[OOC] Discussion Forum

[Schniderman]

If it's all the same to you, I'd like to see the Lupos and Kitsune nations sooner than later.

[Ziether]

Kitsune was next in line. I'll speed up Lupos. I'm putting my daughter to sleep...

[Kshnik]

Rough draft completed. Please feel free to adjust where needed.

Arthops are small insect-like humanoids native to the swamplands in areas that contain many trees; the taller the better. Arthops clans are broken up into guilds, containing multiple families that live a nomadic life style within a specific area of land; the center containing their agriculture, their government body, and young. Arthops are sexually dimorphic. The females are the largest in size but much smaller in population.

Physical Description: Arthops are bipedal insect-like humanoids with four arms; two capable of wielding weapons and the other two for manipulating objects. Arthops have skeletons like other humanoids and their skin has a caprapace look, especially on their shoulders and joints, with multiple hair-like structures covering it. They have Mandibles that cover their mouths and multiple tiny compound eyes that provide 360 vision but limited range. Arthops have two large fingers and an opposable thumb on each of its four hands. Arthops are omnivore but mostly live an herbivore lifestyle. Arthops have the capability, due to their corrosive stomach acid, to digest putrid carcasses infected with bacteria, fungus or toxins that would be lethal to other creatures but only do so in time of need.

Society: Every family belongs to a guild; multiple families per guild. Each guild sends a representative to the council. The council, called the Circle of Crones, is the governing body for the Arthops. Females fall into three classes; the Crones, Mothers and Maidens. Crones are older Arthops mothers who are no long able to produce but have assumed the leadership position. Mothers are the females, limited to three per family, who are fertile and producing young; up to one a day. Maidens, the largest populations of females, are not fertile and protect families and guilds. Males fall into two classes; the Gentry and the Plebs. Gentry are the males that were found/seen to have unique abilities, physical or mental, and are selected as breeders. Gentries are exchanged with other families for their breeders. The Plebs, the remaining males who make up the largest population, are the main workers for the Arthops.

Relations: Arthops have daily encounters with dangerous creatures that share the swamps with them. A variety of large to giant reptiles (dinosaurs, crocodiles, snapping turtles, and snakes) enjoy Arthops as a meal. Kobolds and Goblins are constantly attempting to penetrate the Arthops borders and grab individuals as slaves and/or food. Arthops are nervous around Boggards and Grippli; mainly due to their resemblance to Giant Frogs and Toads that never seem to pass up a chance to engulf an Arthrops. Arthrops have good relationships with Bog Striders even sharing living areas for mutual protection; the Bog Striders maintain villages under the water while the Arthops reside in the trees. Living in trees, and constant movement, has taught Arthops to minimize the amount of items they possess. This has led to an interesting development, rather annoying to other races, on possession; if an individual is holding, carrying or wearing an item, it is theirs, if it is not attached to an individual, it is up for grabs.

Alignment and Religion: Arthops life is very structured and hierarchical thus the society and individuals lean towards lawful alignments. Arthops traditions are taken very seriously and believe that the community comes first. Most Arthops are lawful neutral.

Adventurers: Arthops adventures are very rare and when found are males. Males who do leave do so when the community is very healthy and has an overly large population.

[Ziether]

I'll see if there are any tweaks needed, then plop it into the Arthrops Google Document at the link on the Information Hub. I'm headed out for most of the day, but I'll do it this afternoon. It looks pretty good from the once-over I gave it.

[Ziether]

Lupos nation and Kitsune nation are both up in the Information Hub.

[Schniderman]

Much appreciated, thanks!

[Ziether]

No problem, the Arthrops are also updated on the Google Document in the link on the Information Hub.

Sorry for the slowness lately. My daughter has decided that 10:30pm is a better bedtime than 8:45-9:00pm. That extra 90 minutes takes a lot out of me, especially given how warm and humid it has been locally lately. The weather really is kicking my rear end.

Thankfully there aren't that many nations left to do, and I'm not going to make one for the Gearborn, as I'm not allowing them as a PC race. They are similar to Eberron's Warforged, but have distinctions. The PCs will definitely encounter them, and will possibly work alongside them, but I'd rather avoid them for players.

[Ziether]

Okay, just Arthrops, Merfolk, and Ursarans left to go. I may or may not do a writeup on the Gearborn.

