The Ekumene, The World, The clay and loam of earth. The wretched Trial to the followers of...
Ekumene (An Original Fantasy Quest)
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Prologue; part 1
4WheelSword
The original N-body Problem
- Pronouns
- It/She/They
The Ekumene, The World, The clay and loam of earth. The wretched Trial to the followers of Khaeneth, The Blessings of the Most Holy to Her Own. The known to the map-makers, the borderless to those who range beyond. The birthplace of war and peace and love and hate and so many other feelings and emotions. It is sea and land, mountains and islands. Fields of golden wheat and rugged ochre moors.
The world is filled with many things, but the most wondrous, or so many claim, are built at the hands of man. Not just the great temples, churches and palaces, though they are many and they are gloried. Nor the domains, kingdoms and empires, though both large and small have risen and fallen in their multitudes.
The most wondrous, it is said, are the stories, the myths and fables, which spell out the past and spin even the most drudging reality into glorious legend. The tales of the hero's, spell-weavers and thieves which infect the dreams of children and drive the hopes of those full grown.
---
The mountains that bordered the western reaches of the Kingdom of Antia were barren, blasted places, stony flanks marked only by the hardiest of scrubs. The tops of them were white year round, even in the summer as the Kingdom's coasts grew hot. They were cold, and desolate, but important for they also played host to the Westing Forts, the line of defences which were part border post and part lookout. Beyond those grey mountains lay untamed and hardy plains from which raiders came on horse and foot in great numbers. The Westing Forts were always manned in small numbers, that the beacons could be lit and King be warned in case they came again.
But, the men and women who kept their tireless watch in the forts required relief. More than a month in the mountains was enough to drive any one of the hundred men and women of the Westing Forts to apathy. And thus Josephene, Housecarl of Antia, lead a hundred footmen and their attendant baggage train into the mountains.
The company, all hundred and more, had camped in the lowest reaches of the mountains overnight where the slopes flush with forest had turned to bare mountain side. She'd looked out across the fires dotted amongst the masses, the soldiers and the train, and admired the way the burning logs mirrored the twinkling dots that hung in the heavens above. The camp had been lively, loud, mood not coloured by the harshities of campaign. They were well fed and settled and still Josepehene pitied the poor footmen who slept wrapped only in cloaks and furs on the hard ground. Her own bed had hardly been luxury, but it was softer than the bare slopes.
At least the ground had been dry, and the skies clear.
On stiff bones and stiffer joints they marched deeper into the mountains, a trailing snake of soldiers and wagons. Two of her fellow housecarls, her boon companions, were scattered amongst the company to keep order while she marched with the head. These two were dear friends, men she'd trained with, fought with, even bled with. She trusted them with her life, and to have them by her side in the grim and dreary mountains made the journey a little more bearable. The last rode ahead, the company's few horses taken as scout and with him a group of sharp-eyed men and women who would ensure that no ambush awaited them.
But those three men were not the only thing about the journey lifting her spirits. What waited at the end, or rather who, was the other, and for that she was perhaps the only one of her company who had truly looked forward to their marches start from Raeen, Antia's Capital.
Who are these two companions (pick two):
[ ] Fredo, Paladin-priest and wielder of the divine hammer
[ ] Theodore, Spell-singer and wielder of magics
[ ] Rollon, an expert with the bow and javelin
[ ] Gerold, spearman extraordinaire
[ ] Jeustin, the King's Sword, one of the courts champions.
Who is Josephene?
[ ] A duke's daughter, once a noble hostage and now a sworn soldier
[ ] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
[ ] A sell-sword from another land who settled in Antia and won the King's trust.
[ ] Write-in (pending GM approval)
Who awaits her?
[ ] Alderly, sweetheart and sometime lover
[ ] Mathurin, a dear friend and steadfast companion
[ ] Gillaume, beloved brother
The world is filled with many things, but the most wondrous, or so many claim, are built at the hands of man. Not just the great temples, churches and palaces, though they are many and they are gloried. Nor the domains, kingdoms and empires, though both large and small have risen and fallen in their multitudes.
The most wondrous, it is said, are the stories, the myths and fables, which spell out the past and spin even the most drudging reality into glorious legend. The tales of the hero's, spell-weavers and thieves which infect the dreams of children and drive the hopes of those full grown.
