Hi. Thought I'd share the intro lore for a home brew campaign I just started. It takes place in a world I've run several campaigns through that have helped shaped the story. I welcome any feedback or ideas. Maybe it will spark an idea for you? Thanks!
There was a time when adventurers were sought after. When the Council of the Seven was very generous in paying them to rid the land of monsters, brigands or any other troubles that arose. There were great battles and great heroes! Epic struggles of good vs. evil that paved the way for peace and prosperity! There are still songs sung and tales told to children before bed of how Surgrid and company threw down the giant Banor from his high keep. Sometimes the threat that Ogres will steal you away if you don't listen to your mother are still heard, but those are just stories. Some of the stories are famous enough to have been written about in songs or plays. Who hasn't heard “When the river took the Dale” or gone to see the smash production of “Three threads take a needle”?
The 'old days' are looked upon fondly by most as a simpler time, a primitive time. A time when wealth, land, or even your life had to be fought for. Fortunately those times are past. There are still those who fight, but they do it for fame and title. There are still those who carry weapons but they are status symbols or in rare cases used in duels as a point of honor.
With the peace and uniformity The Seven have brought to Kaaras certain magics have grown and been refined. Enchanted utility tools are widely seen sweeping the streets, plowing the fields and mending fences or roofs. The most wealthy have carts that need no horses. There are rumors of some darker uses of magic. Animated tools to fill sexual needs and even stories of people who have had their minds taken over and turned to unsavory uses. While theses stories are quickly dismissed by The Seven and all the local authorities, a tale told of people gone missing or a family uprooting suddenly and leaving the city are less than uncommon.
Concerning the party...
You are all special. In whatever way. There was something about you that brought your abilities to the attention of certain parties. You were offered invitations (and generous compensation to your families) for the privilege of training at “Sisters Mill” Only people high up in government and maybe a few of the very elite merchants and property owners truly know what The Mill is. It's a place of specialty training, a place of remembrance, a place where Truth is spoken. What is that truth? That the “old ways” have been lost and there are no true heroes anymore. That society has become so opulent, so self indulgent that should even a band of Kobolds somehow form they could run roughshod over miles before the “the protectors” (the cities policing force) could be organized and stop them.
To most people “Sisters Mill” is a place of entertainment. A place of high class production where only the best bards perform and you pretty much need to sign away your first child to get a box seat! This is the front the world knows you by. Your cover. Who questions a true performer walking around in costume? Not to mention that merch sales are off the charts and it's commonplace to see children and adults alike wearing Surgrid's helm or the badge of Hickory.
Even though the party are not (usually) the performers people see on stage when you are out in public people point and whisper. Some are much more forward and ask for autographs, trinkets or even blessings. You are seen as great entertainers. None of the common folk knowing how deadly you really are.
Hi. Thought I'd share the intro lore for a home brew campaign I just started. It takes place in a world I've run several campaigns through that have helped shaped the story. I welcome any feedback or ideas. Maybe it will spark an idea for you? Thanks!
There was a time when adventurers were sought after. When the Council of the Seven was very generous in paying them to rid the land of monsters, brigands or any other troubles that arose. There were great battles and great heroes! Epic struggles of good vs. evil that paved the way for peace and prosperity! There are still songs sung and tales told to children before bed of how Surgrid and company threw down the giant Banor from his high keep. Sometimes the threat that Ogres will steal you away if you don't listen to your mother are still heard, but those are just stories. Some of the stories are famous enough to have been written about in songs or plays. Who hasn't heard “When the river took the Dale” or gone to see the smash production of “Three threads take a needle”?
The 'old days' are looked upon fondly by most as a simpler time, a primitive time. A time when wealth, land, or even your life had to be fought for. Fortunately those times are past. There are still those who fight, but they do it for fame and title. There are still those who carry weapons but they are status symbols or in rare cases used in duels as a point of honor.
With the peace and uniformity The Seven have brought to Kaaras certain magics have grown and been refined. Enchanted utility tools are widely seen sweeping the streets, plowing the fields and mending fences or roofs. The most wealthy have carts that need no horses. There are rumors of some darker uses of magic. Animated tools to fill sexual needs and even stories of people who have had their minds taken over and turned to unsavory uses. While theses stories are quickly dismissed by The Seven and all the local authorities, a tale told of people gone missing or a family uprooting suddenly and leaving the city are less than uncommon.
Concerning the party...
You are all special. In whatever way. There was something about you that brought your abilities to the attention of certain parties. You were offered invitations (and generous compensation to your families) for the privilege of training at “Sisters Mill” Only people high up in government and maybe a few of the very elite merchants and property owners truly know what The Mill is. It's a place of specialty training, a place of remembrance, a place where Truth is spoken. What is that truth? That the “old ways” have been lost and there are no true heroes anymore. That society has become so opulent, so self indulgent that should even a band of Kobolds somehow form they could run roughshod over miles before the “the protectors” (the cities policing force) could be organized and stop them.
To most people “Sisters Mill” is a place of entertainment. A place of high class production where only the best bards perform and you pretty much need to sign away your first child to get a box seat! This is the front the world knows you by. Your cover. Who questions a true performer walking around in costume? Not to mention that merch sales are off the charts and it's commonplace to see children and adults alike wearing Surgrid's helm or the badge of Hickory.
Even though the party are not (usually) the performers people see on stage when you are out in public people point and whisper. Some are much more forward and ask for autographs, trinkets or even blessings. You are seen as great entertainers. None of the common folk knowing how deadly you really are.
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules