The dragons of the north have always been a proud and strong species. Even among other dragons, the northern dragons of Martzenfroft have gained a reputation for being the most proud and unforgiving of the dragons. This reputation has not only made other creatures respect and fear them, but has earned them a following of the nearby dwarfs.
For centuries, the dwarfs who lived in the Martzenfroft moutain homes revered and even worshiped these dragons as gods, saviors and as guides. Their reverence was for a while unnoticed and ignored by the dragons, until the dwarfs stood by their 'deities' in the great war between the northern dragons and the eastern dragons of Shang Tao Fah, who saught to conquer the north and the rest of the continent, and possibly the world.
The dwarfs made powerful allies, lying in ambush as the eastern dragons flew almost serpent-like between the mountain peaks through the passes, and then jumping out to snare the invaders in the tall peaks for their allied dragons to pick off as easy prey. Soon after the Shang Tao Fah dragons retreated, the proud dragons of the north decided for once to put aside their pride and recognize the dwarfs as allies. They held a ritual, in which the dwarfs were allowed to share in the blood of the dragons. Once per year, the dwarfs gave up their most beautiful daughter in exchange for the blood of the dragons, allowing the dwarfs to take on dragon-like characteristics, and be closer to becoming one with their gods. These dwarfs, no longer dwarfs, dubbed themselves the Martzen.
This shamanistic ritual went on for almost a century. The dragons soon began to welcome the dwarfs not only as allies, but as brethren. At this point, the Martzen looked similar to a scaled dwarf, with dragon like eyes, broad wings, and talons at the end of their digits. The dwarfs began to develop a pride of their own in becoming more dragon than dwarf. Their children; who were born looking like dwarfs and grew into their dragon-like characteristics, began to be profiled based on how many characteristics they had. Those with the broadest wings, the deepest of yellow eyes and the lightest, sleekest scales were praised as future heroes and kings, while those with lesser characteristics were considered invalids and were shunned, abandoned or even sometimes exiled or stoned to death for crimes they did not commit.
One child was born to the Martzen with no dragon characteristics at all. Seemingly pure dwarf, the Martzen were outraged and embarrassed by this child. They called him 'Marzutjeyn', or in our tongue, 'betrayer of gods'. The dragons themselves took a particular interest in this dwarf, giving special treatment and favoring him. Confused by this, the dwarfs tried not to think too much of it and continued mistreating the poor dwarf. Soon, Marzutjeyn was spending more time with the dragons than with his dwarf family, and it even got to the point where the dragons were his new family. Marzutjeyn virtually disappeared from the Martzen, a prospect from which the Martzen took great pleasure.
One day, however, the dragons were nowhere to be found. The Martzen searched the high peaks and the low valleys, but nowhere could the dragons be seen, heard, or any proof of their existence recovered. On top of that, it seems that they took Marzutjeyn with them, and with him they knew not what they were doing. Distressed to the point of insanity, the Martzen split into tribes, each with a 'Marzamond', or a God Kin, which was one who took on the most dragon-like features. The Marzamond leaders bickered amongst themselves as to who should inherit the great kingdom of the dragons until the 'Turzamartzetak', or the 'Return of the Dragon Gods'. The great kingdom that the dragons build and abandoned, built out of the solid onyx stone of the Stormpike Peak, was pillaged and looted by the Martzen for 'safe keeping' until the dragons returned out of fear that one of the 'lesser' tribes would steal and fence it for their selfish pleasures.
Some tribes warred with each other. Some delved deep into seclusion and fell into chaos and turned to cannibalism. Others were more civilized, and created small villages, allowing visitors from other countries to spread the word of the dragon gods, though these villages were often raided by the more hostile tribes who believed they were performing a righteous crusade, and it made for quite the spectacle as both the hosts and the invaders flew around above the village, though injury was quite common amongst the visitors.
Lately, tales of treasure and glory have circulated around the world of the dragons' treasure. Crowns, gold, legendary magic weapons of old heroes strewn about caves, lying in wait for adventurers to claim. All that stands in their way are dozens of angry, flying, fire breathing, dragon scaled dwarfs with an appetite for human flesh.
Strangely enough, these adventurers are the main source of food for these Martzen.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
Requests?
I'm willing to write something specific, if requested. Send me an email and I'll start thinking of a story. I can also make it more specific, i.e. add dialog and people to the stories.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Long time no see. Here's a story.
