jensofsweden
Stjärnmagiker
Overarching plot: Witches
Unbeknowst to everyone, there is a coven of witches operating within the town; seeking to complete a religious rite for (Malgorah / Demon?) that will release a plague upon the land and allow (Malgorah / Demon?) to be born into this world.
As residents in the town, the PCs will end up in the middle of the witches’ schemes and the ensuing meddling of the inquisition, but whom will they end up aiding in the end?
The witches will be utilising a religious form of magic [non-canonical religion], performing rites and ceremonies in honour of their dark lord who, in return for their devotion, grants them incredible powers. These are generated primarily from psyco- and necrotropal energies, providing them with the power to control others through possession, cause illness or death to befall their enemies, and summon ghosts and spirits to whisper secrets into their ears.
Core Plot Elements
Aemilio
Aemilio is a Jargian man native to the town who has made a name for himself through his keen salesmanship that has allowed him to open his own chamber of commerce. He's also a stakeholder in several other local businesses such as the tavern and, according to the rumours, the brothel. Due to the significant influence he has over the town's trading opportunities he is also part of the town council, mainly as a means to ensure that no decisions are made that will negatively impact his business.
Bun
Bun is a Dakenian woman in her late twenties who works as a servant in the noble's manor. However, as she is Tatiana's favourite servant she enjoys plenty of privileges that the other employees at the estate do not have, such as never having to do latrine duty and having her own room. It's not unusual to spot the two going for walks or shopping together; their relationship seems to more resemble that of two close friends rather than that of 'servant and mistress'.
Prisca
Following the sudden death of her mentor father Bernicio, Prisca found herself in charge of her own 'flock' at the young age of twenty four. While her inexperience sometimes shines through during service, she has handled her new responsibilities as the religious leader of the town quite well, though some members of society still remain critical of her due to her young age and, to an extent, her gender.
She often preaches about the importance of charity and prefers the image of a loving god over a vengeful one, thus often 'skipping over' the passages about fire and brimstone during her sermons - which is not appreciated by some members of the congregation as they believe it is verging on heresy and slander to ignore aspects of the lords word.
Tatiana
Tatiana is the highest authority in town, speaking on behalf of her husband, Gustus, who's fallen very ill and has lost much of his mobility as well as his voice. She is rarely seen wandering about in town unless she has some business to attend to, there is some special occasion attracting her interest (such as the yearly festival), or she's on her way to church. However, she is known to go for walks in the woods along with Bun (and a few guards) quite regularly.
Unbeknowst to everyone, there is a coven of witches operating within the town; seeking to complete a religious rite for (Malgorah / Demon?) that will release a plague upon the land and allow (Malgorah / Demon?) to be born into this world.
As residents in the town, the PCs will end up in the middle of the witches’ schemes and the ensuing meddling of the inquisition, but whom will they end up aiding in the end?
The witches will be utilising a religious form of magic [non-canonical religion], performing rites and ceremonies in honour of their dark lord who, in return for their devotion, grants them incredible powers. These are generated primarily from psyco- and necrotropal energies, providing them with the power to control others through possession, cause illness or death to befall their enemies, and summon ghosts and spirits to whisper secrets into their ears.
Core Plot Elements
- The stone foetus
A pregnant woman goes into labour about three months earlier than expected, however the circumstances turn from worrying to terrifying as the thing that is born out of the woman is a petrified foetus, with the weight and texture of a small boulder. The screams of the women were heard all over the district and it didn’t take long for rumours about this strange and horrifying occurrence to spread; spreading fear and riling the citizens up. The rumours quickly turn malicious against the woman who gave birth to the abnormality, painting her as a witch, a sinner, and a demon worshipper; claiming that the abnormality was Daak’s way to mark her as a heathen and an enemy of justice.
These rumours quickly transforms fear into anger among the citizens, causing a mob to take form on the town square demanding the woman to be arrested and tried for witch-craft and that her abomination is to be destroyed. The energy at the square is extremely tense and the crowd is both rowdy and aggressive, some members of it likely just looking for any excuse to start a fight. [sheriff], [name], and a few of the volunteer guardsmen are clearly straining to keep the crowd in check.
