Apr 2, 2019 3:32 pm
[ +- ] The area around Bromwich
[ +- ] The Town of Bromwich
Bromwich and Surrounding Environs
Be sure to read and follow the guidelines for our forums.
Apr 2, 2019 6:59 pm
North/Northeast of Bromwich
Mosstop Forest - a deciduous forest known to be inhabited by those of fey-origin. There are several small tribes of dryads living there, as well as all manner of forest-folk.
South/Southwest of Bromwich
Mistspire Mountains - These treacherous peaks are home to a variety of goblinoid and orc packs. Notably, there are a handful of small communities of goliaths there as well.
Glitterhall - Deep beneath the Mistspire Mountains sits Glitterhall, an ancient Dwarven stronghold. Still ruled by a duality of the Stonebreak and the Steelback clans, there are parts rumored to be haunted.
Southeast of Bromwich
Hammonds Farms - The chief source of food for Bromwich, the farms are about a day's ride from the town and are run by the large Hammonds family. They live on the farm, though one family member is usually in town to act as a salesperson.
Abbey of the Wayward Saint - A small church, there are four people in attendance: Father Mikhael, Sister Bellaen, Brother Duergan, and Sister Eloise. They provide religious services and burials for the region. It is a rare thing, but the entire Abbey is staffed by devotees of the House of the All Mask.
Far Outskirts
Woolsy's Tower - In the mixed forest on the bluff overlooking the valley in which Bromwich sits, is an ancient stone tower with a strangely rickety roof. An old elf known to those in town only as Woolsy lives there and practices a variety of magical arts. He is seen rarely, some of the shorter-lived races may see him once a generation. The elves and dwarves in town see him more frequently, and sometimes meet him on his towers.
Rivenmere Lake - A lake fed by the Rivenmere river high above, it is perpetually shrouded in fog. Many locals refuse to sail on the waters because of rumors of aquatic civilzations that live in the connected underground/underwater chambers.
Hadrigan's Swamp - Bordering Rivenmere Lake is a desolate swampy marsh named for a former mayor of Bromwich, Edgar Hadrigan. He sought to fill the land and reclaim it, to expand the town into a larger area. However, the land and its denizens fought back, ensuring that none would settle human settlements in that vile place.
Unknown but on the Map
Fort in the South - The camp/fort item near the south of the map is a bandit camp. There have been rumors the past two months or so that they have organized there, however, Bromwich has no standing force strong enough to seek out and deal with the threat.
Cave entrance in the hills - No one has really explored this cave. Plenty of potential rumors about its interior!
Mosstop Forest - a deciduous forest known to be inhabited by those of fey-origin. There are several small tribes of dryads living there, as well as all manner of forest-folk.
South/Southwest of Bromwich
Mistspire Mountains - These treacherous peaks are home to a variety of goblinoid and orc packs. Notably, there are a handful of small communities of goliaths there as well.
Glitterhall - Deep beneath the Mistspire Mountains sits Glitterhall, an ancient Dwarven stronghold. Still ruled by a duality of the Stonebreak and the Steelback clans, there are parts rumored to be haunted.
Southeast of Bromwich
Hammonds Farms - The chief source of food for Bromwich, the farms are about a day's ride from the town and are run by the large Hammonds family. They live on the farm, though one family member is usually in town to act as a salesperson.
Abbey of the Wayward Saint - A small church, there are four people in attendance: Father Mikhael, Sister Bellaen, Brother Duergan, and Sister Eloise. They provide religious services and burials for the region. It is a rare thing, but the entire Abbey is staffed by devotees of the House of the All Mask.
Far Outskirts
Woolsy's Tower - In the mixed forest on the bluff overlooking the valley in which Bromwich sits, is an ancient stone tower with a strangely rickety roof. An old elf known to those in town only as Woolsy lives there and practices a variety of magical arts. He is seen rarely, some of the shorter-lived races may see him once a generation. The elves and dwarves in town see him more frequently, and sometimes meet him on his towers.
Rivenmere Lake - A lake fed by the Rivenmere river high above, it is perpetually shrouded in fog. Many locals refuse to sail on the waters because of rumors of aquatic civilzations that live in the connected underground/underwater chambers.
