How Far Will You Go In The Name of Faith? (Interest Check)

Started by deadmanshand, September 22, 2014, 09:56:25 PM

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deadmanshand

I've had this idea burning in my head for a while now. It's dark and bloody and more than a bit twisted with a lot of great themes to work with. There is just one problem. It could be real touchy. Here's the idea.

You are the Inquisition. At least members of it. Your task is to root out heresy, infernalism, and apostacy. To gather evidence, question - in all the meanings of the word -, and see them tried for their crimes. There will be black magic and monsters and demons but this game would explore both sides of the Inquisition. Where you fall on the spectrum of defender of the faith and dangerous zealot is up to you. Definitely Dark Fantasy in tone.

Now this game will be setup - if there is enough interest - in the Extreme section. Sex, drugs, vice, and violence go hand in hand with this game. Politics and power are never far from those things. There will be scenes of people being questioned. Executions. I want everyone to see the impact that their choices make.

As you can see this concept has potential both good and bad. Most of the good being in potentially powerful stories. Provided I don't screw it up on the GM front. But the bad has potential to be really bad OOC. So to head that off I am going to clearly lay out what I want this game to be and what I do not want it to be.

My intention for the game is to walk the line between the myths of the Inquisition and the truth. As for morality every npc will have their own. Same for the players. The overall morality of the Inquisition... that's almost not for me to say. The game and the players will determine that I think.

The religion is inspired by the Catholic Church but will be different in structure, doctrine, and origin. I do intend for doctrine and theology to play a big part in the game. Indeed it's almost necessary.

What This Game Will Be:

- An exploration of faith. The good and the bad.
- A dark look at the actions of the righteous.
- A political game within the Church.

What This Game Will Not Be:

- A venue for anyone's personal opinions on religion, God, or the Church.
- Torture porn.
- A venue for anyone's power fantasies.

Now that that is done I would like to say that the game would take place in a homebrew setting with inspirations from the real world. It's one of my own design. I've got a map and everything. There will be even be a big primer in game as to the structure of the Church and the Inquisition as well as the practices and rules of both.

This will be a system game but using a free system. Very rules light. Meant more to provide structure than shackle the game. It's called ImagiNation but note that the players will not have access to any powers. This will be people using their skills and abilities to accomplish their goals. Not saying magic won't exist but what Inquisitor would suffer a witch among them?

Setting Sample
Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide
The Papal States

Midtelande

Midtelande is a monarchy under the influence of the Holy See and in the geographic center of the continent. Midtelande was originally selected as the site of the capitol of Emperor Aelfric's continent-spanning empire. The royal family of Midtelande are said to be the only living descendants of Aelfric, although their descent is indirect, via peripheral bloodlines.

Greve Strad. The capitol of the Midteland. During the One Hundred Years War, the King, Queen and hundreds of elite nobles reigned from this illustrious, well-defended city. The royal court hosted huge banquets during the war, uniting the nobles with high-ranking generals. A culture of rumors and shadowy affairs grew within the ranks of the nobles, creating a secret brotherhood within the royal court. Protected by the White Order of the Dragon under the control of Duke Elias - the King's own brother.

Originally founded by Emperor Aelfric as the capitol due to its location in the rough center of the continent. The original city was destroyed by a catastrophic event and the current city of Greve Strad was founded on it's ruins by the royal family of Midteland centuries later.

Ringsted is the gateway for Rekkrvakan steel. A profitable trade in times of war. A port town overlooking the white expanse of the Wisp Sea.

Kolding. A stopover town ruled by the Lord Mayor of Kolding. A pleasant town important for the prisons there and the military armory built there as a resupply stop.

St. Albion. A city under the protection of the Holy See. A city fallen into vice and current home to the Holy See's personal army the Brothers of the Sword. The leader there is the Inquisitor Marius who does so from St. Dymphna's Cathedral.

Useful Information: The people of Midtelande are pale skinned with generally dark hair and eyes. The men average out at about 6' and the women around 5'6". Very feudalistic in style and tone of culture. Names are generally Danish in style. A listing of such names can be found here: http://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/danish

Valois

A powerful militaristic nation boasting the most powerful and skilled military on the continent. Ruled by tradition bound noble houses infused with a powerful sense of loyalty to the bloodline and the nation. Techniques and strategies are often passed down through the noble lineages. A strong theme of honor and social appearance define their interactions and even nobility can be removed from their station by acts of cowardice or incompetence.

Valois has a feudal system of government; the royal power is largely decentralized. In rural areas, feudal lords handle matters such as defense and the maintenance of law and order. The feudal hierarchy starts with the King at the top. The next step down are the Liege Lords, Generals, and other nobles with titles who are given manors and fiefs to control within the King's Domain. Below them are the vassals, or lesser lords who controlled smaller pieces of land on the Liege lord's manor. Below the knights are serfs.

Odense is considered to be unbreakable and was once one of the main border castles of Midtelande. It is surrounded by mountains, and a vast open wasteland sits between the castle and a river. The large, open land makes a perfect battlefield for open wars.