Characters may elect to help [Sheriff] with crowd control, run off to fetch the various community leaders and/or inform them about the situation, join the mob in order to carry out vigilante justice on the woman and her “child”, or anything else they might think of. - The Robbery
Late last night there was a break in at Aemilio’s camber of commerce, the place has been ransacked and Aemilio, who was working late, was attacked and has sustained severe injuries as a result. What’s odd about the whole situation however is that nothing seems to have actually been stolen. The place is a mess and plenty of items have broken, but according to all records there are no items actually missing from the shop. Did those who broke in not find what they were after or is Aemilio not being entirely truthful about the event?
(if characters question Aemilio in private he may reveal the truth; that he has been harbouring illegal contraband for some of his special clients. For obvious reasons he has no records of these). - Special Delivery!
Aemilio has been rendered incapacitated following the attack during the break in at the chamber of commerce, but he still has deliveries, trades, and sales to make. All members of staff are already assigned other duties so the trades he had intended to carry out in a nearby town, however due to his current condition this will not be possible and he is in need of someone to carry the trades out on his behalf. The characters will be offered the opportunity to carry out the job for him, expected to take them about a week including the travel-time, in exchange for a generous reward. However, for some reason Aemilio is very adamant that they should make their business in the town swift and to leave it as soon as possible… - The Possession of [Young Girl]
[Young Girl] has become very ill very quickly. Her condition is a combination that does not add up to any known disease, as she fluctuates between mental and emotional states, has a fever that comes and goes seemingly without any pattern or reason, has an appetite that is either completely insatiable or entirely absent. In her feverish dreams she shrieks and writhes, occasionally speaking in an unknown language; at times she sleep walks, and she seems to have hallucinations. Additionally she has occasional moments of clarity, though during these she’s very weak and frightened, fearing ‘the hag’.
Her father is covered in small cuts and bruises all over his arms, chest, and face. All of which have been dealt to him by his daughter as a result of him attempting to calm her or holding her down when she’s shrieking and writing from fever and pain, or during her aggressive streaks while sleep-walking. As a result her father has strapped her into her bed, using belts and sturdy rope, in an attempt to keep her from hurting herself or others during her ‘episodes’. He seems to be equally worried and frightened of her.
Nobody has been able to diagnose her with any physical ailments as all of her symptoms are inconclusive for any known diseases. Some people claim she's gone mad, others that there are dark forces at play trying to corrupt her soul and drag her into the abyss, while another group fear her condition is the start of a new plague. Whatever it is, actions has to be taken in order to either cure her or take her out of her misery... - The Inquisition
The inquisition has heard rumours of the strange occurrences in the town and arrive to investigate. - The Return of [Nobles]
The nobles who used to live in the estate suddenly return to the town following a 25 year long absence.
Possible subplots in/around town?
1. Person Goes Missing
2. Animal Theft (animal sacrifices / beasts?)
3. Caravan Arrives
4. Festival
- The Chamber of Commerce
Directly south of the town square you find Aemilio’s chamber of commerce where all external trade is handled. Apart from Aemilio there are five other people working here: two managing internal sales and trades, one aiding with book-keeping and accounting, one managing the shop, and one handling external contracts. Aemilio himself manages these individuals and handles sales and contact with the more important clients. - The Church
In the south, a short distance away from the town square, the small church is located. It’s one of the oldest structures in the whole town but due to it’s importance it has been subjected to regular upkeep and renovations, meaning it is well maintained despite it’s age. - The Living Areas
The town is divided into five areas of living, all divided by the class and income of those living there. The northern part is where the lower class have their residences; small, tightly packed and in desperate need of renovation. The slums are also located in the north, where the poorest members of society are fighting for scraps.
To the east the working class citizens have their homes, most of which are amateur and mid-level craftsmen, but a few military families and outdoorsmen also have their homes in this area. Even further to the east, just outside of the town wall, are the farms, the old abandoned estate, scattered amongst the farmed land and fields filled with cattle and other animals.