Hadrigan's Swamp - Bordering Rivenmere Lake is a desolate swampy marsh named for a former mayor of Bromwich, Edgar Hadrigan. He sought to fill the land and reclaim it, to expand the town into a larger area. However, the land and its denizens fought back, ensuring that none would settle human settlements in that vile place.
Unknown but on the Map
Fort in the South - The camp/fort item near the south of the map is a bandit camp. There have been rumors the past two months or so that they have organized there, however, Bromwich has no standing force strong enough to seek out and deal with the threat.
Cave entrance in the hills - No one has really explored this cave. Plenty of potential rumors about its interior!
Apr 2, 2019 8:04 pm
As Bromwich does not sit within the Forgotten Realms or any existing D&D universe, deities work slightly differently here.
In general, religion is embodied as a single figure, named Ilyra. Ilyra was the progenitor of the world and is responsible for all things, good and bad, that have happened. However, over time, people throughout the world have codified belief around the Masks that Ilyra wears in different situations.
The story goes that Ilyra was unsatisfied with being associated with everything directly. As such, she crafted Masks to wear at different times.
Common Masks
Haephin, the Righteous - A Mask of radiant light and strong visage, Haephin represents glorious combat.
Vaelin, the Green - A Mask of twisted wood and brambles, Vaelin represents nature.
Na'ali, the Wise - A Mask of a crone, Na'ali represents the arcane.
Faesarin, the Dark - A Mask of obsidian, Faesarin represents evil.
Quae'sa'rek, the Thunderer - A Mask of mist and crackling lightning, Quae'sa'rek represents both Storms and Elves
Falstahn, the Firm - A Mask of stone beset with gems, Falstahn represents both Metalcraft and Dwarves
This is all I've got currently, we can certainly come up with other ones as needed and as the story permits.
In general, religion is embodied as a single figure, named Ilyra. Ilyra was the progenitor of the world and is responsible for all things, good and bad, that have happened. However, over time, people throughout the world have codified belief around the Masks that Ilyra wears in different situations.
The story goes that Ilyra was unsatisfied with being associated with everything directly. As such, she crafted Masks to wear at different times.
Common Masks
Haephin, the Righteous - A Mask of radiant light and strong visage, Haephin represents glorious combat.
Vaelin, the Green - A Mask of twisted wood and brambles, Vaelin represents nature.
Na'ali, the Wise - A Mask of a crone, Na'ali represents the arcane.
Faesarin, the Dark - A Mask of obsidian, Faesarin represents evil.
Quae'sa'rek, the Thunderer - A Mask of mist and crackling lightning, Quae'sa'rek represents both Storms and Elves
Falstahn, the Firm - A Mask of stone beset with gems, Falstahn represents both Metalcraft and Dwarves
This is all I've got currently, we can certainly come up with other ones as needed and as the story permits.
Apr 3, 2019 3:06 pm
[ +- ] The Larger World
The Queendom of Ainran includes several baronies. One of these baronies is Duiz-Dnalloh, in which Bromwich sits. Ainran is not part of any higher level kingdom, it is a fully independent nation on an equal footing with the other nations of the world.
May 29, 2019 1:57 am
The Faith throughout the world has a single overarching hierarchy that transcends most political borders. While there are, in recent years, entire nations that have broken from the Faith, in many areas it is still adhered to in varying levels.
Devotion
This is a dedication to a specific Mask and this choice will severely color how sermons are presented by the specific clergymember. A devotee of Falstahn will typically preach stability and unflinching loyalty with strong overtones of inflexibility. Meanwhile, a devotee of Vaelin may speak more to the need for balance and the natural order.
Technically any Mask can be the subject of a Devotion. In some nations, it is not uncommon to see devotees of Faesarin filling city streets where the dark underpinings of the evil Mask are not shunned. Other nations see a more balanced distribution. In Ainran, there are few devotees to Faesarin and Quae'sa'rek, for example. Meanwhile Falstahn and Haephin tend to be the most common.
A Devotee will still minister to any that come to them, but they largely focus on the doctrines and beliefs of their Mask.
