Tulonian Circles

Lands: Tulone Woods

Races: Elf (Wood), Gnome (Forest), Halfling (Stout), Half-Elf, Human

The woods of Tulone have long stood as a land apart, separating the old Imperial lands from the forces of Darkane.  Loosely organized into small villages and tribes, they eschew any central authority, and are instead lead by their tradition of the Bond… a war leader and a druid who lead groups, never larger than 200 people.  

History

Historically, the Circles of Tulone were powerful, and able to resist the advances of the Rhysonian Empire.  However, during the events leading up to the Great Conflagration, the Circles were broken, never to return to their state of former greatness.  For the past centuries, they’ve existed in smaller, weaker tribes, that survive mostly by hiding from invaders.

Goals

• Each circle is concerned only with the welfare and survival of its tribe, and led by two individuals, a Kael (war leader) and a Gunth (a spiritual leader).  One refers to an individual by their title, then their rank (so a war leader, rank 2, would be a “Kael of Modest Repute.”)
• By tradition, the tribe is never so large that the Kael and the Gunth cannot know everyone by name.

Key Individuals

• None.

Rank and Associated Abilities

Associated Subclasses Barbarian (Totem Warrior), Druid (Circle of the Moon), Ranger (Beast, Hunter, Stalker)

• Of Little Repute (Rank 1): Barbarian, druid or ranger training available (required for 2nd level of druid or 3rd level of barbarian or ranger).
• Of Modest Repute (Rank 2): Druidic or ranger training available (required for 5th level of ranger or 6th level of druid).
• Of Notable Repute (Rank 3): Barbarian or ranger training available (required for 6th level of barbarian or 7th level of ranger)
• Of Great Repute (Rank4): Barbarian, druid or ranger training available (required for 10th level of barbarian or druid or 11th level of ranger).  Currently, there are no Kaels or Gunths of Great Repute.
• Of Highest Repute (Rank 5): Barbarian or druidic or ranger, training available (required for 14th level of barbarian or druid or 15th level of ranger)

Speakers of the All Father

Lands: The Dwardok Mountains

Races: Dwarf (Hill, Mountain), Gnome (Rock)

While the Ap’Dwardok (Hill Dwarves) of the Border Kingdoms were largely wiped out in an ancient war with the forces of the Pact Primeval, the Dur’Dwardok (Mountain Dwarves) still maintain their holds in the high peaks and far corners of the world.  Their Speakers are the keepers of this history and faith.

There are three pillars of the faith of the Dwardok People.  The first is that of the All-Father, and administered to by priests who obtain miracles directly from him.  The second is the blood of the All-Father, which manifests in the ability to command might tempests with sorcery (and is, in these days, exceedingly rare).  Finally, there are the Storm Heralds, mighty warriors who have been bless through their faith in the All-Father to defend their people.

History

For thousands of years, the Speakers of the All-Father have served the clans of the Dwardok people faithful.  However, the constant battles against the Pact Primeval, as the Ap’Dwardok sought to expand their empire (and eventually failed) signaled the decline of the dwarves to the state they are in today.  The Ap’Dwardok are dying, and the Dur’Dwardok have disappeared into their mountain holds.

Goals

• The Faith of the All-Father revolves around the sky:  the open sky is sacred to Dwarves, and most dwarves tend to avoid it outside of religious ceremonies.  
• As the advisors, defenders, and arcanists of the dwarven people, the Speakers of the All-Father serve the chieftains, but never lead.  
• While the Dwardok people observe a strict caste system, there is little structure or order within the Speakers… they exist outside of the Clan dynamic, and often travel between clans to make sure their people are well served.

Key Individuals

• Barra Zendarek: The last of the Ap’Dwardok storm heralds, Barra spends his time drunk on the edge of human and elven lands, dividing his time between marauding and self-pity.
• Irma of the High Hold: The high priestess of the Dur’Dwardok fortress known as High Hold, Irma is regarded as the First Speaker of the All-Father.
• Indal Blackrock: Irma’s brother and one of the most powerful arcanists on the planet, India also dwells in High Hold.
• Yurek of Wyvern Pass: The high priest of the hold at Wyvern Pass, and Irma’s main rival for influence amongst the six holds.  
• Manx of Ubantoe: Perhaps the most famous dwarf outside of the Dwardok Mountains, and one of the few “adventurers” known to be active in this age.
• Note that each of the 6 Dur’Dwardok holds have a cleric of the rank of Cordel or higher.  No remaining Ap’Dwardok clan has a cleric or storm sorcerer of greater than Thrundel rank

Rank and Associated Abilities

Associated Subclasses Barbarian (Storm Herald), Cleric (Forge & Tempest domain), Sorcerer (Storm Sorcerer)

• Dundel (Rank 1): Barbarian, cleric, or sorcerer training available (required for 1st level of cleric or sorcerer or 3rd level of barbarian).
• Drankel (Rank 2): Cleric training available (required for 2nd level of cleric).
• Thrundel (Rank 3): Barbarian, cleric, or sorcerer training available (required for 6th level of barbarian, cleric, or sorcerer).
• Cordel (Rank4): Barbarian, cleric, or sorcerer training available (required for 8th level of cleric, 10th level of barbarian, or 14th level of sorcerer).
• Grandel (Rank 5): Barbarian, cleric, or sorcerer training available (required for 14th level of barbarian, 17th level of cleric or 18th level of  sorcerer).

