Rise of the Arcanist - Player Handout: Introduction
At the close of the Centurion War, the nations of the Commonwealth, exhausted after years of bloody conflict, retreated inward to heal from the scars of war. As tensions dissipated, the nation-states began to rebuild, and the people were allowed to move forward with their own lives and interests. As a result, technology marched forward at a rapid pace, and gave rise to steam engines, gunpowder weapons, and even electrical generators.
As technology developed, many magic users began to grow anxious. They believed that technology was evolving too quickly, and that those who meddled with these forces did not understand them enough to be able to control them. As the Technologists expanded and the magicians were forced out, their anxiety turned to resentment, resentment turned to anger, and tensions began to rise again.
You are the Court Revelers, a band of musicians in troubled times. After being re-formed 62 years ago, the Court Revelers enjoyed success and fame across the Commonwealth for a long time. But recently, with changes in membership and the cultural tastes of the people, that success has dwindled. Although many members live for the fame, glory, and companionship of the group, the Court Revelers are beginning to realize that it may be time for their career as musicians to come to an end. Some will return to their old lives. Others seek out new adventures in the shrinking world.
With pressures rising between factions, a young nation on shaky legs, nation-states reclaiming their lost power, and secret plots around every corner, the world is in need of heroes. Will a band of washed-up musicians rise to glory? Or will it be time for the final curtain call?
Narrative Sandbox; Defeat the Villain and Save the World
Politics: Low
Roleplaying: Mid
Tactics: Mid
Player Buy-In: Players should not be motivated by gold and riches, as there has been none promised. There will be, but it should not be the driving motivation. Players should have backstories for their characters, and the characters should care about the world they live in, and each other. Murder Hobos need not apply...sorry, Molly.
You could be from… ...Arkannas Ridge. Characters from the cliffside town of Arkannas Ridge are stout, hearty characters who have survived some very harsh winters. They are rugged men and women, used to hard work and dangerous conditions. They are also used to roaring fires, hearty meals, and raucous parties. Humans, Dwarves, and Half-Orcs are common from the northern nation. Largely neutral during the Centurion War, the people of Arkannas Ridge have too much to deal with in the day to day to care much about relations with other nations. They feel a kinship with Komkolzgrad, and have tried to make friends with the industrial nation, but have been met with a grudging, if not cold, reception. The people of Baranour have been more receptive, but their philosophical nature is sometimes too odd for the down-to-earth ‘Ridgers. ...Baranour. The high cliffs and windswept peaks of Baranour make for characters that have a higher view of the world around them. Scholars, philosophers, and religious leaders are common turnouts from the mountaintop city, as well as daredevils and thrill-seekers. In recent years, with the advent of airships, mechanics and technologists are becoming more prevalent as well. Humans and Raptorans are among the most common species that call the peaks home. The people of Baranour tend to prefer isolation and solitude, and rarely seek out interaction with others outside their flock. When exchanging with outsiders, they are not unfriendly, but their unique and lofty way of looking at the world tends to drive people away. Although they do not consider anyone enemies, they do not like the people of Barrockstadt, as many members of the flock have attempted to attend the University, but have been turned away. ...Barrockstadt. The lush woodlands and flowing waters of Barrock’s Run make for many great explorers and hunters. The presence of the University also makes for great scholars, although they do tend to turn them out with a rather haughty viewpoint. The fame and reputation of the