with tempest jade decorations. It allows a skilled magician to twist their magic to throw a target to the ground rather than driving them out of their presence. In many ways this is a superior method of capturing an opponent to the more traditional [[Spell list#Entangle|entangle]] spell. A common landskeeper proverb suggests that while an enemy can still fight even if they can't move their feet, they find it a lot harder to chop you down when they has been planted on their arse.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Magic overview#Staff|Staff]].<br /> * '''Effect:''' Once per day when you cast the [[Spell list#Repel|Repel]] spell, you may call [[Combat#STRIKEDOWN|STRIKEDOWN]] rather than [[Magic overview#REPEL|REPEL]].<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a furrowed wake requires eighteen ingots of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]], nine measures of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]] and seven ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> &quot;And so we see that while it is quite easy to project force THUS!&quot;, she muttered a word, reached out a hand and released a pulse of energy that sent one of her two already-bruised acolytes flying across the courtyard to be pinned to a wall with a wet smack. She drew forth a small rod from her robes and touched it to the other acolyte, &quot;We must still always be prepared for the relatively simple matter of adjusting that force to act in a crucially different way.&quot; She spoke a word of power again, and the other acolyte's legs where whipped from under him, toppling him onto the hard cobbles of the training yard. &quot;Here ends today's lessons.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;It is our honour to learn at your feet, mistress&quot;, the two acolytes wheezed in unison.<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Staffs]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Goldenfire_Scale&diff=14984 2013-01-08T15:42:27Z

<p>Glasgowchris: /* Rules */</p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> ==Description==<br /> In the [[The Brass Coast|Brass Coast]], this beautiful orichalcum alloy armour is favoured by soldiers and corsairs alike. It allows them to shrug off terrible wounds and continue to fight. In other parts of the Empire, this armour is built as gold-sheened orichalcum chain, while in [[Dawn]] it is most commonly called ''Irrepressible Plate''.<br /> <br /> ==Rules==<br /> * '''Form:''' [[Combat#Heavy Armour|Heavy armour]]. Despite the name any heavy armour can be goldenfire scale.<br /> * '''Effect:''' When you use the [[Heroic skills#Second Wind|second wind]] skill you are restored to full hits.<br /> * '''Materials:''' Crafting a suit of goldenfire scale requires nine ingots of [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]], eight ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]], seven ingots of [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> We pulled the corsair in his golden armour out of the pile of bodies, and at first I was sure that he must be dead. Through blood-caked lips he asked us if the battle was over. We told him that it was not, the orcs were still pressing hard on the left flank and we had been ordered to search for survivors prior to falling back. Grunting, he rose back to his feet, spat out a tooth and a mouthful of blood, stretched his shoulders and hefted his wicked falchion through a couple of sweeps. When I told him that he was heading in the wrong direction, that we were retreating, he called back over his shoulder &quot;You're retreating, I'm advancing.&quot;<br /> &lt;/ic&gt; <br /> <br /> [[Category:Magic Items]]<br /> [[Category:Heavy Armour]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Wassail&diff=6295 2012-08-18T19:01:32Z

