You scan the bookshelves looking for something to read, not knowing how long you'll have to stay in Kingsport. A book jumps out at you from the shelf, The Quest For The Rose. Perhaps you remember it from your childhood or maybe the cover intrigued you. Whatever the reason, you study the cover for a moment before making your way over to the fire. The inn is almost empty, save for yourself, the barmaiden and two merchants clearly working out some deal. You order a drink before taking a seat in an armchair by the fire and turning to the first page.
- Setting
- [SHOW]
- The story takes place in the world of Arganorh consisting of two twin continents, Norrhan and Avanor. The tale begins in The Kingdom of Amaranthia, a small peaceful kingdom, close to the centre of Avanor. Nestled between the Darion Imperium, the Republic of Thalon and the Pendlecaste Mountains.
Thousands of years ago, when the gods created Arganorh, Polgara, the goddess of light, created The Amaranthian Rose. The Rose is a red orb, which contains great power. Created with the intention of keeping the world free of evil, it was entrusted to the royal family of Amaranthia. Any male heir of the royal family would be able to wield it, while it would harm anyone else who touched it. The Amaranthians dared not use it for their own personal gain, fearing the wrath of the gods, and as a result the rose was set into the throne of the Amaranthian King in the capital city Amgard, only to be removed if absolutely necessary.
With the rose in its possession, Amaranthia has been at peace for centuries, other nations not willing to risk war against the rose. However late one night, a group of men sneak into Castle Amgard. You are awoken by shouts and alarm bells. You rush from your chambers, following others who seem to know where they are going. You reach the throne room and push your way to the front. There on the steps up to the throne lies King Torald II, in a pool of blood. Your eyes glance to the throne and you see the top has been smashed and the Rose is missing.
- Character Generation Rules
- [SHOW]
- Character Creation Rules
System: 4e
Level 5
Stats: 25pt buy.
Race: Any published, refluffed as human. (Orcs and Elves come from the Northern continent of Norrhan and I will allow one non human PC.)
Class: Any published.
Feats: Free expertise feat. Free multiclass feat.
Themes: Allowed.
Background: +2 to a skill or add a language.
Equipment: Free level 4, 5, and 6 magic items. Free mundane items within reason. 840gp to spend on other magic items or to have on your person.
Rituals: Component costs for all rituals are reduced to ¼ their normal values to encourage ritual use. Also, Raise Dead will not be allowed in this game – dead is dead, though we hope that doesn’t have to be an issue.
Inherent Bonuses: No
Languages: We will not be using the standard 4e languages, but instead the ones listed below. Everyone by defaults knows common.
Special Background
You will all be chosen by the King to track down and recover the Rose. Therefore it stands to reason that you must be, a trusted member of his court and skilled in some way. This is a old Tulrissian story book so I am expecting more typical hero types than in our other campaigns. Basically knights and nobles, diplomats etc. Bare in mind that there's a good chance your character will already at least know of the others, even already being friendly with some of them. So talk about that stuff.
- Maps
- [SHOW]
- World Map of Arganorh
- [SHOW]
If you save this you can zoom in and actually kinda see the names. If not Amaranthia is the light green in the South, left of the circle of mountains.
- The Kingdom of Amaranthia
- [SHOW]
- Languages
- [SHOW]
- Common - What is generally considered the common language of Avanor. It originates from the nations surrounding the Three Kings Sea; Amaranthia, Varanos and Thalon. It is also spoken in Western Valais and in Avarra, a province of the Empire of Samarauch.
Thaliem - Mostly spoken in Ostmere, Rewain and Valais. Thaliem is the language of the North Eastern part of the continent.
Darion - The language spoken in the Darion Imperium , West of Amaranthi . It is also spoken in the Kingdom of Gildas on Norrhan.
Samarauch- Spoken in the South Eastern portion of Avanor in most of The Empire of Samarauch.
Norrhan - Spoken by the humans of the Eastern Kingdoms on the Northern continent of Norrhan.
Elvish - Spoken by the Elves of Norrhan.
Orcish - Spoken by the Orcs of Norrhan.
