Lupravia - 5th ed D&D adventures in the Gothic realm

Started by LisztesFerenc, October 06, 2016, 09:01:42 AM

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LisztesFerenc

The Land of Lupravia


Come dance with the ravens...

  Lupravia is a rural county ruled primarily by four aristocratic families, all of whom keep to themselves. In Castle Gragoryn, the ruling Count Ivak of the Gragoryns and his family live their lives behind thick, towering walls of solid granite, coming out only to hunt in the moonlight on the backs of great war mounts with glowing red eyes, wielding broad bladed spears of silver and bows whose shaft are as thick as a man's arm. At their heel run hounds the size of ponies, whose howling can often be heard both from within and outside the castle walls. Their domain extends across the grassy plains and forests in the centre of Lupravia and encompasses the three largest settlements: Strigoiva, Balci and Vargenhof (the only settlement in Lupravia big enough to be considered a town). Crossing Lupravia without entering Gragoryn territory is nearly impossible. The noble family's private army, the Riders of Grey, patrol the high ways collecting food tributes from the farmers and tax from travelling merchants, as well as "recruiting" blacksmith and masons to perform maintenance on their lord's home. Whilst the Gragoryn's are gracious enough to compensate such workers, few relish approaching the grim castle.

  To the north, the moorland barony is ruled by the Skirith family, oversee their segment of the land from a crumbling church, converted somewhat to suit their blue blooded needs. There are several other temples in their domain, as well as the village of Matton. To the east the land rises into mountains cut by tumbling rivers. Here mining communities search for silver amongst the rocks, overseen by a regiment of the Riders in Grey. The southern edge of the land is mostly marshes, inhabited by few humanoid, but plenty of creatures if the stories are to be believed. The Skiriths keep to themselves, but are surprisingly friendly with the Travelers, bands of wondering Halflings said to know how to weave spirits into mundane items. Every generation Skirith envoys travel to Matton to find young males and females for the family's children to marry, for it seems the Skirith cannot, or will not, marry with other noble families.

  The more twisted forests of Lupravia in the south west are ruled over by Baron Harken of the Krastovs, their holdings centred in the tower formerly belonging to Fratoe, a mad scientist who sought to build a staircase into the sky. A group of hunters slew him two centuries ago, and the then ruler of the Lupravia, Ronak Gragoryn, appointed the tower and the surrounding mountains to his son to start a new noble line there. The Krastovs have recruited other scientists to make use of the equipment left there by Fratoe. The two villages in the realm, Gaist and Yalkim, frequently see the noble family's guards, known as the Zrillie, who show up periodically demanding ingredients for their masters ambitions, but are otherwise rather tame with their requirements of monetary and food tributes.

  To the south east, the land rises into a high steppe; it is here that the best farming land in all of Lupravia can be found, as well as the great lake of Twussuk. The fourth largest settlement can also be found here, the farming village of Apoc and around its area numerous farmsteads are dotted. This is the smallest of the realms within Lupravia, and is ruled over the by the Rothida Family, who have claimed the lake as their own, and harshly punish any peasant who approaches it. It is also here that the dwarven caves of Igtalep can be found, but it is unclear how they and the Rothias see their relationship.

*****************************************************************

  I'm looking to run a game for a party of three. I already have one player, a friend of mine, so I need two more.

  Character Creation
  This game will start at level 1. All classes and races from the PHB and DMG are acceptable, some may need an explanation via background story (e.g. Monks) and obviously some races will face some rather extreme prejudice in game (drow, tiefling and dragonborn). Confirm stuff from splats, I'll probably allow it, but I just need to know. I am open to accepting homebrew, just run it by me.

  For stats, use point buy as described in the Player’s Handbook. No rolling.

  For money, choose either the class equipment + your background gear or roll as per your class, either way add +30 gold coins (well silver, no real difference, see house rules below).

  Custom Backgrounds are not in use, but the available Background from the book may be tweaked, by making up to 2 changes from the following list:
Trade one skill proficiency for another (one only)
Trade one tool proficiency for another
Trade one tools proficiency for a language/vice versa
Trade your Background feature for another

  If your character concept needs further changes background-wise, ask me about it and maybe we can work something out.