In the south, scattered around the church, the middle-class citizens are living; mainly talented craftsmen and artisans. The homes here are larger, newer, some even with details in wood rather than just stone, and a few have their own little back-gardens. Those who live here are merchants, talented craftsmen and artisans, and some learned men and women.
The central part of town is reserved for the richest members of society (except for nobles), living in large houses often with their own gardens. This is the only area of town lit up by torch-light and frequently patrolled by a guard at night, ensuring that those privileged enough to live here may keep their valuables and have their homes intact.
Finally, to the west, just past the sheriff’s office and the guard station you have the noble’s manor, located in the shade of Montania Valla in the midst of a beautiful private garden, stables and a fragrant olive plantation. - The Manor
Located to the west, just by the foot of Montania Valla, the noble’s home is found. It’s a large and fine piece of architecture, complete with a small botanical garden and private stables; all surrounded by a fence to mark their land. The property is inhabited by the noblewoman Tatiana; whom is acting as the town’s leading authority on behalf of her husband Claudius, whom is currently bedridden; suffering from an illness which has rendered him immobile and mute.
Just off to the north of the property there’s some farmed land, also belonging to the family, where olives are grown, surrounded by a few poorly built hovels and a barrack, where the slaves and the slave-drivers are living. - The poor-house and orphanage
The poor-house and orphanage are located within the same barrack located in the northern part of town (“the slums”). Only the elderly are allowed to stay in the poor-house permanently, as there’s limited space and these are the most vulnerable on the streets. However, all poor and homeless individuals are able to collect food parcels or warm themselves here during the day.
As the orphanage is located within the same building, the elderly residents in the poor-house are often helping to look after the orphans. This has been found to work surprisingly well as the older residents find a sense of purpose and do not just lie around in bed “awaiting death”, while the children are ensured a better level of care, as Prisca and the three volunteers often struggle to attend to the needs of all eleven children and the five elderly residents living there.
Both of the facilities are owned by the church so the local priestess, Prisca, can often be found there; handing out food-parcels, giving the dying their last sermons, and so on. She has also started to educate the children, teaching them how to read and write, which is something that Tatiana and some of the other wealthy members of town are not very happy with. - The Sheriff’s Office, Guard Station and Holding Cells
To the west, by the road leading to the noble’s resident, the sheriff’s office and guard station are located. [Sheriff] lives on the second floor of the building whereas the actual guard station and office on the first floor; the holding cells are located in the back. Other than him there is seven other guards/lawmen working to uphold the law in the town, along with a handful of volunteers. - The Square
The town square is not much more than a large area of trampled dirt, and a well. In the northern corner of it there are a small stage-like structure where the stocks are located; more often than not, someone is found strapped to them, which the children use as target practice by throwing eggs and rotten food at them. - The Tavern
The tavern is located in the middle of the southern living quarters, but it attracts patrons from all areas of town. It’s located in a fairly large structure, about the size of three normal homes; which combines the owner’s family’s private residence, the tavern itself, and extra guest bedrooms which the family rents out whenever there is a need for it, functioning as an inn. - The Town Hall
The town hall is located on the eastern side of the town square. It’s a two storey building built out of fine stone and marble with intricate architectural details. [Bailiff] and [NAME] carries out most of their work within this building and Tatiana and the other community leaders occasionally meets here to discuss how to punish criminals, new laws, taxes, and so on. Only [Bailiff], [Name] and the community leaders (Prisca, Tatiana, and Aemilio) are permitted to enter this building without an appointment, invitation, or express permission from Aemilio, Prisca, or Tatiana.
East of Town
- The Old Estate
The old estate was abandoned over 25 years ago for unknown reasons by the nobles who lived there; packing up most of their belongings and heading North. Nothing of value or small/light enough to carry was left behind when they left, to many looters disappointment. As the property still technically belongs to the very nobles that abandoned it, it’s still considered an offence for anyone to trespass on the grounds without an express invitation or permission from Tatiana (who manages upkeep). The only exception for this is the farmlands belonging to the nobles lands, which Tatiana generously took control over to ensure the fields do not become overgrown and unsightly as well as ensuring that the produce did not go to waste. - The Farms and Farmlands
Along with the estate there are also a number of smaller farms in the eastern ‘outer’ areas of the town. Most of these raise a specific type of animal, though a couple also cultivate the lands. - The River
There’s a river a day’s march to the east of town, there’s a few cabins near it where the fishermen in town live for long periods of time, some even permanently.