Odense once belonged to Midland until the armies of Valois invaded and took complete control by way of treason. Later during the Hundred Years War, it has become a staging point for invading Midtelande's empire and is also a military base for Valois' strongest army, the Violet Order of the Charger led by General Bastien. The castle's governor, Lord Gaubert, is the descendant of the traitors who gave Odense to the Valois.

Gardanne the capital of the nation of Valois. From here King Cyril II orchestrates the war that his great-grandfather began with the capture of Odense. It is a city of gothic architecture from the time of Geiseric and one of the most heavily defended cities in the world. Few Midtelanders have seen it's walls since the war began.

Useful Information: The people of Valois tend towards fair hair and skin with an average height of 5'10" for the men and 5'4" for the women. Highly militaristic, serf based culture. Valois names are French in style. Such can be found here: http://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/french

The Holy See

The Holy See is the hand of God to the masses of the papal states. Their insignia is a hawk in flight with the rising sun behind it. Much of the Holy See's doctrine is based on a strict conduct of purging oneself from sin and keeping the Vigil. However, beneath that veil, in conjunction with the nobility, the Holy See monopolizes the wealth of the world.

Cesena the seaside seat for the Holy See. From here, guarded by the Seraphim Guard, the Thearch keeps vigil over the souls of his flock. Perhaps the single wealthiest city in the world and it looks it. Beautiful architecture of marble and sandstone and the finest statuary.

Useful Information: The natives of the Holy See tend towards dark hair and olive skin. Most of the men stand around 5'8" and the women closer to 5'2". Very religious and arts based culture with a trend of militaristic religious orders as private armies are not allowed to be maintained by anyone other than the Church. Names are Italian in style - http://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/italian

Ustica

A land controlled by the Merchant Families. Brilliant and ruthless traders bound by an old code of honor that has allowed them to escape the persecution of both Midtelande and the Holy See. The Families own the allegiances of various villages and towns within the territory with only Siena being controlled jointly.

Siena is the City of Masks. Ruled by consigliore of the Merchant Families as a council. Each with their face hidden behind a mask (Venetian style). Anything and everything can be purchased in Siena if one knows who to ask. Also know for its bacchanals.

Useful Information: Physically the same as the people of the Holy See. Even the same kind of names. Culturally worlds apart. A culture focused around money, honor, and respect. Break faith with a Ustican and you have made an enemy for life.

Little Bit About the Church
Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide
A thousand years ago the Church of the Vigil was a small, obscure cult along the shores of the Sea of Glass. Mostly ignored by the aged faiths of the warring nations. It was led at the time by Anecleto I. A wise man afflicted with fits.

At the same time to the north in what would become Midtelande King Aelfric was leading the war against the men of Rekkrheim. Despite his courage and skill he was falling to the northmen's ferocity and steel. His offerings to the gods went unanswered and hope was beginning to fade.

Anecleto - at dawn on the first day of Hallow - suffered a terrible fit. During this he spoke with one of God's Hand. It gave to him a message and a weapon. When he awoke he undertook the trek to where Aelfric was recovering from his latest battle. There he spoke to the great king in private. What was said has been debated hotly but when Aelfric emerged he was a convert of the Church of the Vigil and carried a silver longsword of exquisite make.

With Angurvadal in hand he could not be stopped in battle. They pushed the men of Rekkrheim back to their own shores and beyond. With each place captured Aelfric added to his armies and spread the word of the Vigil. Finally Aelfric stood as lord of most of the known world and found himself an Emperor. Anecleto found his once small church the main faith of the largest nation in the world and he became the First Thearch.

The structure of the Vigil will be familiar. At the top the Thearch rules over the church. Beneath him are the Pillars - the heads of the five orders that make up the Church of the Vigil. That includes the Inquisitor General. Beneath them are the Exarchs - powerful priests that oversee entire regions and must answer only to the Pillars and the Thearch. Below them are the Prefects - heads of the temple monasteries. Finally you have the priests.

Now that is only the overall structure of the church. The Inquisition will be covered in more depth in game.

Now the beliefs of the church are based around the concept that the One (God) ordained the his servitors (The Hand of God) to make the world and it was perfect. Upon the world he created man and it was man that marred his creation by letting in the Darkness. Mankind's original sin. To this he had the Hand of God teach men of weaponry and told them to fight for their forgiveness. When the Darkness was cast out the Hand of God returned with a message, "That mankind must bear the weight of it's sin but forgiveness can be earned. Eschew the sins of the flesh, purge the dark arts, and always remain vigilant against the return of the Darkness. Those that do will join with the Hand of God."


Any questions/interest/condemnations?

Kythia

This sounds fun, if it gets going.  Colour me interested.
242037

deadmanshand

I was hoping someone would show interest. While waiting for someone else to show interest do you have any questions?