  No feat variant humans. Instead, humans increase four stats by +1 and gain a point of inspiration whenever they finish a long rest.

  House rules
1.   Currency gets tweaked a little. Silver is the default currency (anything in the book with a price in gold now has the same price in silver, and likewise any gold you would start with is instead silver). Book silver is then copper in Lupravia, and book copper is stone in Lupravia, a light grey limestone engraved with pattern similar to what features on metal currency. Gold exists but is incredibly rare, even adventurers can go their wholes lives without ever seeing a single gold coin.
2.   Languages get tweaked…a little more severely. There is no Common tongue, so everyone loses common and instead gains any one language of their choice. In addition, two languages are added: Human and Trade. Trade is the closest language to Common (but see below) and Human works just like Elven or Dwarven does. Comprehend language and other abilities that allow you to read, understand and/or speak any language remain unchanged. To help you decide which languages to choose:

                                The Languages of Lupravia

  Trade: Known by the majority of commoners, a significant amount of nobles and a surprising amount of monsters. Trade can handle basic conversations, but does not deal well with eloquence. Certain charisma (typically persuasion and elaborate deception checks) and intelligence (trying to convey specific scholarly information) checks will be made at disadvantage if Trade is the only shared language.

  Nobles – Most nobles will speak at least one of the following:    Draconic, Celestial and Infernal.
Additionally, Skirith nobility often learn Sylvan, whilst the Rothida have been known (rarely) to pick up Dwarven. Nobles may speak languages associated with the lower classes beside Trade, and this will not necessarily be Human, despite  most nobles being of that race. Elven or Dwarven are just as possible, as nobles live isolated lives, and would not need to know their races language.

  Peasant and Burgher class languages:
Reflective of the racial makeup of Lupravia’s population, common languages are: Dwarven, Human, Elven; as well as Gnomish, but only in the larger settlements. Whilst rarer than it is for nobles, do note that an individual may not speak the language of their race. A human in a largely elven village may speak Elven, and the children of a dwarf who left their kin in the mountains to live in a town may not have been taught Dwarven and instead speak Human.
  Halfling is spoken by Traveller bands, even whose members aren’t halfling.

  Goblin deserves its own mention, as barely peaceful contact has been made with these creatures, who have proven adept at surviving, and are willing to trade tips with remote villages in return for food and worked iron. Such deals are common enough that some commoners will speak a smattering of Goblin, though this is less common in Krastov lands, where an extermination campaign of the Zrillie has made local goblins extra distrustful of all humanoids.

  Not so common languages:
  Ork – Spoken by a kingdom of knights north of Lupravia, and the few who wander the land as monster hunters, this language has not caught on, and is rarely spoken by non-orcs.
  Abyssal – Demon worshippers, whilst uncommon, are not unheard of in Lupravia.
  Sylvan – Spoken by fey and other creatures of the wild.
  Primordial – Spoken by the rulers of monsters.

  Languages that will likely not feature in the game at all:
Giant, Undercommon and Deep Speak.

*****************************************************************

  If this seems like a game that would interest you, PM me a character concept. If you have any question, you can ask me by PM or post them here.

AndyZ

Not sure if I'll have time for this, but I'll at least keep an eye on it.
It's all good, and it's all in fun.  Now get in the pit and try to love someone.

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Zaer Darkwail

Keeping eye as well, maybe can join in (setting appears interesting). However are there cultural influences which need taken account for classes (like sorcerer vs wizard, warlock, cleric, paladins etc).

Snake


LisztesFerenc

Quote from: Zaer Darkwail on October 12, 2016, 03:44:03 PM
Keeping eye as well, maybe can join in (setting appears interesting). However are there cultural influences which need taken account for classes (like sorcerer vs wizard, warlock, cleric, paladins etc).

  Default attitudes would be: Paladins and clerics are liked, wizards are tolerated, sorcerers are distrusted, warlocks probably shouldn't reveal what they are, pretend to be a sorcerer.