In the rare event that a member of the Faith does not feel a call to a particular Mask, the can also choose to devote to the House of the All Mask. This particular viewpoint is incredibly rare because typically those that walk this path become itinerant clergy, wandering throughout the world, ensuring that all are given counsel when needed. As such, it is even more uncommon for a devotee of the All Mask to rise far beyond the rank of Kwartier. While they recognize that there are Masks, they largely preach that Ilyra is truly the one that wears the Mask, and therefore Ilyra is the one that deserves worship. They minister to all, and refuse none.
While later in their careers, certain ranks require a devotee to offer their services to the masses at large, this shift away from a Devotion is not the same as devoting to the All Mask philosophy. They do not preach that Masks are merely guises worn by Ilyra, instead they preach that all Masks have a purpose. This difference is a point of schism in some conversations.
Ranks within the Faith
The Faith is strictly hierarchical, with a member of the clergy only able to raise someone to a rank one step below themselves. Special positions throughout the world may necessitate raising someone to a rank that would otherwise be inappropriate (for example, the chief assistant to the Aarts MUST be an Aartskleinum, even if they do not meet the other requirements for the rank).
These special positions lack the ability to raise clergy to a higher level, but it gives them enough authority to issue edicts to lower ranks. These special ranks will forgo the blue coloring of rank, instead wearing crimson red stripes to indicate their special nature.
Ontmaskerd - The Ontmaskerd are the lowest levels of the Faith. Those just entering into their capacity as a representative of Ilyra or one of her many Masks, these acolytes are typically the scut workers, doing the most menial of jobs in the churches or temples where they serve. Additionally, an Ontmaskerd may be a student at a college, where they earn their way to the next echelon through study rather than hands on experience. The typical outfit is a simple white cassock. Depending on where they serve, it may be made of simple or lavish materials.
Method of Address: Ontmaskerd [Insert Name]
Stuk - Truly the first tier of "priesthood", a Stuk has passed their basic tests to serve as a vessel of the Faith to the masses. At the time they take the stole of the Stuk, they settle on a Devotion. This stole is a simple white length of cloth that is worn over the shoulders and down to the waist. A Stuk's stole typically features an embroidered version of their chosen Mask at each end. Stuks typically do not oversee entire churches on their own. The exception is small villages may only be able to afford a Stuk to act as minister. However, they are usually given the task of overseeing any Ontmaskerd assigned to their church. They may deliver sermons and offer rites and services to any laypeople.
Method of Address: Stuk [Insert Name] OR Brother/Sister [Insert Name] for those devoted to the All Mask philosophy.
Kwartier - The Kwartiers form the core of the clergy across the world. Continuing their devotion to their Mask, they are tasked with heading churches for small communities up to large towns. They have a dual responsibility to minister to their congregations as well as training Stuks and Ontmaskerds in the ways of the Faith. Upon being elevated to Kwartier, a blue band is added to the outside of their stole.
Method of Address: Kwartier or Kwart [Insert Name] OR Father/Mother [Insert Name] for those devoted to the All Mask philosophy.
Helftkleinum - The Helftkleini are long-standing and trusted members of the clergy. Their responsibilities vary, though nearly all are tasked with leading the church of a large city while also overseeing the behaviors of any small churches in their region. Typically, for every Helftkleinum in a nation, there will be five to ten kwartiers serving under them. This rank also denotes a special change. At this point, the newly raised Helftkleinum moves on from their Devotion in order to minister as a speaker for every Mask, preaching the importance of each Mask. They must know the doctrines of every Mask and be able to speak authoritatively on the subject. This is one of the gating mechanisms that keeps too many of the Kwartiers from ascending. At this rank, their outfit changes to a gray cassock, instead of the white. Likewise, their stole changes to a solid blue piece of cloth. Helftkleinum is the singular term, while Helftkleini is the proper term of reference for a collection of them.
Method of Address: Helftklein or Helftkleinum [Insert Name]
Aartskleinum - The Aartskleini are the highest official of the Faith in a nation. Only one person can ever hold this position within a nation at any time, as such it is an incredibly rare position to hold. Three to ten Helftkleinum will report to the Aartskleinum, with the Aartskleinum typically acting as the leader of whatever cathedral sits at the capital of the nation. The Aartskleini no longer wear a stole, instead wearing a blue-lined hood. Aartskleinum is the singular term, while Aartskleini is the proper term of reference for a collection of them.
