Campaign guide plight of the tuatha (1) 8

Chapter One: The Lands of Aeliode Chapter One The Lands of Aeliode While there are many different cultures and lands found on the face of Aeliode, this chapter will look at only the few which have a part to play within the Plight of the Tuatha adventure path Here you will find details of the far-reaching nations of the Avitian Empire and Ceravossian Republic, the ancient people of Tir Ydrail, and the hardy Ostmen living upon their islands in the northern seas In each region you will find a listing of the classes that are commonly found in that area as well as the languages typically spoken there A brief description of the land will follow to give an idea of the basic history and place in the world these people have carved out Each region also has detailed descriptions of the races commonly found within While the details provided may or may not arise in play during your Plight of the Tuatha campaign, they may be useful for both the players and the GM both when starting the campaign and when unfolding the story’s background There are four major regions who have a part to play in this adventure path: • Avitian Empire: A beacon of intellectual and civil light amongst less advanced civilizations A military powerhouse striving to bring their knowledge to the rest of the known world • Tir Ydrail: The land of fae and ancient magics Clans of humans still strive to hold what land they have from being taken by the Avitian Empire • Ceravossian Republic: Once part of the Avitian Empire, this Republic lead a major revolution which split the ancient people from their ancient homelands • Ostmen Islands: Home to the seafaring people of the northern Tulmolic Ocean Considered by many to be raiders and pirates Avitian Empire Classes: Alchemist (rare, found only in the Rigian Wastes), Cleric, Fighter, Gunslinger (rare, found only in the Rigian Wastes), Inquisitor, Magus, Oracle, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Summoner, Wizard, Witch Common Races: Dwarf, Elf, Gnome, Half Elf, Human Common Human Languages: Avitian Standard, Issilini, Ostyr, Huldufólk Elven Much like the Roman Empire in the ancient world, the Avitian Empire is the most expansive political power on the prime plane It is the most advanced nation in existence having made great advances in engineering, philosophy, metaphysics, magical theory, language, and political theory The ruling Emperor shares his power with the Senatus Aeternalis (a senatorial body comprised of representatives from all noble houses), and together they control the largest armies native to the Prime Plane ever seen Where the Avitian Empire now stands only the squabbling of hundreds of city-states once existed These city-states were each ruled by their own king, emperor, or chieftain and possessed unique cultural identities However, priests warned of dark days to come These prophecies came to fruition as House Galabadon warred and cajoled, gathered allies and crushed enemies and, with the blessings of the gods, formed the Avition Empire Today there are many subcultures that comprise the whole of the Avitian Empire Some cultural norms and laws span the whole of the empire, such as belief in the Avitian gods and assent to the rule of the Emperor and the Senatus Aeternalis Past these maxims, the local governers maintain control over their duchies This results in many disparate cultures coexisting within the Avitian framework While the majority of the Empire has a “Roman” feel to it, the Avitian Empire is the best place to add your own distinct cultural flavor to your character Races Dwarf Ink stains and pounce dust now stain hands once covered with calluses and flecks of stone The grand caverns deep in the earth were exchanged for the dark halls of the manor house or the filth of decrepit alleyways Everywhere are the stooped shoulders and cramped hands of slave; common are the perfumed beards that please our masters and cover the odor of honest labor Though there is beauty working through the minute details of house accounts, rigor in the duties called upon in a manor’s daily running, the muscles ache to be once again beneath a stone