In the far reaches of the mountains of Hak'thul Ma, the orcs of Marak'kuul are performing a strange ritual. The sounds of undiscernible chanting can be heard from miles away as the strange magicks they beckon amplify their horrible words. For months, the lunatic orcs kept at their chanting, and eventually they were dismissed as just that; lunatics.
Little did the world know of the orcs chanting. Those who sought meaning seemed to flock to the location like tourists, hoping to be the one to solve the puzzle of the chanting. Lorekeepers and Orc linguists alike came to lands near Marak'kuul, looking upon the orcs, failing attempt after attempt to discern the meaning. Then, the ground began to quake.
All of Hak'thul Ma violently stirred and twisted as the dark magic surrounding the orcish cult coursed through the ground. Valleys turned into terrible rifts; mountains, violently active volcanoes. The entire region split off from the rest of the continent and seemed to float off like some sort of massive barge. Then, the entire world heard the terrible words from the island; 'Orcus has awakened. Your world's end has come.'
The news reached every corner of the world, and was understood by all. Brakan, the halfling paradise; Layahaya, the Gnomish congregate; Brunholm, the Mountain Homes of the Dwarfs; Ellayawynn, the elvish city in the trees; and finally Hippogrynn, the metropolis run by Humans. Quickly, a meeting between the major cities ensued, and a peace treaty was formed. The Great Races; Dwarves, Elves, and Humans, pooled their militaries together in an all out gambit to bring down Orcus and his army of the dead.
Years of bloody battles followed. For every one dead to the living, a new soldier rose for the dead. Slaying the dead was impossible, only by dismembering them past the point of usefulness could a soldier slay an adversary. Fights between the races were common, and it seemed all hope was lost. The leaders knew that their fate was out of their hands, and turned to the prophets of Kalen for advice and foresight.
The prophets foretold the destruction of the great cities and the slaughter of many, enslavement of the rest. Famine and pestilence would follow, and in the end all life would cease to exist. Everyone would become an undead slave, the Prince would grow bored and leave this world to its devices. Quite simply, the destruction and end of the world as we know it. All hope was lost to the leaders of the Great Races. Or so it seemed...
One prophet, with a glimmer of hope in his eye, told of a select few who were not bound by fate. Those who's future was unwritten, who could change the flow of time. Quite simply, with the help of these unknown individuals, the fate of the world could be altered for the better; or for the worse. It was up to these individuals if the world will end, or if the lives of millions would be saved. This gave the leaders the hope they needed, and they set off to find those who were then deemed, The Lost Saviors.
Little did the world know of the orcs chanting. Those who sought meaning seemed to flock to the location like tourists, hoping to be the one to solve the puzzle of the chanting. Lorekeepers and Orc linguists alike came to lands near Marak'kuul, looking upon the orcs, failing attempt after attempt to discern the meaning. Then, the ground began to quake.
All of Hak'thul Ma violently stirred and twisted as the dark magic surrounding the orcish cult coursed through the ground. Valleys turned into terrible rifts; mountains, violently active volcanoes. The entire region split off from the rest of the continent and seemed to float off like some sort of massive barge. Then, the entire world heard the terrible words from the island; 'Orcus has awakened. Your world's end has come.'
The news reached every corner of the world, and was understood by all. Brakan, the halfling paradise; Layahaya, the Gnomish congregate; Brunholm, the Mountain Homes of the Dwarfs; Ellayawynn, the elvish city in the trees; and finally Hippogrynn, the metropolis run by Humans. Quickly, a meeting between the major cities ensued, and a peace treaty was formed. The Great Races; Dwarves, Elves, and Humans, pooled their militaries together in an all out gambit to bring down Orcus and his army of the dead.
Years of bloody battles followed. For every one dead to the living, a new soldier rose for the dead. Slaying the dead was impossible, only by dismembering them past the point of usefulness could a soldier slay an adversary. Fights between the races were common, and it seemed all hope was lost. The leaders knew that their fate was out of their hands, and turned to the prophets of Kalen for advice and foresight.
The prophets foretold the destruction of the great cities and the slaughter of many, enslavement of the rest. Famine and pestilence would follow, and in the end all life would cease to exist. Everyone would become an undead slave, the Prince would grow bored and leave this world to its devices. Quite simply, the destruction and end of the world as we know it. All hope was lost to the leaders of the Great Races. Or so it seemed...