The Shanolis

Lands: Prydain

Races: Elf (High)

For centuries, the Shanolis have defended the elves of Prydain, and are known as some of the most fearsome warriors in the world.  Each one of them is versed equally in blade and spell, and the training of a Shanolis is a very specific thing.  

Note: each rank of the Shanolis requires specific levels in an associated subclass.  

History

The Shanolis serve the Queen, there is no Shanolis without the Queen to serve.  Still, the traditions that encompass the Shanolis style are quite old and must predate the founding of Prydain.  However, since the founding, the elves of Prydain have only allowed the Shanolis to practice the art of Bladesinging.

Goals

• Serve the Queen.
• Protect the Realm.
• Perfect the Art

Key Individuals

• Fiedilann Ap’Andin: The Queen’s champion and the grandmaster of the Shanolis, Fiedilann is a living legend amongst the Prydani.
• Ecorina Ap’Mengali: Fiedilan’s former apprentice, and one of the masters of the Shanolis.  
• Wendolyn Ap’Urlond: A master and ruthless agent of the Queen who she currently favors for missions.
• Inselle Ap’Ingalis: The newest master, and youngest since Fiedilann to achieve that title.

Rank and Associated Abilities

Associated Subclasses Fighter (Eldritch Knight), Rogue (Arcane Trickster), Wizard (Bladesinger)

• Apprentice (Rank 1): Fighter, Rogue training available  (required for 3rd level of fighter or rogue). An apprentice must complete this training to move onto journeyman
• Journeyman (Rank 2): Wizard training available  (required for 2nd level of wizard).  A journeyman must complete this training to move onto Bladesinger
• Bladesinger (Rank 3): Fighter, rogue or wizard training available (required for 6th level of wizard,7th level of fighter, or 9th level of rogue).
• Master (Rank4): Fighter, rogue or wizard training available (required for 10th level of fighter or wizard,13th level of rogue).
• Grand Master (Rank 5): Fighter, rogue or wizard training available (required for 14th level of wizard, 15th level of fighter, or 17th level of rogue).  There is only ever one grandmaster at a time.

The Rhysonian Mysteries

Lands: Primarily the Imperial City and Heartlands

Races: Aasimar, Halfling (Lightfoot), Human, Tiefling

The masters of the Rhysonian mysteries are priests drawn from the nobility, and inducted into one of nine orders.  The orders are in a hierarchal caste structure, with the Violet order at the top, the Whites and the Blacks serving them, and the organized beneath them.  Virtually every part of the Imperial City’s society is dominated by the mysteries, and the noble families associated with each caste serve as priestly kings.  

• The Violet serve as the masters of the Mysteries, and are the lone members of the First Caste, interacting only with other priests.  Their domain is Arcana (from the Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide).
• The Whites oversee the administration of sacraments to the layfolk, and are half of the Second Caste.  Their domain is Light.
• The Blacks hold sway over all matters relating to property, worldly possessions, and death.  They are considered the lawgivers and are the other half of the Second Caste.  Their domain is Death.
• The Blue are those sworn to minister to the poor and protect the faithful.  They are one of two warrior orders (the Reds being the other).  As members of the Third Caste, they serve the Whites.  Their domain is Protection.
• The Gold are the artists and poets of the clergy, and charged with the creation of various works to exult the mysteries.  As members of the Third Caste, they serve the Blacks.  Their domain is Life.
• The Gray are secret keepers.  As members of the Third Caste, they serve the Blacks.  Their domain is Trickery.
• The Red are a warrior order, who serve as the Mysteries generals and warlords.  As members of the Third Caste, they serve the Blacks.  Their domain is War.
• The Silver are the lore masters and scholars, who rigorously attempt to keep the secrets of the Empire alive.  As members of the Third Caste, they serve the Whites.  Their domain is Knowledge.
• The Greens are the prophets of the Mysteries, a powerful group who practice spiritual magic.  As members of the Third Caste, they serve the Whites.  Their domain is Nature.

History

Prior to the Great Conflagration, the power of the priests of the Rhysonian Mysteries ruled across the lands.  However, since then, they have fallen into decadence, completely controlled by the ruling families of the Imperial City.  During the Reckoning over a century ago, the Malengarth family gained control over the Violet Order, but would be wiped out through treachery two generations after.  Since then, the White and Black orders have acknowledge no true Violet priests, declaring anyone who practices the mysteries of Arcana to be heretics.