University also brings students and professors from throughout the world, so they boast a diverse population. The people of Barrockstadt have formed an unlikely friendship with the people of Valadilene. Their shared geographical location has made them neighbors, and their trading during the Empire years, and their partnership during the Centurion War have only strengthened their relations. It is an ‘odd couple’ relationship, to be sure, but a strong one. Barrockstadt has also tried to maintain a good relationship with all nations as a way to expand the faculty and students at the University, but have grown afoul of Arkannas Ridge and Baranour, who have felt snubbed by their citizens’ lack of acceptance. ...Haven. Once a coastal farming village, the metropolitan city of Haven now boasts one of the largest and most diverse populations on the planet. From industrial tinkers, to wealthy businessmen, to exotic sailors, to powerful mages, to the lowliest of beggars, you can find them all in the City That Never Slumbers. With the history of the Empire, the people Haven have felt animosity from most nations in the Commonwealth, and most citizens feel it is justified. They have spent years encouraging trade and trying to build relations with other nations, although some hostility from outside still lingers. Cosmo Bliven, the Minister of Haven, has been especially essential in developing and maintaining the Commonwealth relations. ...Komkolzgrad. Citizens of the industrial nation of Komkolzgrad are brought up in rigorous adherence to the state. They are hard working, serious people, who are rarely humorous. But they are also innovative and sturdy, and their artwork, though sometimes stark, is also striking and beautiful. Dwarves are the most prevalent of races, followed by Humans and Gnomes. The people of Komkolzgrad are fiercely independent, and resentful of anyone they perceive to be interfering with their affairs. They generally hold a grudge against most other Commonwealth nations for this reason, and especially against Haven for their part in the initial Imperial invasions hundreds of years ago. They grudgingly accept the people of Arkannas Ridge as friends, although still reserved. ...Valadilene. Nestled in the coastal wetlands of the Twin Lakes area, people from Valadilene are often spiritual, both in terms of religion and of personality. They are lovers of music and art, as well as delicious food. Characters could be from the classy, artistic city, or might be from the rougher, poorer wetlands. Elves and Halflings still make up a majority of the population, especially in the city, and Humans and Gnomes are a close second, and more prevalent in the wetlands. The people of Valadilene have formed an unlikely friendship with the people of Barrockstadt. Their shared geographical location has made them neighbors, and their trading during the Empire years, and their partnership during the Centurion War have only strengthened their relations. It is an ‘odd couple’ relationship, to be sure, but a strong one. People from Valadilene are generally very friendly and welcoming with other nations, but their kinship with Barrockstadt is a special one. ...Valsembor. Bred of the salt air off the Gates of Erat, the people of the port city of Valsembor are born for adventure. Sailors, merchants, and pirates all call Valsembor home, although, with a whole world to explore, they tend not to stay for long. The energetic inhabitants live free, party hard, and like to think they have no regrets. Similar to the people of Komkolzgrad, the people of Valsembor like to think of themselves as independent, although their position on the coast makes this lifestyle impractical, as they are reliant upon trade for their livelihoods. They have formed a symbiotic and friendly relationship with Abu Khaba, their sister city across the Gates of Erat, but otherwise tend to keep to themselves as much as they can. They hold no real grudges with Commonwealth nations, but no true friendships, either. ...one of the smaller Commonwealth villages. The Commonwealth is a wide, and diverse land, and many stories are written here. Could your story be one of humble beginnings?