Kythia

Well, many.  But a substantial number of them would be answered by other people taking interest as an outline for a group began to emerge.  One that does come to mind though is about female inquisitors and whether or not they exist.
242037

deadmanshand

They do. This religion - while inspired by real world Catholic church and history - does not have the same history with women that it's comparison does. So female priests and Inquisitors and the like are all present. Not that the setting is modern or progressive but that one thing is different.



Teddy Molotov

I got to say, I'm interested. You got a player here if you need one.

deadmanshand

Excellent. Do you have any questions I could answer? I feel like maybe people are a little leery of this concept and any questions I might answer could allay some fears.

Bandeena

Do you have any plot ideas rolling around in your head? You mentioned the players would be members of the Inquisition, so is that necessarily the case? And would that necessarily mean that the players are working at stamping out heretics as a plot point? Or is the plot going to be dependent on the characters? I know if can go either way from a GM perspective.

I'm super interested.

Teddy Molotov

I don't have any questions right now, but you'll be the first to know if any pop up in this silly head of mine.

deadmanshand

@Teddy - Feel free to ask any that pop up.

@Bandeena - Yes every one will be members of the Inquisition. The game will be layered effectively. It will have an over arcing plot, side plots, and character driven plots. The over arcing plot will be tied to stamping out heresy. No bones about it that is the main focus of the game. It's actually the point of it. The question at the heart of it if you will.

Does heresy mean evil?

Flaming


Kythia

So is it worth putting some thought in to characters?  Is there somewhere we can get ImaginiNation?
242037

Bandeena

Hokay, coolbeans. Then as Kythia said, can we get a little more insight into the system we'd be using?

deadmanshand

ImagiNation can be found on drivethrurpg but it is completely free. It's also easy, rules lite, and very flexible. I will be using altered character creation rules just to reflect the difference in setting and theme. I should be able to get those up later tonight or tomorrow.

Now - being new here - I am trying to figure out where I should put my world information. Is there a good place here to put it or should I just put together a pdf with all of it?

Kythia

Well, it's your game....  But generally it would be placed here, in this thread, or if its a biggie then in a thread of its own over in worldbuilding.  But, yeah - the choice is yours.
242037

Edgar

Darn. Had it been realistically (historically) based instead of fantasy, I would have had forwarded your request pronto to a friend of mine, who happens to play the most delightfully dark and tormented inquisition priest.
Oderint dum metuant (Let them hate me, as long as they fear me).

deadmanshand

@Kythia - My only concern is that there is 27 pages of setting information. Not counting information about the church. Plus a map.

@Edgar - I had originally considered doing it as a historically based game but I decided against it for some very solid reasons. Mostly to avoid real world religious beliefs becoming an issue in game. Secondly to avoid the historical fact and accuracy dance. No matter how thoroughly I research a historical era there will be someone who either knows more or thinks they do and must make it a point of contention. The first is disastrous for a game and the second is just really god damn annoying. This way there is a lot more freedom with the setting and events.

Kythia

Quote from: deadmanshand on September 28, 2014, 03:14:41 PM
@Edgar - I had originally considered doing it as a historically based game but I decided against it for some very solid reasons. Mostly to avoid real world religious beliefs becoming an issue in game. Secondly to avoid the historical fact and accuracy dance. No matter how thoroughly I research a historical era there will be someone who either knows more or thinks they do and must make it a point of contention. The first is disastrous for a game and the second is just really god damn annoying. This way there is a lot more freedom with the setting and events.

Also, boobies.

That's a hell of a lot.  PDF and link may well be easiest then.
242037

Edgar

If anyone understands that concern, it is me. I have RPed realistic historical-based stuff for 15 years and yes, you definite;y have to deal wih anal people one moment or another.

Still... when it's clearly specified that you don't have a precise context nor mean to offend anyone (I'm a Catholic), there is no reason for such a RP to fail... not with members who should be mature enough, I mean.

Then again, I understand if you have a preference for the freedom of fantasy. People seem to be more into that, whereas I prefer the challenges given by a certain level of realism.
Oderint dum metuant (Let them hate me, as long as they fear me).

deadmanshand

I've never truly been a fan of historical based gaming as I have never once seen it last longer than a few sessions of tabletop or more than a month online before the "My history research says this!" argument comes up. Not once in 24 years of gaming have I seen that argument fail to appear in a historical game and when it involves something people have strong opinions about it's that much worse. I've seen people get into actual fist fights over it. It's stupid.

So fantasy setting it is. If only to prevent me from getting a migraine.

@Kythia - And boobies. PDF is what I was thinking too.

Edgar

Not a problem. My only real issue is that monsters and creatures just aren't my cup of tea. Otherwise, I wouldn't ind fantasy that much.

This being said, I wish you all fun and success!
Oderint dum metuant (Let them hate me, as long as they fear me).

Teddy Molotov

You can never have enough lore, in my opinion. PDF would probably work best.

Teddy Molotov

I've actually got a question; what kind of will we be using for this game? Are we going to play-by-post and use E's dice roller, or over a chat, or something else? How do you plan on us playing?