PhoenixScientist Character Creation

"Oh," he says, "Fodlan is a very simple land. The plot around Castle Vangardia belongs to the capital, as does the land around Uranbatol and the land around Nirtagno. Every village in between the three owns the land belonging to its clan, but pays tribute to the King and respects his laws. Other than that, the land is divided how it has always been." He pauses, giving his shoulders a roll to alleviate the stiffness. "The Empire of Banbatol is not like that. They have their King, the Emperor of all their lands, but the Empire is divided into four Grand Duchies -- Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, and Southeast. Each one is ruled by a Grand Duke who serves under the King. The Grand Duchies are further subdivided again and again. The Nobility are always on top, checked by the clergy. Nobility own all the land, really, but they subcontract it to the peasantry who 'have more time' to run it."

You find MacCready sitting peacefully in his wagon, which is being driven by his wife of 30 years. The old man is no longer in shape to be walking the path like most of you, and so he sits with the supplies and manages navigation for the whole caravan.

"Can I help you, friend? If you're lookin' for a map of the land, you came to the right wagon."

"Well," old MacCready answers, "we're headed into the Imperial Grand Duchy of Pelan I, so you can see the charts for that if you like. But we won't be spending much time there, maybe two weeks at the most. We're crossing the western border into the Regency of Ferdinand, specifically the Duchy of James."

He tries to hand you a messy pile of maps, his hands jittering with nervous energy.

"Here. Just take some and see what you find."

Do you mean in game? Because I don't actually have maps drawn.

In game

There's enough room in the wagon, but all the wagons are occupied. If you're looking for somewhere private to look at the maps, you'll probably get left behind.

According to the maps you've been provided, you're coming up on the Regency of Bakar, in the Imperial Grand Duchy of Pelan I, King of Banbatol. Most of the territory is controlled by the Duchy of Sears, but Dupicos Town, Sprinnet, and Sulog Town are outside its jurisdiction. Also present is Mount Magstaff. The Regency of Bakar borders the Regency of Philip to the North, the Imperial Regency of Pelan I and Pelan II and Altus to the East, and the Grand Duchy of Frederic to the West.

When you cross the border of Grand Duchies, into the territory controlled by Grand Duke Frederic, you will first enter the Regency of Ferdinand. It borders the Nations of Fodlan, Badbae, and Eryuna to the South, and the Nation of Deinar to the West. Your travels within Ferdinand's realm may pass near Ystra Town, but will likely be confined to the Duchy of Woolworth, the realm surrounding Castle Lan Varis.

You will then move up into the Regency of Altus. It borders the Nation of Thenos to the West. Your travels within Altus' realm will see you confined to the Duchy of Howard, the realm surrounding Castle Karngoria, where you will likely have to stop, as there are no other major settlements nearby. Past that point, the caravan's navigators have not made any firm decisions, though it is planned to arrive north of the Empire at Machal somehow.

I'll take notes, and followed the caravan.

Is there anything you would like to do before sunset?

Can't think of anything.

The sun sets over the western horizon, bathing the land in a welcoming orange glow, before all is taken by night. As the caravan begins making camp, please roll a Sight check.

With a result of Unable, you miss a detail commonly available to most of the caravan. Fortunately, you have plenty of people to fill you in. Torchlight is visible in the distance, evidence of the border patrol. They sit just ten minutes' travel from your position, waiting to process excursions just like yours. But that is a concern for the morning.

There are four watches on schedule. First watch starts in five minutes, fourth watch ends at dawn. Do you want to sign up for any, or do you have other plans?