You could be from… ...Arkannas Ridge. Characters from the cliffside town of Arkannas Ridge are stout, hearty characters who have survived some very harsh winters. They are rugged men and women, used to hard work and dangerous conditions. They are also used to roaring fires, hearty meals, and raucous parties. Humans, Dwarves, and Half-Orcs are common from the northern nation. Largely neutral during the Centurion War, the people of Arkannas Ridge have too much to deal with in the day to day to care much about relations with other nations. They feel a kinship with Komkolzgrad, and have tried to make friends with the industrial nation, but have been met with a grudging, if not cold, reception. The people of Baranour have been more receptive, but their philosophical nature is sometimes too odd for the down-to-earth ‘Ridgers. ...Baranour. The high cliffs and windswept peaks of Baranour make for characters that have a higher view of the world around them. Scholars, philosophers, and religious leaders are common turnouts from the mountaintop city, as well as daredevils and thrill-seekers. In recent years, with the advent of airships, mechanics and technologists are becoming more prevalent as well. Humans and Raptorans are among the most common species that call the peaks home. The people of Baranour tend to prefer isolation and solitude, and rarely seek out interaction with others outside their flock. When exchanging with outsiders, they are not unfriendly, but their unique and lofty way of looking at the world tends to drive people away. Although they do not consider anyone enemies, they do not like the people of Barrockstadt, as many members of the flock have attempted to attend the University, but have been turned away. ...Barrockstadt. The lush woodlands and flowing waters of Barrock’s Run make for many great explorers and hunters. The presence of the University also makes for great scholars, although they do tend to turn them out with a rather haughty viewpoint. The fame and reputation of the University also brings students and professors from throughout the world, so they boast a diverse population. The people of Barrockstadt have formed an unlikely friendship with the people of Valadilene. Their shared geographical location has made them neighbors, and their trading during the Empire years, and their partnership during the Centurion War have only strengthened their relations. It is an ‘odd couple’ relationship, to be sure, but a strong one. Barrockstadt has also tried to maintain a good relationship with all nations as a way to expand the faculty and students at the University, but have grown afoul of Arkannas Ridge and Baranour, who have felt snubbed by their citizens’ lack of acceptance. ...Haven. Once a coastal farming village, the metropolitan city of Haven now boasts one of the largest and most diverse populations on the planet. From industrial tinkers, to wealthy businessmen, to exotic sailors, to powerful mages, to the lowliest of beggars, you can find them all in the City That Never Slumbers. With the history of the Empire, the people Haven have felt animosity from most nations in the Commonwealth, and most citizens feel it is justified. They have spent years encouraging trade and trying to build relations with other nations, although some hostility from outside still lingers. Cosmo Bliven, the Minister of Haven, has been especially essential in developing and maintaining the Commonwealth relations. ...Komkolzgrad. Citizens of the industrial nation of Komkolzgrad are brought up in rigorous adherence to the state. They are hard working, serious people, who are rarely humorous. But they are also innovative and sturdy, and their artwork, though sometimes stark, is also striking and beautiful. Dwarves are the most prevalent of races, followed by Humans and Gnomes. The people of Komkolzgrad are fiercely independent, and resentful of anyone they perceive to be interfering with their affairs. They generally hold a grudge against most other Commonwealth nations for this reason, and especially against Haven for their part in the initial Imperial invasions hundreds of years ago. They grudgingly accept the people of Arkannas Ridge as friends, although still reserved. ...Valadilene. Nestled in the coastal wetlands of the Twin Lakes area, people from Valadilene are often spiritual, both in terms of religion and of personality. They are lovers of music and art, as well as delicious food. Characters could be from the classy, artistic city, or might be from the rougher, poorer wetlands. Elves and Halflings still make up a majority of the population, especially in the city, and Humans and Gnomes are a close second, and more prevalent in the wetlands. The people of Valadilene have formed an unlikely friendship with the people of Barrockstadt. Their shared geographical location has made them neighbors, and their trading during the Empire years, and their partnership during the Centurion War have only strengthened their relations. It is an ‘odd couple’ relationship, to be sure, but a strong one. People from Valadilene are generally very friendly and welcoming with other nations, but their kinship with Barrockstadt is a special one. ...Valsembor. Bred of the salt air off the Gates of Erat, the people of the port city of Valsembor are born for adventure. Sailors, merchants, and pirates all call Valsembor home, although, with a whole world to explore, they tend not to stay for long. The energetic inhabitants live free, party hard, and like to think they have no regrets. Similar to the people of Komkolzgrad, the people of Valsembor like to think of themselves as independent, although their position on the coast makes this lifestyle impractical, as they are reliant upon trade for their livelihoods. They have formed a symbiotic and friendly relationship with Abu Khaba, their sister city across the Gates of Erat, but otherwise tend to keep to themselves as much as they can. They hold no real grudges with Commonwealth nations, but no true friendships, either. ...one of the smaller Commonwealth villages. The Commonwealth is a wide, and diverse land, and many stories are written here. Could your story be one of humble beginnings?
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