Relikai


LisztesFerenc

  Not that I can think of, as long as you meet the requirements.

Snake

btw would my character being related to the Skirith? Given her Pact is with the Archfey and she knows Sylvan

LisztesFerenc

  No everyone is starting at level one. People asking about milticlassing are just planning ahead I think, since you cannot start multiclassed. As for your character, probably not? Skirith are associated with fey more than the other big noble families of Lupravia, but they hardly have a monopoly on that kind of stuff.

Relikai

Thinking of a Fighter-Paladin-Warlock MC, He's mainly a Paladin with some Fighter training and a hidden warlock (Fey)

Snake

#11
Hmm, what would be a better option?

You may be statistically be overreaching a bit there Relikai, but if you can manage, it more power to you

Relikai

Quote from: Snake on October 13, 2016, 09:27:36 AM
Hmm, what would be a better option?

You may be statistically be overreaching a bit there Relikai, but if you can manage, it more power to you

Perhaps, but depending on how far the levels would go, he's mainly taking 1s on Fighter and Warlock while the rest go onto Paladin. He's actually a character I played on my tabletop, and at level 9 he could hold out on his own quite well and return a good share of melee or magic force damage (Eldritch Blast)

AndyZ

I'll wait to see what all gets grabbed up in multiclass before trying to make something.
It's all good, and it's all in fun.  Now get in the pit and try to love someone.

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Silver Phoenix

Now that I've had the chance to look it over, the setting and premise seem interesting. Is there any room left or is the game full?
My O/Os: Elliquiy, F-List

Current Game Capacity: 11/11; Full

Zaer Darkwail

Hmmm, after pondering bit, below are three concepts for this game what I had in mind (along with pics);

Claudia Vornstein, Cleric of Light (female aasimar)

Loren Brushroad, a bard (male half-elf)

Lurien Shadowtale, rogue (male drow)

LisztesFerenc

  Okay, I already have 1 group I am happy with, but I could make a second. For that we so far have a feypact warlock and a paladin/fight who may also be tapping into the fey, and then three more possible characters.

Quote from: Zaer Darkwail on October 14, 2016, 07:50:15 PM
Hmmm, after pondering bit, below are three concepts for this game what I had in mind (along with pics);

Claudia Vornstein, Cleric of Light (female aasimar)

Loren Brushroad, a bard (male half-elf)

Lurien Shadowtale, rogue (male drow)

  I think Claudia the cleric would work best in this party.

Quote from: Silver Phoenix on October 14, 2016, 07:01:41 PM
Now that I've had the chance to look it over, the setting and premise seem interesting. Is there any room left or is the game full?

  No, there's still room. Any specific ideas for a character?

Cataclysmic Archangel

Quote from: LisztesFerenc on October 15, 2016, 08:32:09 AM
  I think Claudia the cleric would work best in this party.


Claudia would have been SO MUCH FUN with my character in group 1.  Just saying.

Relikai

#18
Deva Soulstorm


Half-Elf Paladin with a touch of specialised Martial training (Fighter) and might tap into the Fey if he follows his Voice.

Klaudius Konovalov


Human Fighter who works in the mold of a legionnaire (Champion Fighter). Able to use both melee and ranged weapons to a degree of proficiency, although his mind has been worn by years of combat.

Shiela Swifteye


Human Archer with a touch of magic (Eldritch Knight), uses a mix of magic and archery to defeat her enemies.

Varian Althurin


A Half-Elf trained in the ways of scouting and assassination (Ranger and Rouge), able to deal shots at pinpoint accuracy to support his allies, and clear the way with a wide array of skills.