One prophet, with a glimmer of hope in his eye, told of a select few who were not bound by fate. Those who's future was unwritten, who could change the flow of time. Quite simply, with the help of these unknown individuals, the fate of the world could be altered for the better; or for the worse. It was up to these individuals if the world will end, or if the lives of millions would be saved. This gave the leaders the hope they needed, and they set off to find those who were then deemed, The Lost Saviors.
Friday, October 28, 2011
New Post
Sorry for the delay again. That other campaign of mine is taking up all of my free time right now (yes, I'm still writing it, school and work are taking up the rest of my time). Anyway, here's a new campaign setting.
The hiss of a steam powered car fades away as it passes a billboard, advertising the reign of America's tyrant. After the war was over and America lost, the government has been overthrown, and a militaristic communist government was put into place, and a Russian man now rules over the country, Vladimir Draknokov. This ruler takes joy in rubbing his wealth in everyone's face, wearing nothing but the finest silk suites and hats, and NEVER wearing the same thing twice. In face, he throws his clothes out when he changes, shredding them beyond use, and he changes 3 times a day.
Vladimir's rule is set by the large amount of military suppression in the streets. There isn't a time when, as a civilian in the city, you can't see or hear a heavy tank. Random house checks are performed, often killing the owner of the home and stealing the children for military training. Other times the soldiers just eat all the food and take all the money from house busts. The sky is black with pollution from industry, primarily refining fuel and making guns. Randomly a machine would relieve steam pressure into the street. Had a person from a different country looked on the scene, they would guess that a battle was going on, hearing constant gun shots and screaming. Those who fled out of the city, any city, were shot on sight.
A small band of civilians got their hands on some weapons and some armor. Meetings were held in order to discuss the uprise of the nation. Due to constant military threat, however, the meetings had to be held in secret, and no new members could be allowed to meetings due to the possibility that they are working for the government. Locations changed every week. Soon, enough people joined the ranks and enough weapons were gathered that it seemed appropriate to try to take a city. You are the founding members of this revolutionary group, and you have a secret that no one other than you knows.
Before the war, you all lived near the forest. Close friends you were, and you always looked for adventure. Young and stupid, you found a cave, and went spelunking. Deeper and deeper you went until you got lost, then hopelessly wandering in the dark. Soon, you see a light in the cave, and rush towards it. You came across a large statue of a dragon, glowing brightly, and ancient yet in perfect condition. Looking at this statue gave you a sense of security, and you decided to rest under it for a while.
You awoke to a band of little green men with swords, surrounding you and talking in a foreign language. As you started to wake, the now alarmed creatures brandish their swords, jabbering incessantly. You try to convince them you mean no harm and that you will leave immediately, but they don't understand, and start to charge you. One of you (mage type), holds out your hand in a desperate attempt to defend yourself, and to your surprise, a large ball of fire comes forth and burns all the goblins in front of you. You have gained the ability to use magic.
Back in the present, you all have learned to harness your magic, each one of you uses it differently, but it may give you the advantage in the fight to come. A hiss is heard, and a steam powered garage door opens as you and your revolutionary band charge forth, guns blazing to take back this city.
The hiss of a steam powered car fades away as it passes a billboard, advertising the reign of America's tyrant. After the war was over and America lost, the government has been overthrown, and a militaristic communist government was put into place, and a Russian man now rules over the country, Vladimir Draknokov. This ruler takes joy in rubbing his wealth in everyone's face, wearing nothing but the finest silk suites and hats, and NEVER wearing the same thing twice. In face, he throws his clothes out when he changes, shredding them beyond use, and he changes 3 times a day.
Vladimir's rule is set by the large amount of military suppression in the streets. There isn't a time when, as a civilian in the city, you can't see or hear a heavy tank. Random house checks are performed, often killing the owner of the home and stealing the children for military training. Other times the soldiers just eat all the food and take all the money from house busts. The sky is black with pollution from industry, primarily refining fuel and making guns. Randomly a machine would relieve steam pressure into the street. Had a person from a different country looked on the scene, they would guess that a battle was going on, hearing constant gun shots and screaming. Those who fled out of the city, any city, were shot on sight.