Method of Address: Aartsklein or Aartskleinum [Insert Name]
Aarts - Alone in the world is the Aarts. Seen as the voice of Ilyra and the final arbiter of all non-secular things throughout the world, they preach to any that would hear and are responsible for guiding the Faith through time. At this point, their outfit changes to a black cassock with a blue-lined full cape. While they do hold responsibility for a single cathedral in the world, they likewise are responsible for all churches throughout the world, routinely travelling across the world to visit people of all walks of life.
Method of Address: Aarts [Insert Name] or The Voice of the Masked
The Outfit
Historically the cassock became darker the higher up the priest rose to signify the time that they had spent wearing it. While today this is strictly codified and made of clean, well-dyed, consistent material; in the early days of the Faith, it truly was that the dirtier the cassock, the higher ranked the priest.
Organizations within the Faith
The Aartsbord - This assembly is comprised of the Aarts and the Aartskleini (excluding the red-stripes). They are tasked with making appointments of the Helftkleini as well as agreeing to the way that the teachings of the Faith are administered throughout the world.
The House of the All Mask - The official assembly of all All Mask devotees. While technically proper priests within the overall hierarchy, their assignment is often handled by the House at the request of the Aartsbord. When it is decided that an All Mask is required for a church, the Aartsbord submits an official request for either a Kwartier or Stuk from the House be sent to the specific church. The House controls the assignment from there.
Assignation to Churches and Temples
While nearly all clergy are assigned to their posts by the Aartskleini and the Aarts, the political unit where they are stationed are responsible to pay the Faith for their presence. This may be a driving force for some small villages to request a Stuk alone as a minister, to save the gold that is required to have a proper Kwartier assigned to their village. Typical assignments are for a period of five years, with service beyond that point being dependent on the political unit's request. They may ask that a new clergy be sent, they may request to retain their current clergy. Alternatively, the Aartsbord may elevate a clergy to a higher level, necessitating their reassignment elsewhere.
Devotion
This is a dedication to a specific Mask and this choice will severely color how sermons are presented by the specific clergymember. A devotee of Falstahn will typically preach stability and unflinching loyalty with strong overtones of inflexibility. Meanwhile, a devotee of Vaelin may speak more to the need for balance and the natural order.
Technically any Mask can be the subject of a Devotion. In some nations, it is not uncommon to see devotees of Faesarin filling city streets where the dark underpinings of the evil Mask are not shunned. Other nations see a more balanced distribution. In Ainran, there are few devotees to Faesarin and Quae'sa'rek, for example. Meanwhile Falstahn and Haephin tend to be the most common.
A Devotee will still minister to any that come to them, but they largely focus on the doctrines and beliefs of their Mask.
In the rare event that a member of the Faith does not feel a call to a particular Mask, the can also choose to devote to the House of the All Mask. This particular viewpoint is incredibly rare because typically those that walk this path become itinerant clergy, wandering throughout the world, ensuring that all are given counsel when needed. As such, it is even more uncommon for a devotee of the All Mask to rise far beyond the rank of Kwartier. While they recognize that there are Masks, they largely preach that Ilyra is truly the one that wears the Mask, and therefore Ilyra is the one that deserves worship. They minister to all, and refuse none.
While later in their careers, certain ranks require a devotee to offer their services to the masses at large, this shift away from a Devotion is not the same as devoting to the All Mask philosophy. They do not preach that Masks are merely guises worn by Ilyra, instead they preach that all Masks have a purpose. This difference is a point of schism in some conversations.
Ranks within the Faith
The Faith is strictly hierarchical, with a member of the clergy only able to raise someone to a rank one step below themselves. Special positions throughout the world may necessitate raising someone to a rank that would otherwise be inappropriate (for example, the chief assistant to the Aarts MUST be an Aartskleinum, even if they do not meet the other requirements for the rank).
These special positions lack the ability to raise clergy to a higher level, but it gives them enough authority to issue edicts to lower ranks. These special ranks will forgo the blue coloring of rank, instead wearing crimson red stripes to indicate their special nature.