Fey- Spoken by the fairies of the world, most notably in the town of Feywald in Amaranthia.
- Quests
- [SHOW]
- Locations and Lore
- [SHOW]
- Arganorh
The world of the campaign. The known World is made up of two continents; Norrhan and Avanor.
Avanor
Norrhan- Avanor
- [SHOW]
- Avanor is the Southern continent in Arganorh. It is very diverse with terrain ranging from moutains to plains, and swamp to desert. It is also the homeland of the human race meaning Orcs and Elves are a rare sight to behold.
The Kingdom of Amaranthia
The Darion Imperium- The Kingdom of Amaranthia
- [SHOW]
- Amaranthia has seen its fair share of wealth and greatness glorify its people and cities, and it is considered to be one of the oldest nations in Arganorh. It is a fertile land with great forests. Most of the population works either in the fields or the lumber camps, producing the country's two main exports, grain and wood.
The nation was entrusted with, what became to be known as, The Amaranthian Rose by the Goddess Polgara. Only able to be wielded by a male member of the royal family, House Adelgard. Possession of the Rose has left Amaranthia untouched by war for much of history, despite being surround by the 4 most powerful nations in the known world. It still maintains a small, but skilled and well armed, military for dealing with raiders and bandits, and for the occasional instance when it will intervene in foreign conflicts.
Amgard
The capital of Amaranthia is the City of Amgard. Situated on the northern coast in the province of Amgardia. It is the country's main port and home to its largest castle, Castle Amgard, the seat of King Torald II.
Feywald
Feywald located deep in the Southern Great Granwood is rather uniquely, the only known large fairy population in the known world. Fairies are often associated with Polgara, so many people assume that the town's origins have something to do with the Rose.
The Knights of The Flower
Amaranthia is home to an order of knights known as The Knights of The Flower. Taking the Amaranthian Rose as their symbol, they were originally founded to protect the Rose. However as time passed and the Rose appeared safe in Castle Amgard, the Knights took to other duties, such as protecting pilgrims, which has led to its decline. The order is currently based out of East-Watch Keep, much of which is in disrepair due to the reduced size of the order compared to its past glory.
The Republic of Thalon- The Darion Imperium
- [SHOW]
- The Imperium is a large nation ruled over by Emperor Magnus, and a council known as The Imperistarium, from the City of Canthris. The Imperium consists of three provinces; Avinter in the north, Darion in the south, and Danthivia in the east. The Imperium is a strong military power; legal, male citizens who come of age are obligated by duty, law and pride to join the Imperial Legions for two years, where they train to become soldiers for the time when war is upon the Imperium, and the Emperor calls his people to arms. Among the current nations that rule in Arganorh, the Imperium is one of the few that still actively deal in slaves and the majority of these slaves are of elven origin. The Imperium has been a true power amongst the nations of Avanor, and is only truly challenged in terms of its might and influence by the Valaisian Empire. The two nations have thus become active rivals in all things worth competing for, and in recent years the two have grown far more hostile as the threat of war has begun to linger in the air.
Darion
Darion, as the homeland to the true Imperials, grants the Imperium the might of the people, with its densely populated lands, and the wealth of its southern mines.
Danthivia
Danthivia, with its many hills and plains, feeds the Imperium thanks to its rich agricultural lands, and its southern coastal cities serve well as trade hubs.
Avinter
Avinter's past as a seafaring nation, in the ages when it was independent, has given the Imperium capable fleets and power on the seas.
The Empire of Samarauch- The Republic of Thalon
- [SHOW]
- Thalon is perhaps the most influential and wealthiest nation in not only the twin continents, but the entire world. As a nation of trade, Thalon has established several trade posts, headquarters and merchant organizations throughout the world. It consists of former city states on Mainland Thalon and the Isles of Kerk. Mainland Thalon is the foremost province of agriculture, forestry and general trade. But the Isles of Kerk, a somewhat harsh and underdeveloped gathering of steep-cliffed islands, are the nation's greatest income of mining and fishing, and to some degree ship-building. Kerkmen are renowned for their stature as skilled sailors and fishermen, yet they are not considered to be as socially civilized as those who live on the mainland. There is a clear divide between the Thalemen and Kerkmen, as the two do not always get along very well. The Nation's captial is considered to be the City of Phim's Gate while the ruling is done by The Green Council.
