Chapter 1 – Quick Start
This page is only for quickly generating a character, please start with Chapter 2 if you wish to create a more detailed character.
Your tale begins
The Eldaar Reaches stands as a vast expanse of uncharted territories, brimming with an intricate tapestry of cultures that have withstood the test of time. As ancient as the lands themselves, these diverse societies hold tales of valor, conquest, and secrets whispered through generations. Within this realm, the primal forces of might and magic intermingle, shaping the destinies of those who traverse its rugged landscapes. In this world where barbaric tribes and despotic rulers carve their dominions, the sway of power is held by the audacious and the arcane. From the blade of a ruthless Barbarian chief to the mystic incantations of a seasoned Sorcerer, the Eldaar Reaches thrives in an ever-shifting balance of power. Yet, beyond the palpable reality that mortals tread upon, there lies a veiled dimension, an essence that defies understanding. This realm, shrouded in unfathomable mystery, is a source of both fascination and dread, an enigmatic tapestry woven with threads of profane magic. This unfathomable essence, an outgrowth of the outerdark, melds with the tangible world, emanating from distant, Lovecraftian realms. It spills forth, tainting reality with its incomprehensible touch. From the depths of these otherworldly dimensions, eldritch forces seep into the very fabric of existence, bringing with them magic as ancient and capricious as time itself. This mingling of arcane energy gives rise to an atmosphere where the boundaries between the known and the incomprehensible blur, a living testament to the tenuous grasp mortals hold over their reality. As you venture into the Eldaar Reaches, brace yourself for a journey through cultures steeped in history and enigmas. Prepare to face not only the conquests of tyrants and the strength of barbarians but also the alluring call of forbidden magic that defies the bounds of understanding. With every step, you'll tread a path woven with the threads of might, mystery, and the indomitable presence of the outerdark.
The Basics
The Eldaar Reaches is an ongoing, open world campaign where adventures are broken apart into ages. Each Age is given a theme, so that adventures follow a narrative that tells an overarching story about the world and its denizens.Changing Your Character
As ages progress, so too does time in this world. At the start of a new age, players are encouraged to revisit their characters and consider any changes to their Type, Focus, or Descriptor that would represent their personal growth over time.Alignment
The Hyborian Age is set within the Sword & Sorcery genre (a genre which, according to some scholars, was invented by Robert E. Howard). Although this genre certainly has its own set of clichés, it differs from high fantasy in that there is no delicate balance between good and evil, with fair and noble elves valiantly fighting against stupid, evil orcs. Rather, it is a grim world of cruel kings, barbarous fighters, beautiful women, and ambitious sorcerers and foul demons lurking in the shadows. Individuals within this world are defined by their motivation, culture and personal ambitions and ethics. Alignment is never interpreted the same way by two people. Usually, even the Dungeon Master has trouble defining the behavior of the different alignments. Having characters act according to their own motivation creates much more interesting plots and storylines than simply "I'm good, you're evil" plotlines. As a consequence, characters, creatures and deities have no listed alignment value. The PCs will have to judge for themselves whether an NPC is "evil" based on his or her actions. There are, however, certain codes of "honor" which are observed across the world.
Common Tropes
Low Fantasy: A more subdued counterpart of high fantasy, with an Earthlike setting (medieval, antiquity, or corresponding to some other historical time period). Magic exists, but isn’t necessarily something the heroes wield directly or easily. The PCs tend to be martial-focused (warriors or thieves), the magic they use tends to be in objects (such as weapons or potions), and wizards and priests with true magic are usually mentors, antagonists, or monsters. “Sword and sorcery” is part of this genre. Examples include Conan the Barbarian (Robert E. Howard), Red Sonja (Marvel Comics), Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser/Lankhmar (Fritz Leiber), The Sword of Truth (Terry Goodkind), the Book of Swords series (Fred Saberhagen), Willow (1988 film), Dragonslayer (1981 film), The Beastmaster (1982 film), Rebel of the Sands (Alwyn Hamilton), A Song of Ice and Fire (George R. R. Martin), Spin the Dawn (Elizabeth Lim), and We Hunt the Flame (Hafsah Faizal).
Character tropes are archetypal roles or themes that characters often embody in storytelling. They provide a framework and a common language to understand and relate to characters in narratives. In the context of the Eldaar Reaches, considering character tropes is crucial because they help players define their character's role, personality, and background more easily. By choosing a trope or a combination of them, players can develop characters that fit seamlessly into the world, enhancing the role-playing experience and contributing to the rich tapestry of stories in this gritty and mysterious setting.