---
The mountains that bordered the western reaches of the Kingdom of Antia were barren, blasted places, stony flanks marked only by the hardiest of scrubs. The tops of them were white year round, even in the summer as the Kingdom's coasts grew hot. They were cold, and desolate, but important for they also played host to the Westing Forts, the line of defences which were part border post and part lookout. Beyond those grey mountains lay untamed and hardy plains from which raiders came on horse and foot in great numbers. The Westing Forts were always manned in small numbers, that the beacons could be lit and King be warned in case they came again.
But, the men and women who kept their tireless watch in the forts required relief. More than a month in the mountains was enough to drive any one of the hundred men and women of the Westing Forts to apathy. And thus Josephene, Housecarl of Antia, lead a hundred footmen and their attendant baggage train into the mountains.
The company, all hundred and more, had camped in the lowest reaches of the mountains overnight where the slopes flush with forest had turned to bare mountain side. She'd looked out across the fires dotted amongst the masses, the soldiers and the train, and admired the way the burning logs mirrored the twinkling dots that hung in the heavens above. The camp had been lively, loud, mood not coloured by the harshities of campaign. They were well fed and settled and still Josepehene pitied the poor footmen who slept wrapped only in cloaks and furs on the hard ground. Her own bed had hardly been luxury, but it was softer than the bare slopes.
At least the ground had been dry, and the skies clear.
On stiff bones and stiffer joints they marched deeper into the mountains, a trailing snake of soldiers and wagons. Two of her fellow housecarls, her boon companions, were scattered amongst the company to keep order while she marched with the head. These two were dear friends, men she'd trained with, fought with, even bled with. She trusted them with her life, and to have them by her side in the grim and dreary mountains made the journey a little more bearable. The last rode ahead, the company's few horses taken as scout and with him a group of sharp-eyed men and women who would ensure that no ambush awaited them.
But those three men were not the only thing about the journey lifting her spirits. What waited at the end, or rather who, was the other, and for that she was perhaps the only one of her company who had truly looked forward to their marches start from Raeen, Antia's Capital.
Who are these two companions (pick two):
[ ] Fredo, Paladin-priest and wielder of the divine hammer
[ ] Theodore, Spell-singer and wielder of magics
[ ] Rollon, an expert with the bow and javelin
[ ] Gerold, spearman extraordinaire
[ ] Jeustin, the King's Sword, one of the courts champions.
Who is Josephene?
[ ] A duke's daughter, once a noble hostage and now a sworn soldier
[ ] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
[ ] A sell-sword from another land who settled in Antia and won the King's trust.
[ ] Write-in (pending GM approval)
Who awaits her?
[ ] Alderly, sweetheart and sometime lover
[ ] Mathurin, a dear friend and steadfast companion
[ ] Gillaume, beloved brother
Hi all,
This intends to be an original fantasy quest (well, it's in the title at least) with generally low fantasy, high heroics themes. It's not intended grim-dark by any means, but it will aim to give more nods to historic accuracy (in terms of setting, technology) than, say, D&D.
Speaking of which, it's looking to be circa 11th century europe in terms of development.
Is anything else needed? Hmm. Well, magic exists, and comes in various forms. But there will be more development of that later!
So get voting... please?
This intends to be an original fantasy quest (well, it's in the title at least) with generally low fantasy, high heroics themes. It's not intended grim-dark by any means, but it will aim to give more nods to historic accuracy (in terms of setting, technology) than, say, D&D.
Speaking of which, it's looking to be circa 11th century europe in terms of development.
Is anything else needed? Hmm. Well, magic exists, and comes in various forms. But there will be more development of that later!
So get voting... please?
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Characters
4WheelSword
The original N-body Problem
- Pronouns
- It/She/They
Characters
Characters in Ekumene are tracked via several measurements:
- Attributes: A persons core abilities. These are divided into Physical attributes (strength, dexterity, endurance) and mental attributes (intelligence, education, willpower) and act as two health pools.
- Skills: The training, learning and understanding a character has gained across their life. There are six levels, with 0 being barely trained and 5 being near legendary. Some tests can be attempted untrained with a negative modifier.
- Equipment: While not everything will be noted, important items will be noted.
- Legend: The story that will be told of them, if at all. Their Fame and Notoriety.
Tests are taken on 2d6 with an attribute modifier and a skill modifier added on to it.