<p>Glasgowchris: </p> <hr /> <div>===Wassail Song===<br /> <br /> [[Media:wassail.mp3]] A traditional Wassail song sung by Muldoon's Picnic and a pub full of people. Used with permission.<br /> <br /> [http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/Images/Dunstan/Wassail_Song_132.jpg Sheet Music]<br /> <br /> &lt;song&gt;<br /> 1. O Mistress, at your door our Wassail begin(s), Pray open the door, and let us come in,<br /> <br /> ''Refrain:''<br /> ''With our Wassail, Wassail, Wassail, Wassail,''<br /> ''And joy come to our jolly Wassail!''<br /> <br /> 2. O Mistress, at your door we kindly salute, For it is an old custom you cannot dispute, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 3. O Mistress and Master, sitting down by the fire, While we poor Wassail-men are travelling thro' the mire, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 4. O Mistress and Master, sitting down at your ease, With their hands in their pockets to give what they please To our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 5. Come young men and maidens, I pray you draw near; Come fill up our bowl with some cider or beer, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 6. You see how we'll smile at our flowing Bowl — Just now it is empty, by-and-bye it'll be full, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 7. I wish you a good Harvest and a Prosperous Year, And plenty of money and a barrel of beer, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 8. I wish you a blessing, and a long time to live, Because you're so free and so willing to give To our Wassail, etc.<br /> &lt;/song&gt;<br /> <br /> And plenty more, which can be improvised! E.g.<br /> <br /> &lt;song&gt;<br /> I hope that your apples will prosper and grow, That you may have cider and a plenty to bestow, To our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> I hope that your barley may prosper and grow, That you may have beer and a plenty to bestow, To our Wassail, etc.<br /> &lt;/song&gt;<br /> <br /> ===Yorkshire Wassail ===<br /> Words edited for IC sense.<br /> [http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/wasnot.html#yorkwas Score and midi file]<br /> [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it9Np1dSbxQ youtube version]<br /> <br /> &lt;song&gt;<br /> 1.We've been a -while a wandering <br /> Amongst the leaves so green. <br /> But now we come a wassailing <br /> So plainly to be seen,<br /> <br /> '''Chorus'''<br /> ''For it's Harvest time, when we travel far and near; <br /> We wish your crops health and a prosperous year.''<br /> <br /> We are not daily beggars <br /> That beg from door to door; <br /> We are your neighbors children, <br /> For we've been here before<br /> <br /> Call up the steward of this house<br /> Likewise the yeomen too, <br /> And all the little children <br /> That round the table go<br /> <br /> Bring us out a table <br /> And spread it with a cloth, <br /> Bring us out a mouldy cheese <br /> And some of your wheaten loaf; <br /> <br /> Good master and good mistress, <br /> While you're sitting by the fire, <br /> Pray think of us poor children <br /> That's wandered in the mire<br /> &lt;/song&gt;<br /> <br /> ===Malpas Wassail===<br /> <br /> &lt;song&gt;<br /> Malpas Wassail<br /> <br />      Now the harvest being over <br />      And Christmas drawing in <br />      Please open your door <br />      And let us come in <br />      With our wassail<br /> <br />      Wassail, wassail <br />      And joy come to our jolly wassail<br /> <br />      Here's the master and mistress <br />      Sitting down by the fire <br />      While we poor wassail boys <br />      Do trudge through the mire <br />      With our wassail<br /> <br />      Wassail, wassail <br />      And joy come to our jolly wassail<br /> <br />      Here's the master and mistress <br />      Sitting down at their ease <br />      Put your hands in your pockets <br />      And give what you please <br />      With our wassail<br /> <br />      Wassail, wassail <br />      And joy come to our jolly wassail<br /> <br />      This ancient awd house <br />      We will kindly salute <br />      It is your custom <br />      You need not dispute <br />      With our wassail<br /> <br />      Wassail, wassail <br />      And joy come to our jolly wassail<br /> <br />      Here's the saddle and the bridle <br />      They're hung upon the shelf <br />      If you want any more <br />      You can it sing yourself <br />      With our wassail<br /> <br />      Wassail, wassail <br />      And joy come to our jolly wassail<br /> <br />      Here's an health to the master <br />      And a long time to live <br />      Since you've been so kind <br />      And so willing to give <br />      With our wassail<br /> <br />      Wassail, wassail <br />      And joy come to <br />      our jolly wassail<br /> <br /> Sung by The Watersons on the For Pence and Spicy Ale <br /> LP, re-released on the For Pence and Spicy Ale CD. <br /> &lt;/song&gt;<br /> <br /> ===Gloucestershire Wassail===<br /> Another wassailling song, score, midis, etc can be found [http://sniff.numachi.com/~rickheit/dtrad/pages/tiWASGLOUC;ttWASGLOUC.html here]<br /> <br /> ===Lots more wassailing songs===<br /> Source for lyrics, scores, and midi files: http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/wassong.html<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Marches Music]]<br /> [[Category:The Marches]]<br /> [[Category:Music]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Wassail&diff=6294 2012-08-18T18:56:12Z

<p>Glasgowchris: </p> <hr /> <div>===Wassail Song===<br /> <br /> [[Media:wassail.mp3]] A traditional Wassail song sung by Muldoon's Picnic and a pub full of people. Used with permission.<br /> <br /> [http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/Images/Dunstan/Wassail_Song_132.jpg Sheet Music]<br /> <br /> &lt;song&gt;<br /> 1. O Mistress, at your door our Wassail begin(s), Pray open the door, and let us come in,<br /> <br /> ''Refrain:''<br /> ''With our Wassail, Wassail, Wassail, Wassail,''<br /> ''And joy come to our jolly Wassail!''<br /> <br /> 2. O Mistress, at your door we kindly salute, For it is an old custom you cannot dispute, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 3. O Mistress and Master, sitting down by the fire, While we poor Wassail-men are travelling thro' the mire, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 4. O Mistress and Master, sitting down at your ease, With their hands in their pockets to give what they please To our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 5. Come young men and maidens, I pray you draw near; Come fill up our bowl with some cider or beer, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 6. You see how we'll smile at our flowing Bowl — Just now it is empty, by-and-bye it'll be full, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 7. I wish you a good Harvest and a Prosperous Year, And plenty of money and a barrel of beer, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 8. I wish you a blessing, and a long time to live, Because you're so free and so willing to give To our Wassail, etc.<br /> &lt;/song&gt;<br /> <br /> And plenty more, which can be improvised! E.g.<br /> <br /> &lt;song&gt;<br /> I hope that your apples will prosper and grow, That you may have cider and a plenty to bestow, To our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> I hope that your barley may prosper and grow, That you may have beer and a plenty to bestow, To our Wassail, etc.<br /> &lt;/song&gt;<br /> <br /> ===Yorkshire Wassail ===<br /> Words edited for IC sense.<br /> [http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/wasnot.html#yorkwas Score and midi file]<br /> [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it9Np1dSbxQ youtube version]<br /> <br /> &lt;song&gt;<br /> 1.We've been a -while a wandering <br /> Amongst the leaves so green. <br /> But now we come a wassailing <br /> So plainly to be seen,<br /> <br /> '''Chorus'''<br /> ''For it's Harvest time, when we travel far and near; <br /> We wish your crops health and a prosperous year.''<br /> <br /> We are not daily beggars <br /> That beg from door to door; <br /> We are your neighbors children, <br /> For we've been here before<br /> <br /> Call up the steward of this house<br /> Likewise the yeomen too, <br /> And all the little children <br /> That round the table go<br /> <br /> Bring us out a table <br /> And spread it with a cloth, <br /> Bring us out a mouldy cheese <br /> And some of your wheaten loaf; <br /> <br /> Good master and good mistress, <br /> While you're sitting by the fire, <br /> Pray think of us poor children <br /> That's wandered in the mire<br /> &lt;/song&gt;<br /> <br /> ===Gloucestershire Wassail===<br /> Another wassailling song, score, midis, etc can be found [http://sniff.numachi.com/~rickheit/dtrad/pages/tiWASGLOUC;ttWASGLOUC.html here]<br /> <br /> ===Lots more wassailing songs===<br /> Source for lyrics, scores, and midi files: http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/wassong.html<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Marches Music]]<br /> [[Category:The Marches]]<br /> [[Category:Music]]</div>