Ontmaskerd - The Ontmaskerd are the lowest levels of the Faith. Those just entering into their capacity as a representative of Ilyra or one of her many Masks, these acolytes are typically the scut workers, doing the most menial of jobs in the churches or temples where they serve. Additionally, an Ontmaskerd may be a student at a college, where they earn their way to the next echelon through study rather than hands on experience. The typical outfit is a simple white cassock. Depending on where they serve, it may be made of simple or lavish materials.
Method of Address: Ontmaskerd [Insert Name]
Stuk - Truly the first tier of "priesthood", a Stuk has passed their basic tests to serve as a vessel of the Faith to the masses. At the time they take the stole of the Stuk, they settle on a Devotion. This stole is a simple white length of cloth that is worn over the shoulders and down to the waist. A Stuk's stole typically features an embroidered version of their chosen Mask at each end. Stuks typically do not oversee entire churches on their own. The exception is small villages may only be able to afford a Stuk to act as minister. However, they are usually given the task of overseeing any Ontmaskerd assigned to their church. They may deliver sermons and offer rites and services to any laypeople.
Method of Address: Stuk [Insert Name] OR Brother/Sister [Insert Name] for those devoted to the All Mask philosophy.
Kwartier - The Kwartiers form the core of the clergy across the world. Continuing their devotion to their Mask, they are tasked with heading churches for small communities up to large towns. They have a dual responsibility to minister to their congregations as well as training Stuks and Ontmaskerds in the ways of the Faith. Upon being elevated to Kwartier, a blue band is added to the outside of their stole.
Method of Address: Kwartier or Kwart [Insert Name] OR Father/Mother [Insert Name] for those devoted to the All Mask philosophy.
Helftkleinum - The Helftkleini are long-standing and trusted members of the clergy. Their responsibilities vary, though nearly all are tasked with leading the church of a large city while also overseeing the behaviors of any small churches in their region. Typically, for every Helftkleinum in a nation, there will be five to ten kwartiers serving under them. This rank also denotes a special change. At this point, the newly raised Helftkleinum moves on from their Devotion in order to minister as a speaker for every Mask, preaching the importance of each Mask. They must know the doctrines of every Mask and be able to speak authoritatively on the subject. This is one of the gating mechanisms that keeps too many of the Kwartiers from ascending. At this rank, their outfit changes to a gray cassock, instead of the white. Likewise, their stole changes to a solid blue piece of cloth. Helftkleinum is the singular term, while Helftkleini is the proper term of reference for a collection of them.
Method of Address: Helftklein or Helftkleinum [Insert Name]
Aartskleinum - The Aartskleini are the highest official of the Faith in a nation. Only one person can ever hold this position within a nation at any time, as such it is an incredibly rare position to hold. Three to ten Helftkleinum will report to the Aartskleinum, with the Aartskleinum typically acting as the leader of whatever cathedral sits at the capital of the nation. The Aartskleini no longer wear a stole, instead wearing a blue-lined hood. Aartskleinum is the singular term, while Aartskleini is the proper term of reference for a collection of them.
Method of Address: Aartsklein or Aartskleinum [Insert Name]
Aarts - Alone in the world is the Aarts. Seen as the voice of Ilyra and the final arbiter of all non-secular things throughout the world, they preach to any that would hear and are responsible for guiding the Faith through time. At this point, their outfit changes to a black cassock with a blue-lined full cape. While they do hold responsibility for a single cathedral in the world, they likewise are responsible for all churches throughout the world, routinely travelling across the world to visit people of all walks of life.
Method of Address: Aarts [Insert Name] or The Voice of the Masked
The Outfit
Historically the cassock became darker the higher up the priest rose to signify the time that they had spent wearing it. While today this is strictly codified and made of clean, well-dyed, consistent material; in the early days of the Faith, it truly was that the dirtier the cassock, the higher ranked the priest.
Organizations within the Faith
The Aartsbord - This assembly is comprised of the Aarts and the Aartskleini (excluding the red-stripes). They are tasked with making appointments of the Helftkleini as well as agreeing to the way that the teachings of the Faith are administered throughout the world.
The House of the All Mask - The official assembly of all All Mask devotees. While technically proper priests within the overall hierarchy, their assignment is often handled by the House at the request of the Aartsbord. When it is decided that an All Mask is required for a church, the Aartsbord submits an official request for either a Kwartier or Stuk from the House be sent to the specific church. The House controls the assignment from there.