I can play Varian Althurin if you'd like, let another person play the tank  ::)

Also, is Unearthed Arcana available? Am looking at the reworked Rangers especially ;)

Silver Phoenix

Quote from: LisztesFerenc on October 15, 2016, 08:32:09 AMNo, there's still room. Any specific ideas for a character?
Since there's already a warlock, I'm thinking either Bladesinging Wizard, Monk, or Rogue, which ever best fits.  Race-wise, I'm still considering between Elf, Half-elf, and Tiefling.  Any recommendations, or should I prepare a brief overview of the prospective characters?
My O/Os: Elliquiy, F-List

Current Game Capacity: 11/11; Full

LisztesFerenc

Quote from: Relikai on October 15, 2016, 08:47:06 AM
Deva Soulstorm


Half-Elf Paladin with a touch of specialised Martial training (Fighter) and might tap into the Fey if he follows his Voice.

Klaudius Konovalov


Human Fighter who works in the mold of a legionnaire (Champion Fighter). Able to use both melee and ranged weapons to a degree of proficiency, although his mind has been worn by years of combat.

Shiela Swifteye


Human Archer with a touch of magic (Eldritch Knight), uses a mix of magic and archery to defeat her enemies.

Varian Althurin


A Half-Elf trained in the ways of scouting and assassination (Ranger and Rouge), able to deal shots at pinpoint accuracy to support his allies, and clear the way with a wide array of skills.

I can play Varian Althurin if you'd like, let another person play the tank  ::)

  Either options works I think, that leaves tanking for AndyZ's character.

Quote from: Relikai on October 15, 2016, 08:47:06 AMAlso, is Unearthed Arcana available? Am looking at the reworked Rangers especially ;)

  So its just a buff? You don't lose anything, just better favoured enemy and terrain, with the 8th ability tweaked. I guess I can see why the ranger would be considered the weakest class, I think this should be fine.

Quote from: Silver Phoenix on October 15, 2016, 09:09:31 AM
Since there's already a warlock, I'm thinking either Bladesinging Wizard, Monk, or Rogue, which ever best fits.  Race-wise, I'm still considering between Elf, Half-elf, and Tiefling.  Any recommendations, or should I prepare a brief overview of the prospective characters?

  Tiefling is obviously problematic but possible, elf or half-elf are both equally viable. For classes, monk or rogue may fit best based on the other classes. Monk will need to come from abroad. So the easiest would be half-elf or elf rogue, but monks works too.

Quote from: Arcannyx on October 15, 2016, 08:33:58 AM
Claudia would have been SO MUCH FUN with my character in group 1.  Just saying.

  The two groups may meet up in future. Collborating against a great evil, or competing for a single treasure.  >:)

AndyZ

I'm a bit confused.  Are you still looking for people?
It's all good, and it's all in fun.  Now get in the pit and try to love someone.

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Zaer Darkwail

Okay, here comes Claudia then (sheet done and all, traded profiency in a game for profiency on land vechiles, making more sense she learned how ride horse/carriage than play games);

Claudia Vornstein
Race: Aasimar
Class: Cleric of Light
Background: Noble
Biography
Claudia was born to Celeste Vornstein and to her personal champion Marius Steel, her birth was blessed one as Celeste went labor it had been long smothering dry season in her domain but when Claudia was born, the domain was blessed non-stop rain for several weeks and most curious was that there was no clouds in sky. Water literally fell from the sky and bathed the domain in brilliant rainbows. Her further supernatural heritage showed when her eyes opened; brilliant pair of topaz colored eyes which could be gentle and warm golden or fiery orange when she's upset and her hair was silvery white and she could conjure light around her whenever she was happy.

Claudia was a very kind child, curious and one which tried make her parents but also the servant staff in the mansion happy as well with simple kind deeds as bringing flowers to the elderly head maid who often than enough worked as babysitter for her as child. This spread out further to commoners who lived in a village at Vornstein family lands. Many locals who have been charmed by Claudia's looks and also her charming warm optimistic personality say it has been sad waste for her to born into Vornstein family (details in below). One major ways to get Claudia upset is to belittle her family or people living in Vornstein lands or insult her mother or father (or anyone living in her household).