Glasgowchris https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Wassail&diff=6293 2012-08-18T18:54:22Z

<p>Glasgowchris: </p> <hr /> <div>===Wassail Song===<br /> <br /> [[Media:wassail.mp3]] A traditional Wassail song sung by Muldoon's Picnic and a pub full of people. Used with permission.<br /> <br /> [http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/Images/Dunstan/Wassail_Song_132.jpg Sheet Music]<br /> <br /> &lt;song&gt;<br /> 1. O Mistress, at your door our Wassail begin(s), Pray open the door, and let us come in,<br /> <br /> ''Refrain:''<br /> ''With our Wassail, Wassail, Wassail, Wassail,''<br /> ''And joy come to our jolly Wassail!''<br /> <br /> 2. O Mistress, at your door we kindly salute, For it is an old custom you cannot dispute, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 3. O Mistress and Master, sitting down by the fire, While we poor Wassail-men are travelling thro' the mire, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 4. O Mistress and Master, sitting down at your ease, With their hands in their pockets to give what they please To our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 5. Come young men and maidens, I pray you draw near; Come fill up our bowl with some cider or beer, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 6. You see how we'll smile at our flowing Bowl — Just now it is empty, by-and-bye it'll be full, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 7. I wish you a good Harvest and a Prosperous Year, And plenty of money and a barrel of beer, With our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> 8. I wish you a blessing, and a long time to live, Because you're so free and so willing to give To our Wassail, etc.<br /> &lt;/song&gt;<br /> <br /> And plenty more, which can be improvised! E.g.<br /> <br /> &lt;song&gt;<br /> I hope that your apples will prosper and grow, That you may have cider and a plenty to bestow, To our Wassail, etc.<br /> <br /> I hope that your barley may prosper and grow, That you may have beer and a plenty to bestow, To our Wassail, etc.<br /> &lt;/song&gt;<br /> <br /> ===Yorkshire Wassail ===<br /> Words edited for IC sense.<br /> [http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/wasnot.html#yorkwas Score and midi file]<br /> <br /> &lt;song&gt;<br /> 1.We've been a -while a wandering <br /> Amongst the leaves so green. <br /> But now we come a wassailing <br /> So plainly to be seen,<br /> <br /> '''Chorus'''<br /> ''For it's Harvest time, when we travel far and near; <br /> We wish your crops health and a prosperous year.''<br /> <br /> We are not daily beggars <br /> That beg from door to door; <br /> We are your neighbors children, <br /> For we've been here before<br /> <br /> Call up the steward of this house<br /> Likewise the yeomen too, <br /> And all the little children <br /> That round the table go<br /> <br /> Bring us out a table <br /> And spread it with a cloth, <br /> Bring us out a mouldy cheese <br /> And some of your wheaten loaf; <br /> <br /> Good master and good mistress, <br /> While you're sitting by the fire, <br /> Pray think of us poor children <br /> That's wandered in the mire<br /> &lt;/song&gt;<br /> <br /> ===Gloucestershire Wassail===<br /> Another wassailling song, score, midis, etc can be found [http://sniff.numachi.com/~rickheit/dtrad/pages/tiWASGLOUC;ttWASGLOUC.html here]<br /> <br /> ===Lots more wassailing songs===<br /> Source for lyrics, scores, and midi files: http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/wassong.html<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Marches Music]]<br /> [[Category:The Marches]]<br /> [[Category:Music]]</div>

Glasgowchris