I'm still waiting on sufficient numbers of completed applications, but my end of the worldbuilding is almost completed.

[Ziether]

@Kshnik: if the Arthrops need a deity, let me know. I'll have their nation done tonight, and that will round out the nations. Once that is completed, I can make a world map, and then we're in business.

[Kshnik]

They dont need their own deity. The Arthrops worship 3 of the goddesses equally that you have already developed; Amphara, Gladred, and Grrummprr. In a few locations Grrummprr is dropped for Leishara.

I should have my background completed for my application by today.

[Drakeblade]

Ok, so I have been working a bit with Ziether to make a Drow and Halfling hybrid race. This is what I have got for the race so far. I also plan on adding Nation tomorrow in an edit.

Any fixes or recommendations appreciated. I apologize in advance for not having the best grammar.

INC Lesser Wall of Text!

Race Background / Race stats   Race: Darkling ( Hybrid Drow and Halfling ) Lore   Dawning of a new race. While many of the Halflings after the First Age War were content with forgetting and forgiving...Some kept alive old hatreds from the war. A few hundred years, before the Second Age War had ignited sparked a Halfling civil war. This ended in the Halfling race splitting into two. The Halflings broken formed two different groups. The first followed in the example of many other races seeking equality.This led to the founding of The Halfling Militant Enclave where Halflings formed a reclusive though wide spread trading state. The second group eventually became what are now known today as Darklings. Drow have always been a race of people that rough and isolated race. This early break off of Halflings were thus surprised when the Drow opened their arms to them. Halflings adaptability allowed those of the inclination to assimilate well to Drow ways. While always a holding tenuous political relationship between Drow and halflings. Halflings worked as intermediaries and traders for Drow as though this was peacetime the many races were growing apart as time past. Drow and Halflings for this time became quite intertwined at a societal level. Halflings adopted many customs including a female Hierarchy and those of a religious sect accepting Leishara, the Queen Beneath as their goddess *see Deity for me info*. Even breading with many low standing Drow, as many Halflings became fairly rich traders during this era. After what is now thousands of years, few true halflings live in Drow society. Now the race known as Darklings fills their gap. Darklings populate at a rate much faster than Drow due to their life spans were shorter. (Though still longer than Halflings given that they are now half-elf). Darklings that while seem as growing in physical and political power were still seen as below purebred Drow though above standard halflings. This eventually caused wounds that when the Darkling race grew large enough sparked a conflict that ended with Darklings earning their own sovereignty though a rather small one. Forming “Dark Abyss” nation, their underground capital known as “Zer'thun” is rarely talked about to outsiders. *see Nation*. Attributes, Traits, Description   Appearance, due to the relative shortness of the race being established offspring will in very rare cases still show traits of one of the races extremely more than the other. However they do tend to have the stature of a Halfling, while physical traits and power of Drow. Mono color eyes of various colors, White or Silver and black hair, skin ranging from coal black to purple to dark earthen tones. Most stand at or above 3' 2". Race Points = 14 chosen to equal Drow's Race points (Balance used from Pathfinder "Creating New Races" section of SRD ) Ability Score Racial Traits +2 Dex, +4 Cha , -2con = +4 Size: Darklings are usually Small creatures and thus gain a +1 to AC, +1 bonus on attack rolls, –1 to CMB and CMD, and a +4 bonus on Stealth checks. = 0 (A rare medium variant exists, they simply lose any bonuses and penalties for being small.) Base Speed Normal = 0 Languages: Common, Drow and Halfling. High Intelligence list; Abyssal, Aklo, Aquan, Common, Draconic, Drow Sign Language, Dwarven, Elven, Gnome, or Goblin. =0 Traits Outrider- Darklings gain a +2 racial bonus on Ride and Handle Animal checks. These skills are always considered class skills for members of this race. = +1 Darkling Luck: Darklings receive a +1 racial bonus on all saving throws. = +2 Elven Immunities: Darklings are immune to magic sleep effects and gain a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against enchantment spells and effects. = +2 Darkvision: Darklings have darkvision, allowing them sight in the dark up to 60 feet. = +2 Spell Resistance, Lesser: Darklings gain spell resistance equal to 6 + their character level. = +2 Weapon Familiarity: Darklings are trained as children to be familiar with Maces, Flails, Spiked Chain, Lances, Short Bows and Light Crossbows (Including Composite for both) and treat any item with "Darkling" in its name as a martial Weapon. = +1 Favored Class Options   Favored Class Options Taken from Half elf while not half human it seems kind of fitting. It also brings in a variety of options that don't overlap with other races. Alchemist Add +1 foot to the range increment of the alchemist's thrown splash weapons (including the alchemist's bombs). This option has no effect unless the alchemist has selected it 5 times (or another increment of 5); a range increment of 24 feet is effectively the same as a range increment of 20 feet, for example. Barbarian Add +1/4 to the bonus on Reflex saves and dodge bonus to AC against attacks made by traps granted by trap sense. Bard Add +1 to the bard's total number of bardic performance rounds per day. Cavalier Add +1 foot to the cavalier's mount's base speed. This option has no effect unless the cavalier has selected it 5 times (or another increment of 5); a speed of 54 feet is effectively a speed of 50 feet, for example. If the cavalier ever replaces his mount, the new companion gains this base speed bonus. Cleric Add +1/3 to the amount of damage dealt or damage healed when the cleric uses channel energy. Druid Select one cleric domain power at 1st level that is normally usable a number of times per day equal to 3 + the druid's Wisdom modifier. The druid adds +1/2 to the number of uses per day of that domain power. For druids whose nature bond gives them an animal companion, add +1 skill rank to the animal companion. If the druid ever replaces her animal companion, the new companion gains these bonus skill ranks. Fighter Add +1 to the fighter's CMD when resisting a disarm or overrun combat maneuver. Gunslinger Add +1/4 to the number of grit points in the gunslinger's grit pool. Inquisitor Add +1/4 to the number of times per day the inquisitor can change her most recent teamwork feat. Magus Add +1/4 to the magus's arcane pool. Monk Add +1/2 on Escape Artist checks and on Acrobatics checks to cross narrow surfaces. Oracle Add one spell known from the oracle spell list. This spell must be at least one level below the highest spell level the oracle can cast. Paladin Add +1 foot to the size of all the paladin's aura class features. This option has no effect unless the paladin has selected it 5 times (or another increment of 5); an aura of 14 feet is effectively the same as a 10-foot aura, for example. Ranger Add +1 skill rank to the ranger's animal companion. If the ranger ever replaces his companion, the new companion gains these bonus skill ranks. Rogue Add a +1/2 bonus on Bluff checks to feint and Diplomacy checks to gather information. Sorcerer Select one bloodline power at 1st level that is normally usable a number of times per day equal to 3 + the sorcerer's Charisma modifier. The sorcerer adds +1/2 to the number of uses per day of that bloodline power. Summoner Add +1/4 to the eidolon's evolution pool. Witch Add one spell from the witch spell list to the witch's familiar. This spell must be at least one level below the highest spell level she can cast. If the witch ever replaces her familiar, the new familiar knows these bonus spells. Wizard When casting wizard enchantment spells, add +1/3 to the effective caster level of the spell, but only to determine the spell's duration.