Jospehene, Housecarl of Atria
Characters in Ekumene are tracked via several measurements:
- Attributes: A persons core abilities. These are divided into Physical attributes (strength, dexterity, endurance) and mental attributes (intelligence, education, willpower) and act as two health pools.
- Skills: The training, learning and understanding a character has gained across their life. There are six levels, with 0 being barely trained and 5 being near legendary. Some tests can be attempted untrained with a negative modifier.
- Equipment: While not everything will be noted, important items will be noted.
- Legend: The story that will be told of them, if at all. Their Fame and Notoriety.
Tests are taken on 2d6 with an attribute modifier and a skill modifier added on to it.
Jospehene, Housecarl of Atria
Attributes:
Skills:
Equipment:
- Arming sword
- Kite shield, emblazoned with the colours of Atria
- Gambeson, mail and helmet
- An Atrian signet ring, proving her ties.
Legend:
- The Bastard Daughter - Known across Atria
- Housecarl De Atria - A title that carries weight beyond the borders.
| Strength | 7 | +0 | Intelligence | 9 | +1 |
| Dexterity | 11 | +1 | Education | 10 | +1 |
| Endurance | 5 | -1 | Willpower | 11 | +1 |
| Riding | 1 |
| Athletics | 2 |
| Carouse | |
| Diplomacy | 1 |
| Leadership | 2 |
| Persuasion | |
| Swordsmanship | 2 |
| Hand-to-hand | 1 |
| Spearwork | |
| Strategy | 2 |
| Navigation | |
| Scouting | 1 |
| Foraging |
- Arming sword
- Kite shield, emblazoned with the colours of Atria
- Gambeson, mail and helmet
- An Atrian signet ring, proving her ties.
Legend:
- The Bastard Daughter - Known across Atria
- Housecarl De Atria - A title that carries weight beyond the borders.
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Maps
4WheelSword
The original N-body Problem
- Pronouns
- It/She/They
Notes: This is simply the first edition of the map and some details may vary.
Cities, states and more will be added as the story continues.
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NothingNow
Corpse Wrangler
- Location
- Tampa
[x] Theodore, Spell-singer and wielder of magics
[x] Gerold, spearman extraordinaire
[x] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
[x] Gillaume, beloved brother
[x] Gerold, spearman extraordinaire
[x] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
[x] Gillaume, beloved brother
Acatalepsy
Firewall Proxy
- Location
- The Diamond Age
[X] Gerold, spearman extraordinaire
[X] Fredo, Paladin-priest and wielder of the divine hammer
[X] A duke's daughter, once a noble hostage and now a sworn soldier
[X] Gillaume, beloved brother
[X] Fredo, Paladin-priest and wielder of the divine hammer
[X] A duke's daughter, once a noble hostage and now a sworn soldier
[X] Gillaume, beloved brother
- Location
- Who Knows
[X] Theodore, Spell-singer and wielder of magics
[X] Gerold, spearman extraordinaire
Magic seems to be something that'll be interesting, the "Spell-singer" part in particular.
"Spearman extraordinaire" is a fun description, and I'll go for it.
[X] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
Bastard Princess sounds fun. I like the potential crossroads and
[X] Gillaume, beloved brother
*chants sibling dynamics repeatedly* This will be especially interesting with the King's daughter vote.
[X] Gerold, spearman extraordinaire
Magic seems to be something that'll be interesting, the "Spell-singer" part in particular.
"Spearman extraordinaire" is a fun description, and I'll go for it.
[X] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
Bastard Princess sounds fun. I like the potential crossroads and
[X] Gillaume, beloved brother
*chants sibling dynamics repeatedly* This will be especially interesting with the King's daughter vote.
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WolfKit
Pay no attention to the fox behind the keyboard.
- Location
- [█████]
- Pronouns
- They/Them
[X] Fredo, Paladin-priest and wielder of the divine hammer
[X] Theodore, Spell-singer and wielder of magics
[X] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
[X] Gillaume, beloved brother
[X] Theodore, Spell-singer and wielder of magics
[X] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
[X] Gillaume, beloved brother
- Location
- [REDACTED]
[X] Theodore, Spell-singer and wielder of magics
[X] Jeustin, the King's Sword, one of the courts champions.