The Empire of Valais- The Empire of Samarauch
- [SHOW]
- The Empire of Samarauch is made up of Kirnstone, Avarra and Ghorr. It is ruled over from the City of Samar, in Ghorr, by High Queen Talis. In the past, kings would also rule Samarauch, but kings were abolished after the White Lion's War, a civil war which resulted in the deposition of King Kulam II in favour of his wife. Samarauch's territories stretch throughout almost all of Ghorr. Its largest cities are in the south, near the Samarrine Coast, whilst its northern territories are more, as it were, tribal. Samarauch tribesmen roam the northern and western savannah, whilst the more aristocratic and civilized inhabitants take residence in the cities of the south. The wealth and culture in southern Samarauch is rich and alluring; offering a wide variety of trades and goods from slaves to jewellery and silks to exotic dancers. Samar is the largest city in Samarauch and has stood there since the earlier days of the empire's founding.
Kirnstone
Kirnstone is a land of hard rock, dark forests and foreboding mountains. It is home to a few towns which are terrorised regularly by wildmen, bandits, witches, hags and other such creatures.
Avarra
Avarra openly joined with the Samarauch Empire, three decades ago, after the Valaisian led murder of Crowe Lowin; the previous leader of the Avarran Free State. In an effort to gain military strength and defend themselves against any potential Valaisian incursions, Crowe Rhane succeeded Crowe Lowin and joined the Samaraucnh Empire. Avarra, is a fairly small land that has sustained itself mostly through trade with other nations such as Amaranthia, Thalon and Valaìs. It was a neutral freestate that often acted as the place of international negotiations.
The Kingdom of Redwain- The Empire of Valais
- [SHOW]
- King Adamir IV of House Vorais rules the Valaisian empire from the City of Val Carlais. Valais as a culture and people is famed for its extravagant aristocracy, wealth and fashionable clothing. Valaisian silk and tailored merchandise is widely desired by other nations. As a wealthy nation, much thanks to its many ports and posts of trade throughout the world, and its many colonies, Valais can safely be assumed to be one of the wealthiest and most powerful nations in the world. The nation is also home to great places of learning, particularly in its capital, where some of Avanor's most renowned universities find place. Valais rivals the naval might of the Thalonian trade fleets and the armies of the Imperium. The Empire also includes the vassal Kingdoms of Varanos and Rivaire, which were subjugated around 100 years ago.
The Kingom of Varanos
Ruled by Vassal King Brand II of House Storulv from Denren, Varanos is a vassal of The Valaisian Empire. The Kingdom itself was officially founded by a tribal lord, known only now in history as the First Wolfbane, who united the many tribes in Varanos, and laid the foundations of the kingdom Varanos was to become. The region has a large population of wolves which influence its culture to this day. Varanians are a hardy people who boast little of wealth, a fancy aristocracy or its military strength. However, it is without doubt that the Varanians are a proud people, and that they pride themselves as excellent warriors, despite a fairly under-developed and trained military. The increasing foreign influence has upset many Varanians, who are proud to live by old traditions and lifestyles, and discontent has begun to grow.
The Kingom of Rivaire
Rivaire is an island kingdom North of Thalon. Which was sujugated by The Valaisian Empire about 100 years ago. It is ruled by the Vassal King Jorah III of House Rivia. It allows the Empire to exert greater influence over The Thalon Republic however recently, as in Varanos, rebel causes have been growing, wanting a return to independance.
The Kingdom of Ostmere- The Kingdom of Redwain
- [SHOW]
- The Kindgom of Redwain is a nation mostly consisting of hills and plains, with its capital being the City of Kynthra. It is currently ruled by King Edmund I of House Radavin. It has a rich history of warfare, having fought Ostmere, Valais, Varanos and Samarauch on and off for centuries. Its coast is plagued by pirates so little trade and travel is done by ship. Recently tensions with Ostmere have been rising due to territorial disputes.