- The Burial Grounds
The burial grounds are found immediately beyond the ‘town line’, as to prevent the bodies to “poison” the land while ensuring it is close enough for the citizens to go pay their respects whenever they please. Only those with at least a moderate amount of wealth can afford to have their remains buried here, all others are dumped in the pit. - The Forest (Valla Sylva)
Valla Sylva is found a half day’s march north of town, it’s a forest full of large and small game (rabbits and deer), as well as some larger beasts (bears). The pit is found near the southern edge of the woods where the bodies/remains of the poor and the sick are dumped as to not defile the town or the burial grounds for the richer members of the community.
- The Gila Mountain (South-East)
The Gila Mountain is located three day’s march to the south-east. - The Plateaus and Ravines
One and a half day’s march away from town you find the stone archway, a large perfectly valved stone pillar, creating an archway one may ride through. This marks the entryway to what is known as the plateau-lands, which is filled with rock formations like the archway that twist, turn, bend, and arch, in unusual manners. The locals consider going through the stone archway (and the other archs in the area) as being bad luck, so most take extra care to ensure they are going around them.
The entire area is a mix of grasslands and dry rocks in rusty red and brown hues. Additionally there are a number of gaping ravines in the area as well, some so deep that they are seemingly bottomless; making it a treacherous place to pass through if one is not careful, especially at night-time when the dangers are hard to spot.
Recently bandits have started to traverse these areas, further increasing the risk of moving through them, no matter what time of day it is. - The River (South-West)
There’s a river a day’s march to the south-west of town.
- Montania Valla
A short ride away from the nobles home you find the old, long since abandoned passage up the mountain. Once upon a time, this road was well-travelled with pilgrims seeking to visit the temples belonging to the old heathen gods located on the mountain. Following the introduction of the faith of Daak, the pilgrimages slowly declined until one day when they stopped showing up altogether. The temples are nothing more than ruins nowadays however, and nobody with half a brain ever ventures up the mountain any more as it has been reclaimed by the wilds, which includes a multitude of beasts and monstrosities.
Aemilio
Aemilio is a Jargian man native to the town who has made a name for himself through his keen salesmanship that has allowed him to open his own chamber of commerce. He's also a stakeholder in several other local businesses such as the tavern and, according to the rumours, the brothel. Due to the significant influence he has over the town's trading opportunities he is also part of the town council, mainly as a means to ensure that no decisions are made that will negatively impact his business.
Bun
Bun is a Dakenian woman in her late twenties who works as a servant in the noble's manor. However, as she is Tatiana's favourite servant she enjoys plenty of privileges that the other employees at the estate do not have, such as never having to do latrine duty and having her own room. It's not unusual to spot the two going for walks or shopping together; their relationship seems to more resemble that of two close friends rather than that of 'servant and mistress'.
Prisca
Following the sudden death of her mentor father Bernicio, Prisca found herself in charge of her own 'flock' at the young age of twenty four. While her inexperience sometimes shines through during service, she has handled her new responsibilities as the religious leader of the town quite well, though some members of society still remain critical of her due to her young age and, to an extent, her gender.
She often preaches about the importance of charity and prefers the image of a loving god over a vengeful one, thus often 'skipping over' the passages about fire and brimstone during her sermons - which is not appreciated by some members of the congregation as they believe it is verging on heresy and slander to ignore aspects of the lords word.
Tatiana
Tatiana is the highest authority in town, speaking on behalf of her husband, Gustus, who's fallen very ill and has lost much of his mobility as well as his voice. She is rarely seen wandering about in town unless she has some business to attend to, there is some special occasion attracting her interest (such as the yearly festival), or she's on her way to church. However, she is known to go for walks in the woods along with Bun (and a few guards) quite regularly.