Deity   While not mandatory, the only approved god to worship is Leishara, the Queen Beneath.

Nation   Capital: Zer’thun Nation: Dark Abyss Government Type: Matriarchal Oligarchy Geography: Tunnels/Caves The Capital, “Zer’thun” is built in an enormous cavern and consists of 3 large sections. The Spirals, the Maw, and the Core. The Spirals, are five tendrils that grow from the edge of the Maw as expansion is needed. The five tendrils organized by needs, split between; Industry, Agriculture, Government, War and Worship. The Maw hold the Major Houses in power at the time and the Core is the palace of the Bright One. The right to become the Bright One is only for Females. A sec of priest are always on the look for Flames, Candidates taken to the Ven’thun hoping to be chose as the next successor on the dying day of the ruling Bright One. Vindara the current Bright One has ruled for 28 years (Age 96) since the last Bright One last light faded. Vindara is also the first known Darkling to holds powers similar in grandeur to Drow Nobles. Wise and Brilliant she is known as an Oracle that draws on her faith in Leishara, the Queen Beneath to accomplish mighty feats of magic. Holding rank above all loyal to the “Dark Abyss” nation. The high council of advisers known as Ven’thun, are essentially the 3 strongest female house leaders per Tendril. They help the Bright One in all matters of government and are the equivalent of High Lords or Barons of other nations. The Mar’thir is the council of Grand Masters never consisting of more than 15 members, this is the highest rank a Male Darkling can receive. They are below the Ven’thun in rank except in matters of their Mastery assigned to them upon being chosen by the Bright One. In their Mastery they are only outranked by the Bright One herself. They also act as Generals for the Darkling Army. Military: Darklings are known for their impromptu army of mounted soldiers and hit and run tactics. All male Darklings spend at least 4 years in military service shortly after reaching adulthood. Here they learn the ways of melee and ranged mounted combat. Magical ability is trained based off specific talents. Darklings use a wide variety of animals gathered from small towns living on the surface. Mainly due to the lack of mountable subterranean creatures. The most exotic mounts go to high ranked Females, or Males that perform great works or feats of valor in the battlefield.