Luthrern Vosh- The Kingdom of Ostmere
- [SHOW]
- Ostmere is a hilly region, the kindgom was founded by a coming together of the mountain clans from The Vardenfels to the North, who came down from the mountains to settle. Ostmere's general economy depends on the mineral yield of the northern territories and most of Ostmere's soil is too hard or too cold to farm properly, and thus, despite some agricultural richness in its southern territories, Ostmere depends on trade to feed its people. It has often fought with Redwain, mostly over territorial disputes, and recently the two sides appear to be preparing for war. It's capital is the City of Ostburgh and it is currently ruled by King Kedwick IV of House Graff.
Thrumnash- Luthrern Vos
- [SHOW]
- Luthrern Vos is a city state East of Ostmere. They are very insular, mostly preoccupied dealing with raiders from mountain clans. They tend to only trade with Ostmere, mostly being able to support their population on their own, due to the high number of rivers it has for its small size and its mineral deposits.
- Thrumnash
- [SHOW]
- Thrumnash is a swampy land East of Samarauch. It is home to hardy tribefolk who often raid the Empire at their border, who find it difficult to retaliate due to the terrain.
Pantheon- Norrhan
- [SHOW]
- Norrhan is Northern continent and, compared to Avanor, it is a much colder and harsher place. The terrain is mostly limited to mountains, marshland, rocky hills and dense coniferous forest.
Human Settlements
Human settlement is found in the East, closest to Avanor, in the Four Kindgoms of Rivana, Kadwir, Romalla and Tamren. The Kindgom of Gildas is the West is also home to humans.
Orcish Lands
The rest of the mainland is home to tribes of Orcs in, the North Dales, The Northlands and The Shiver Dales. More civilised Orcish settlements can be found in the Kingdoms of Higmere and Barador, and in The High Marches.
Ael Aenhdelain
These isles, off the Northwest coast of Norrhan, are the homeland of the Elves. However they are also quite widespread, notably a large population living in The Ashenwood, between Valais and Redwain
- Pantheon
- [SHOW]
- In Arganorh the Gods are very real and all nations acknowledge the existence of all the Gods, although most tend to pick one to worship.
Polgara - Polgara is the Goddess of light and peace, she is strongly associated with the Kingdom of Amaranthia due to her entrusting it with her orb, which has come to be known as the Amaranthian Rose. She is also often linked to Fairies. Her totem is a dove carrying a rose.
Chaldan - Chaldan emphasises pride and militaristic tradition as virtues. For example, sermons at funerals are not concerned with the comforting of the bereaved, but with vengeance. This means he is often worshipped by various clans and tribes, but also larger nations such as The Samaraunch Empire. He is often called the God of War. His totem is a lion. Orcs tend to worship either him or his brother, Belar.
Nedra - Instills the values of thrift and wealth into his people. As such is he often worshipped by merchants, notably The Thalon Republic. He is regarded of the God of commerce. His totem is a whale.
Belar - Belar is the younger brother of Chaldan and is regarded as the god of Honour and Justice. He is worshipped in the Darion Imperium and other fedual kingdoms where the traditions of chivalry are highly honoured. He takes an Eagle as his totem.
Issa - Seen as the Goddess of deceit and darkness, Issa's totem is a snake. She lacks a large body of worshippers, although some swamp tribes do primarily worship her. While an opposing force to Polgara, she is not necessarily regarded as evil.
Eriond - With a horse for a totem, and primarily being worshipped by the Valaisian Empire, Eriond is the God of Freedom. Something the Vassal Kingdoms of the Empire find rather ironic.
Aldur - Seen as the God of Nature and reason. Aldur is primarily worshipped by the Elves and academics. He takes an Owl for his totem.
- Important Figures
- [SHOW]
- King Torald II - The King of Amaranthia and the current guardian of The Amaranthian Rose. His dynasty, House Aelgard, have ruled over Amaranthia since the Kingom's founding.
Queen Ela - The Queen of Amaranthia and wife of King Torald II.
Princess Leliana - Aged 16, Leliana is the youngest daughter of King Torald II.
Without the bow & arrows.