Assignation to Churches and Temples
While nearly all clergy are assigned to their posts by the Aartskleini and the Aarts, the political unit where they are stationed are responsible to pay the Faith for their presence. This may be a driving force for some small villages to request a Stuk alone as a minister, to save the gold that is required to have a proper Kwartier assigned to their village. Typical assignments are for a period of five years, with service beyond that point being dependent on the political unit's request. They may ask that a new clergy be sent, they may request to retain their current clergy. Alternatively, the Aartsbord may elevate a clergy to a higher level, necessitating their reassignment elsewhere.
May 29, 2019 2:36 am
Global Clergy
Aarts Goran Stormhound - A dwarf from the far east of the world, he has been in his position for fifteen years, having served as an Aartskleinum for several nations over the past sixty years. He originally hails from the nation of Exalen, which encompasses a massive forest and part of an old mountain range. His family, the Stormhound clan, lived in the woods, unlike most of the other dwarven clans.
Ainran Clergy
Aartkleinum Groodgramli Greatbraid - A vain dwarf from Glitterhall. While not a member of the leading clans, he rose through the ranks of the Faith quickly and currently lives in the capital of Ainran. The Blessed Guidance of Ilyra of all Masks was his brainchild. When he was raised to his position by Aarts Goran Stormhound's predecessor, he was determined to increase the apparent devotion to the Faith in his nation. As such, he funneled great funds into the construction of the grand cathedral in Bromwich proper, along with the baron. He was determined that Bromwich would become both the trade capital of Duiz-Dnalloh, but also the seat of spiritual power too. However, several setbacks and issues caused the construction to slow and then stop altogether. Currently, the Blessed Guidance of Ilyra of all Masks sits as an abandoned, partially finished husk. Groodgramli chose the name to try appealing to the residents of Bromwich, as they have been served for years by Kwartiers from the House of All Masks. This naming didn't quite work as planned, as the House of All Masks rejects the ostentatious displays the Faith proper is known for.
Father Mikhael - A gentle human man, he is a Kwartier and a devotee of the House of the All Mask.
Sister Bellaen - A young elven woman, she is a Stuk and a devotee of the House of the All Mask.
Brother Duergan - A middle-aged dwarven man, he is a Stuk and a devotee of the House of the All Mask.
Sister Eloise - A young human woman, she is a Stuk and a devotee of the House of the All Mask.
Others may be added as the story requires.
Aarts Goran Stormhound - A dwarf from the far east of the world, he has been in his position for fifteen years, having served as an Aartskleinum for several nations over the past sixty years. He originally hails from the nation of Exalen, which encompasses a massive forest and part of an old mountain range. His family, the Stormhound clan, lived in the woods, unlike most of the other dwarven clans.
Ainran Clergy
Aartkleinum Groodgramli Greatbraid - A vain dwarf from Glitterhall. While not a member of the leading clans, he rose through the ranks of the Faith quickly and currently lives in the capital of Ainran. The Blessed Guidance of Ilyra of all Masks was his brainchild. When he was raised to his position by Aarts Goran Stormhound's predecessor, he was determined to increase the apparent devotion to the Faith in his nation. As such, he funneled great funds into the construction of the grand cathedral in Bromwich proper, along with the baron. He was determined that Bromwich would become both the trade capital of Duiz-Dnalloh, but also the seat of spiritual power too. However, several setbacks and issues caused the construction to slow and then stop altogether. Currently, the Blessed Guidance of Ilyra of all Masks sits as an abandoned, partially finished husk. Groodgramli chose the name to try appealing to the residents of Bromwich, as they have been served for years by Kwartiers from the House of All Masks. This naming didn't quite work as planned, as the House of All Masks rejects the ostentatious displays the Faith proper is known for.
Father Mikhael - A gentle human man, he is a Kwartier and a devotee of the House of the All Mask.
Sister Bellaen - A young elven woman, she is a Stuk and a devotee of the House of the All Mask.
Brother Duergan - A middle-aged dwarven man, he is a Stuk and a devotee of the House of the All Mask.
Sister Eloise - A young human woman, she is a Stuk and a devotee of the House of the All Mask.
Others may be added as the story requires.