[Kshnik]

I like the concept and love the name Darklings.

[Ziether]

Spoiler buttons and Fieldsets are the loves of my life. Well, those and my wife.

[Drakeblade]

Ok, I added the nation portion I'm also adding the longer version as just a fleshed out version for anybody who wanted more details.

Nation Uncut   Capital / Government / Everything Uncut version (Lengthy Explanation) While Having a very strange layout to outsiders, the capital “Zer’thun” built in an enormous cavern is essentially 3 Large parts. The Spirals, the Maw, and the Core. The Spirals, are five ever-expanded upon tendrils that grow from the edge of the Maw as needed. The five tendrils exist for different needs; Industry, Agriculture, Government, War and Worship. The Maw, a mix between a engineering and environmental wonder. The Maw is a huge Spherical Wall of Obsidian stalactites and stalagmites. The largest feat of Darkling engineering, the Stalactites can be dropped to incase the grounds inside of it in a dome on command of the Bright One. Inside this inner sanctum are 15 keeps where the Major Houses of each tendril reside. The Core, little is known of this 5 square mile home of the “Bright One”. It is configured as seen fit for the Bright One and changes in part or in full by the current Bright One. Military: Magical talent is almost a sure way to get a high station. Most Darklings however lack magic. Darklings are known for their impromptu army of mounted soldiers. All male Darklings spend at least 4 years in military service shortly after reaching adulthood. Here they learn the ways of melee and ranged mounted combat. Darklings use a wide variety of animals for combat. Mainly due to the lack of mountable subterranean creatures. The most exotic mounts going to high ranked Females, or Males that perform great works or feats in the battlefield. A council of 15 Grand Masters, the highest rank a Male can obtain control the Darkling army. Its seen as a great honor to be related to or praised by a Grand Master. For they are chosen by the “Bright One”. Society Rankings Bright One, The right to become the Bright One is only for Females, a sec of priest are always on the look for Flames. Candidates taken to the Ven’thun hoping to be chose as the next successor on the dying day of the ruling Bright One. Vindara the current Bright One has ruled for 28 years (Age 96) since the last Bright One last light faded. Vindara is also the first known Darkling to holds powers similar in grandeur to Drow Nobles. Wise and Brilliant she is known as an Oracle that draws on her faith in Leishara, the Queen Beneath to accomplish mighty feats of magic. Holding rank above all. Ven’thun, Consisting of a House Guardian’s (Female Leader of a family) clutch (family) each resides within a keep inside the Maw. Two Guardians are selected a year on Ritual of Cleansing to represent the needs of their tendril . The way of selection is varies based on the tendril that the Guardian is from. The third is selected by the Bright One. These guardians form the Ven’thun, a Council of advisors to the Bright One. Mar’thir is the council Grand Masters of never more than 15 members, and is the highest rank a Male Darkling can receive. Each is chosen by the Bright One for whatever reason she sees fit. They serve as Grand Masters until death or dismissal. Just below Ven’thun in rank except in the Mastery assigned to them from the Bright One. In their Mastery they are only outranked by the Bright One herself. Appearance, due to the relative shortness of the race being established offspring will in very rare cases still show traits of one of the races extremely more than the other. However they do tend to have the stature of a Halfling, while physical traits and power of Drow. Mono color eyes of various colors, White or Silver and black hair, skin ranging from coal black to purple to dark earthen tones.

[Majestic Pyre]

I agree with Kshnik, Darklings are cool. Well Done