Then at fateful day after her 20th birthday she was visiting village when suddenly in village fair (which was made honor her birthday) was disturped with unwanted guests; rowdy bunch of local goblins who have in past bullied locals and overall being pain in the ass but no serious threat. But now they bullied some children to steal their cake slices....upset tremendously from this insult Claudia shouted the goblins to go fuck themselves, then in torrent golden flames she scorched all five goblins pitch black! Not killed but seriously burned and with squeek the goblins ran off. It led a stunned silence from Claudia and villagers to see their beloved heiress suddenly conjure golden flames and it resulted in growing fear about her than from goblins. Thus result fair quickly come to close.

Back at mansion in library she found that she is not first 'odd born' as locals called her beautiful otherworldy looks. Also there is mention those born like that have natural ability draw power from a divine source, able cure wounds and blast enemies with golden fire. She started immediately experiment, pray and meditate and quickly she gained control of her abilities. First thing she did was use her divine gifts to help villagers and earn their trust and support once more. Locals then started revere her much more thanks her divine powers....but along with powers came curiosity, burning drive, to travel and figure out more about herself and her powers. A desire to grow stronger and thus further worthy to become head of Vornstein family, so with reluctant blessing Claudia departed from her family ancient holdings to see rest of Lupravia....

Vornstein noble family

Vornstein family crest is simply a burning flames held upon golden chalice, in Lupravia has four known aristocrat families but historians (and families themselves) know there is fifth aristocrat family; Vornsteins. However because Vornsteins have single tiny family branch and they own only just little land at mountains with single insignificant farming village under their care and taxation and have otherwise little influence they are not much noticed at all or spoke about. But in ancient history Vornstein family was once a powerful ruling aristocratic family in area which Skirith family oversees now. In truth in all crumbling churches and temples in the land haves Vornstein family crest in somewhere in them; indicating in distant past Vornstein family was once major force and had lot influence.

But even forgotten by Vornstein family itself they no longer know why their family crumbled in rank and influence but one thing is certain; unlike most noble families which had crumbled or stomped on ground and overtime disappeared, they have remained centuries as small back corner noble family and is still in effect equal in rank with four aristocratic houses (if not in influence then bloodline age at least). Overall Skirith family has left Vornsteins alone as Vornsteins have not meddled anyway their activities and Vornstein mansion even if located at mountains was not located at any silver vein or mine, but things can always change if silver is found at Vornstein lands.

Presently Celeste Vornstein holds the title of baroness of Vornstein family and in family belongs Claudia and her father Marius. However by family traditions Marius does not count as family member even if he is by blood; as since aeons the mothers of the family have always birthed girls, always. So thus title and inheritance passes from mother to daugther and so does the title. Also as Claudia has no other siblings she is sole heiress of Vornstein family. However ironically Marius is more known than Celeste is in Lupravia; back in the day twenty years ago he was renowned wandering knight who was undefeated in tournaments and duels. In one such tournament he met Celeste and during those circumstances young Celeste has been forced to participate with other nobles in grand tournament (as family duty). She was bullied and mocked as she had no champion presenting her 'useless' noble house, Marius upset from bullying then declared himself as her champion and then won the tournament under Vornstein name first time for centuries. Even today in Lupravia whenever grand tournaments are erected they speak of the 'black horse' win from not much spoken Vornstein family.

Since the tournament he traveled and protected Celeste and her domain and then relationship formed and Claudia was then born from it. Outside Vornstein lands Claudia's excistence is not known (rumored but not confirmed), few challengers came to meet Marius for duels or tried bribe him mentor some noble's brat but he refused each offer. Only duels he held only with old associates and friends for old times sake. But it's much of Marius skills and his reputation which had kept bandits and troublemakers away from Vornstein lands.

Zaer Darkwail

Quote from: AndyZ on October 16, 2016, 07:03:46 AM
I'm a bit confused.  Are you still looking for people?

Yes and GM expects you roll a tanky characther somekind :P

Cataclysmic Archangel

Quote from: AndyZ on October 16, 2016, 07:03:46 AM
I'm a bit confused.  Are you still looking for people?

I think the confusion was that this was originally going to be like 3 players, and there's so much interest that LF's working on two separate 4 man groups.