[X] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
[X] Alderly, sweetheart and sometime lover
[X] Jeustin, the King's Sword, one of the courts champions.
[X] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
[X] Alderly, sweetheart and sometime lover
- Location
- SV's Only Complete Persona Quest
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[x] Fredo, Paladin-priest and wielder of the divine hammer
[x] Theodore, Spell-singer and wielder of magics
[x] A sell-sword from another land who settled in Antia and won the King's trust.
[x] Alderly, sweetheart and sometime lover
[x] Theodore, Spell-singer and wielder of magics
[x] A sell-sword from another land who settled in Antia and won the King's trust.
[x] Alderly, sweetheart and sometime lover
Jeboboid
Draconic GM
- Location
- United Kingdom
[x] Theodore, Spell-singer and wielder of magics
[x] Gerold, spearman extraordinaire
[x] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
[x] Gillaume, beloved brother
This looks fun, and you write well. And I also find myself enticed by the description of 'spearman extraordinaire'.
Spears are woefully underrated and underused in fantasy. There needs to be more of them. And sibling dynamics are always fun.
[x] Gerold, spearman extraordinaire
[x] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
[x] Gillaume, beloved brother
This looks fun, and you write well. And I also find myself enticed by the description of 'spearman extraordinaire'.
Spears are woefully underrated and underused in fantasy. There needs to be more of them. And sibling dynamics are always fun.
- Location
- Israel
Who are these two companions (pick two):
[X] Theodore, Spell-singer and wielder of magics
[X] Jeustin, the King's Sword, one of the courts champions.
Who is Josephene?
[X] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
Who awaits her?
[X] Gillaume, beloved brother
[X] Theodore, Spell-singer and wielder of magics
[X] Jeustin, the King's Sword, one of the courts champions.
Who is Josephene?
[X] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
Who awaits her?
[X] Gillaume, beloved brother
NuclearConsensus
Herald of the Thorned One
- Location
- the Philippines
[X] Theodore, Spell-singer and wielder of magics
[X] Jeustin, the King's Sword, one of the courts champions.
[X] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
[X] Gillaume, beloved brother
[X] Jeustin, the King's Sword, one of the courts champions.
[X] The King's daughter. A bastard, but neither hidden nor rejected.
[X] Gillaume, beloved brother
Hykal94
Orange Estus Kitteh
- Location
- Firelink Shrine
[X] Gerold, spearman extraordinaire
[X] Fredo, Paladin-priest and wielder of the divine hammer
[X] A duke's daughter, once a noble hostage and now a sworn soldier
[X] Gillaume, beloved brother
Finally, spears are getting the recognition they deserve!
[X] Fredo, Paladin-priest and wielder of the divine hammer
[X] A duke's daughter, once a noble hostage and now a sworn soldier
[X] Gillaume, beloved brother
Finally, spears are getting the recognition they deserve!
Teloch
ಠ_ಠ
- Location
- The middle of nowhere
[X] Fredo, Paladin-priest and wielder of the divine hammer
[X] Jeustin, the King's Sword, one of the courts champions.
[X] A duke's daughter, once a noble hostage and now a sworn soldier
[X] Mathurin, a dear friend and steadfast companion
Howdy, fellow fantasy QM. Seems like it is our season on SV.
[X] Jeustin, the King's Sword, one of the courts champions.
[X] A duke's daughter, once a noble hostage and now a sworn soldier
[X] Mathurin, a dear friend and steadfast companion
Howdy, fellow fantasy QM. Seems like it is our season on SV.
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Need to remove the extra spaces in the brackets
4WheelSword
The original N-body Problem
- Pronouns
- It/She/They
Inserted tally
4WheelSword
The original N-body Problem
- Pronouns
- It/She/They
Sadly the tie got broken the other way. It's a caster and a paladinA spearman and a caster as the default party members. Where have I seen that... oh, right!
Update soon. Character sheet soon. Map soon.
Teloch
ಠ_ಠ
- Location
- The middle of nowhere
LucidProp
Pocky Eating MafiaDoka
But Spearman and Paladin have the same amount of votes according to the tally.Sadly the tie got broken the other way. It's a caster and a paladin
Update soon. Character sheet soon. Map soon.
Without a Spear's Bonus-Against-Large, we'll be helpless against Cavalry/Large-Entities! We're doomed I tell you! Doooooomed!