A small band of civilians got their hands on some weapons and some armor. Meetings were held in order to discuss the uprise of the nation. Due to constant military threat, however, the meetings had to be held in secret, and no new members could be allowed to meetings due to the possibility that they are working for the government. Locations changed every week. Soon, enough people joined the ranks and enough weapons were gathered that it seemed appropriate to try to take a city. You are the founding members of this revolutionary group, and you have a secret that no one other than you knows.
Before the war, you all lived near the forest. Close friends you were, and you always looked for adventure. Young and stupid, you found a cave, and went spelunking. Deeper and deeper you went until you got lost, then hopelessly wandering in the dark. Soon, you see a light in the cave, and rush towards it. You came across a large statue of a dragon, glowing brightly, and ancient yet in perfect condition. Looking at this statue gave you a sense of security, and you decided to rest under it for a while.
You awoke to a band of little green men with swords, surrounding you and talking in a foreign language. As you started to wake, the now alarmed creatures brandish their swords, jabbering incessantly. You try to convince them you mean no harm and that you will leave immediately, but they don't understand, and start to charge you. One of you (mage type), holds out your hand in a desperate attempt to defend yourself, and to your surprise, a large ball of fire comes forth and burns all the goblins in front of you. You have gained the ability to use magic.
Back in the present, you all have learned to harness your magic, each one of you uses it differently, but it may give you the advantage in the fight to come. A hiss is heard, and a steam powered garage door opens as you and your revolutionary band charge forth, guns blazing to take back this city.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Requested Campaign
One of my players asked me for this campaign. In fact, as soon as it is done I plan on playing this campaign setting with them. This is not all I came up with, solely the intro, I'd have to kill you if you saw the rest of the notes :P
In the world, there are good people. People who will help the elderly, worship the king, make hard earned money to feed their family. We give thanks for these people, as they help balance the world. However, there are also those that spite those people. They can break and burn, enjoying destruction, or they can put everyone beneath them, planning to reign in tyranny over them.
These people are usually short lived, and rarely do they pose a threat to society. There now is a place where they gather now, plotting and scheming. That place is prison. In fact, there are 5 particular criminal minds that are scheming a jailbreak. Though their minds resolved, and their plans well thought out, they still didn't expect what happens next in the near future...
A loud crash is heard, and followed by the cries and chatter of what seems to be goblins. Conveniently enough, a siege engine launched a boulder on the building, which broke open the cell these 5 were in. Dead guards litter the ground, and they decided on taking arms and discussing themselves as guards. These 5 now attempt to make it to the other side of the walls and sneak away before the goblins can take away their chance to escape.
These people are usually short lived, and rarely do they pose a threat to society. There now is a place where they gather now, plotting and scheming. That place is prison. In fact, there are 5 particular criminal minds that are scheming a jailbreak. Though their minds resolved, and their plans well thought out, they still didn't expect what happens next in the near future...
A loud crash is heard, and followed by the cries and chatter of what seems to be goblins. Conveniently enough, a siege engine launched a boulder on the building, which broke open the cell these 5 were in. Dead guards litter the ground, and they decided on taking arms and discussing themselves as guards. These 5 now attempt to make it to the other side of the walls and sneak away before the goblins can take away their chance to escape.
Monday, October 3, 2011
I listen to the polls
In the great, human metropolis of Dorul, peace and joy rule the people. It has been almost 100 years since the great war of Ishidan, the barbaric city-state in the east, and the Ishidites have since disbanded and gone into hiding. The citizens feel safe again around the city, and crime was at an all time low. A great festival was to begin to celebrate the 100 year anniversary since Dorul's great victory, and the entire kingdom was invited, aristocrat and peasant alike, as well as travelers from distant lands that just happened to be passing through at the time.
When the celebration began, food and drink was plenty, for the generous and well loved king was not selfish, nor greedy. King Roland the 5th was his name. He charged enough taxes to keep the kingdom running, while allowing the poor flexibility and sympathy. A great king, however, he was growing old and frail in his age, as he was about to pass his 95th birthday. He had a total of 5 children, 3 young boys and 2 fine young girls, with his son being the eldest. This eldest son was to inherit the throne of the great king, and was pure of heart, with a personality more charming than a siren to boot. This young boy's name was given to him to confirm his inheritance, Roland the 6th.