| Trope | Description |
|---|---|
| Barbarian | A fierce and rugged warrior from the untamed wilderness, wielding brute strength and primal instincts as their weapons of choice. With a relentless determination, they charge into battles, clad in fur and wielding massive weapons, unleashing fury that matches the wild lands they call home. |
| Sorcerer | A wielder of arcane energies, the sorcerer channels mystic powers to cast spells that reshape reality itself. Often marked by their enigmatic aura and peculiar mannerisms, they command elements and forces beyond the comprehension of mere mortals, tapping into the fabric of existence to achieve their desires |
| Priest | A devout and pious servant of the divine, the priest dedicates their life to the teachings and rituals of their chosen faith. Cloaked in the vestments of their religious order, they offer guidance, blessings, and solace to their followers, conducting ceremonies, and embodying the virtues and values of their belief system |
| Noble Warrior | Born to privilege and trained in the art of combat, the noble warrior is a skilled and honorable fighter who upholds their family's legacy. Clad in fine armor and armed with precision, they embody chivalry and nobility both on and off the battlefield. |
| Mercenary | A battle-hardened soldier of fortune, the mercenary fights for coin and survival. Adaptable and skilled in various forms of combat, they possess a ruthless pragmatism that keeps them alive in the harsh world of conflict, often forging their own path and alliances. |
| Nomad | A wanderer of the open lands, the nomad is in tune with nature and survival. They traverse deserts, tundras, and vast plains, carrying their skills of survival, resourcefulness, and adaptability, while often living a life untouched by the trappings of civilization. |
| Pirate | A master of the high seas, the pirate commands a ship and crew, plundering the waters for treasure and adventure. With a free spirit and cunning tactics, they navigate the dangerous waters of politics and betrayal as skillfully as they do stormy seas. |
| Scholar | A seeker of knowledge and wisdom, the scholar's power lies in their intellect and expertise. Whether through magical research or historical study, they uncover hidden truths, ancient spells, and forgotten mysteries, shaping the world with their revelations. |
| Scoundrel | A charming rogue and skilled opportunist, the scoundrel thrives in the shadows, using wit, stealth, or guile to achieve their goals. They navigate the social and criminal underbelly, relying on a mixture of silver tongue and quick reflexes to stay one step ahead. |
| Shaman | A bridge between the mortal realm and the spirit world, the shaman harnesses the power of nature and ancestral spirits. They perform rituals, commune with the supernatural, and offer guidance and protection to their community, maintaining the balance between realms. |
Playable Cultures
As might be expected from a game set in 'The Hyborian Age,' the dominant people throughout the western lands are the Hyborians. In most Conan the Roleplaying Game campaigns, the majority of the player characters will either be Hyborians or from among the peoples living closest to the Hyborian kingdoms; that is, the Cimmerians, Shemites, Zamorians, and Zingarans. However, the rules certainly do not preclude characters from other realms, and the occasional Hyrkanian archer, Stygian sorcerer, or corsair of the Southern Islands can enhance any campaign, even those set deep in the civilized Hyborian kingdoms of Aquilonia and Nemedia. Adventurers in the Hyborian age travel around a great deal. Conan himself, though a Cimmerian by birth, visits more or less every country in the world during the course of his adventures.What You Need to Play
To participate in The Eldaar Reaches games, you’ll need access to at least the following:
- Cypher Rules Primer. This .pdf document is free on the Monte Cook website and contains all the basic rules of the game.
- A Character Sheet. You can create a character by accessing the Roll20 server, and use it to begin creating your character.
- You’ll also need a character made for The Eldaar Reaches. All characters begin at 1st tier, and you can use the information later in this guide to help shape them.
Step 1: Create a Concept.
characters can choose Descriptor, Type, and Focus options from the Player’s Handbook. But before visiting this resource, consider the following:- What Tropes am I trying to play into?
- What life-changing event set my character on the path they are now?
- How does my character's background shape their views on magic and the supernatural?
- How does my character's stance on power, morality, and ambition align with the world's tone and atmosphere?
- How does my character adapt to the themes of survival and struggle prevalent in this world?
Step 2: Determine Ability Scores.
Your character’s ability scores are determined through a combination of your Descriptor, Type, and Focus. Your type will offer your default ability scores, and from this default players are granted 6 additional points to distribute as they will. There is no point maximum or minimum. After determining your default scores, review your choices for your focus and descriptor. These may each offer additional points, but some do not.Step 3: Describe Your Character.
Describe your character and choose a trope.- Tropes. Represent a trope that fits into this world or create your own through combining them.This will help you roleplay a character which makes sense in this universe, and has a deep level of intricacy.
- Alignment. Consider your character’s world view. The Eldaar Reaches are a harsh and cruel place full of tyrants and barbarians, and as such many of its people echo its nature. The general morality of the people is gray and practical, but this does not stop some heroes aspiring to be greater.
- Culture. What culture does your character originate from? Cultures play a large role in this world, and can add a robust flavor to your character as well as unique benefits.
- Deities. In the multitude of cultures that exist in the Eldaar Reaches there is an equal number of entities mortals praise as deities. Though signs of their presence rarely show, gods and their faiths take very different appearances across the world. Consider what your character’s faith may be (if they have any at all), and consort the Faith Guide.
Step 4: Choose Equipment
Your character’s Type, Descriptor, and Trope determine equipment and treasure.- Cyphers. You start with a cypher based on your trope, you can find the cyphers in the Player’s Handbook.
- Equipment. Your character can sell or buy crafting components and equipment found in the Player’s Handbook or any player resources.
Step 5: Build your Sheet.
Finally, assemble all of these pieces onto your character sheet and ask a DM to review it. Once you’re given the approval to proceed, you will be ready for your first game in The Eldaar Reaches.Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
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