Young Roland was a great child, always getting along with his siblings and defending them tooth and nail. While his father tended to favor Roland, he always reminded his father to pay attention to his other siblings as well. All of the siblings noticed and appreciated this act. All of them, except the youngest brother, Robert, the youngest of the siblings.
Robert despised Roland for his favor and inheritance. Although Roland showed Robert compassion and love, Robert pushed Roland away, and eventually ran to exile, jealous of his older brother. Robert knew that Roland would come after Robert to find his younger brother, in order to spare him the grief of his father's punishment. Then, he would take the chance to kill his brother, in order to gain a fair chance to the throne. However, Roland also brought his other siblings to help search, which threw a wrench in Robert's plans. Rather than killing his brother, he fled, never to return.
There was a great sadness, as the jungles of Dorul were impossible for the most skilled of survivalists to inhabit. Robert was most definitely eaten or lost. King Roland sent search parties, but they all returned without a trace. Hope was lost for young Robert. This, was ten years in the past.
Young Roland was now of age to inherit the throne, and was currently training for such time. During the celebration, he was to announce that him and his father were to rule side by side until his father's passing. Much anticipation had come from this, much joy and hope. But that was about to change.
As if out of a nightmare, a great void opened in the sky above Dorul, black as the night sky and cold as the harshest winters. Great tentacles protruded from this void, toppling buildings and smashing citizens. Amidst the confusion and chaos, one such tentacle slammed onto the ground, killing a man. King Roland was this man. Minutes seemed like hours as this nightmarish storm took hold of the city, and just as it appeared, it vanished. The death toll was slim, but the loss was still great. Now, all was up to young Roland, the new king of Dorul.
Amidst the party guests were some travelers. Guards from the area took the 5 adventurers to the king in custody, leaving them no choice in the matter. The new king, saddened as he was, told them that they were the only hope for the kingdom. He knew exactly what the portal was, and why it had opened above the city and killed the king. Robert, his younger brother, used to tamper with other planes, particularly they astral and fey realms. Somewhere in the forest, he survives, communing with the horrors that control these realms. Now, you must set out and stop Robert, before he destroys Dorul, before he destroys this world!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Privateers
Here's a pirate setting. I did dragons last time, so I'll do pirates this time. Later maybe I'll mix the two. I'ma also switch the poll up a bit to get better input.
There once was a land, home to a large city on an ocean front, a center of trade for the world. Peaceful commerce existed at this time, and the seas were crisp and safe for all to travel. Diamonds, gold, goods and weapons came in and out of the city. Of course, this peace didn't last long...
Pirates see easy targets. These pirates at first didn't notice the defenses the large and powerful trade ships had and floundered for decades, becoming little more than a mere nuisance. Each ship was easy to spot, and they all worked as individuals, fighting among themselves and attacking large ships foolishly.
However, a great pirate rose up, and united the pirates into a large coalition. Now, the seas are filled with the blood of merchants, and the city that once was a global commercial icon now dangles on the threads of destruction and anarchy. Kings, not only from this country but from others, have put unimaginable bounties on the head of the great pirate king, only attracting mercenaries who, upon meeting the king, are either slaughtered or offered a price they can't refuse to join their ranks.
War rages in the east, and as such the military is busy and cannot aid. One last band of powerful mercenaries is sent out on the quest to defeat these pirates. Untold riches and fame are promised to these brave individuals as they set out for glory.
There once was a land, home to a large city on an ocean front, a center of trade for the world. Peaceful commerce existed at this time, and the seas were crisp and safe for all to travel. Diamonds, gold, goods and weapons came in and out of the city. Of course, this peace didn't last long...
Pirates see easy targets. These pirates at first didn't notice the defenses the large and powerful trade ships had and floundered for decades, becoming little more than a mere nuisance. Each ship was easy to spot, and they all worked as individuals, fighting among themselves and attacking large ships foolishly.
However, a great pirate rose up, and united the pirates into a large coalition. Now, the seas are filled with the blood of merchants, and the city that once was a global commercial icon now dangles on the threads of destruction and anarchy. Kings, not only from this country but from others, have put unimaginable bounties on the head of the great pirate king, only attracting mercenaries who, upon meeting the king, are either slaughtered or offered a price they can't refuse to join their ranks.
War rages in the east, and as such the military is busy and cannot aid. One last band of powerful mercenaries is sent out on the quest to defeat these pirates. Untold riches and fame are promised to these brave individuals as they set out for glory.
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