Goals

• Each order has a specific goal: for example, the Whites tend to the flock, while the Blues serve as guards and constables.  
• Since the Great Conflagration, there has been no contact with the Exalted Ones, the angels of Rhys that taught the priesthood their mysteries.
• The true purpose Rhysonian Mysteries is to maintain Imperial Society, and if possible, bring the light of Rhys back to the world as a whole.

Key Individuals

• Master Miksel the Black: A scion of the powerful Durrington family, and the de facto master of the Imperial City.
• Master Orphelia the White: Matron of the Corrinbyrd family, and Miksel’s chief rival.
• Master Garielle the Red: The captain of what remains of the Imperial forces, and the favored daughter of the Winding family.
• Master Ignoblis the Silver: The eldest member of the Ironcrown family, and one of the great lore masters of the city.
• Master Jayce the Green: One of the Justimans, the largest family in the city, Jayce embraces their chaotic ways as he leads the city’s seers.

Rank and Associated Abilities

Associated Subclasses Cleric (see descriptions for available domains)

• Acolyte (Rank 1): Clerical training available (required for 1st level of cleric).  Note, there are currently no Acolytes of the Violets.
• Adept (Rank 2): Clerical training available (required for 2nd level of cleric)
• Initiate (Rank 3): Clerical training available (required for 6th level of cleric)
• Master (Rank4): Clerical training available (required for 8th level of cleric).  Currently, there are no Masters of the Blues, Golds, or Grays.
• Templar (Rank 5): Clerical training available (required for 17th level of cleric).  Currently, there is no Templar within the mysteries.  

The Pact Primeval

Lands: Primarily the Hinterlands

Races: Elf (Wood), Gnome (Forest), Gnome (Rock), Half-Elf, Halfling (Lightfoot), Halfling (Stout), Human, Orc

Outside of civilized area, a loosely organized group of bards, druids, and elves remember the old ways that predated even the Empire.  Followers of the ancient ones, the Archfey they believe built the world, they remain on the outskirts of the world, vigilant for threats from the South.

History

Never numerous (at least in the times of men) and often at odds with all civilized people (who they view as worshipers of base forces), the force of the Pact Primeval are spread quite thin, and have for generations been fighting a losing battle against the Old Ways.  Nearly wiped out a thousand years ago by the forces of the Empire and its Mysteries, they waged a series of conflicts against the dwarves of the Ap’Dwardok in order to survive.  The conflict made them both unable to resist the Darkane Incursion

Goals

• Maintain the tales of the old ways, so that they do not perish.
• Push back against the forces of Darkane.
• Atone for the crimes against the Dwarvish people and stand fast against the orcs.

Key Individuals

• Ephria the Beloved: The hierophant of the Pact Primeval and the one true authority in the Hinterlands.
• Skarverran Berg: A half-elf (an extreme rarity in Haylene) who has defended the hinterlands for over a century.
• Flewlynn of Tulone: A well-traveled bard who is the only link between the forces of the pact and “civilized lands.
• Rawls the Green: This adventurer, known for his copper-green hair, was responsible for some of the great wars prior to the Great Conflagration
• Quentin the Dreamer: The primary messenger that the pact uses to communicate across the Hinterlands.

Rank and Associated Abilities

Associated Subclasses Bard (College of Glamour), Druid (Circle of Dreams), Paladin (Oath of the Ancients), Ranger (Primeval Guardian), Warlock (Archfey)

• First Order (Rank 1): Bardic, druidic, paladin, ranger, and warlock training available (required for 1st level of warlock, 2nd level of druid, and 3rd level of bard, paladin, or ranger).
• Second Order (Rank 2): Druidic, paladin, ranger, and warlock training available (required for 5th level of ranger, 6th level of druid or warlock, and 7th level of paladin).
• Third Order (Rank 3): Bardic or ranger training available (required for 6th level of bard or 7th level of ranger)
• Fourth Order (Rank4): Druid, paladin, ranger, and warlock training available (required for 10th level of druid or warlock, 11th level of ranger, or 15th level of paladin).  Currently, there are no Fourth Order paladins or warlocks.
• Fifth Order (Rank 5): Bardic, druidic, paladin, ranger, and warlock training available (required for 14th level of bard, druid or warlock, 15th level of ranger, and 20th level of paladin).  Currently, there are no Fifth Order druids, or warlocks

High Mages of Prydain

Lands: Prydain

Races: Elf (High)

The elves are the undisputed masters of the arcane, and Elven Wizardry is the envy of all the people of Haylene.  Within the Eight Towers of the Kythori, the elven people command power that is unheard of outside the borders of Prydain  

History

While the elves control the largest and best known college of wizardry, it is not the oldest.  The Four Towers date back to an older tradition, before the Queen came to power over the Prydani peninsula.  

Goals

• While they serve the Queen, the High Mages are all quite independent, and chaff at attempts to lead them.
• Each one is quite politically powerful, as they are allowed to address and advice the Queen.  The archmages are essentially her counselors.

Key Individuals

• The Queen of Prydain: On of the great arcanists in the world, the Queen of Prydain is seemingly ageless, and has led her people since time forgotten.  
• Nymuea: The queen’s oldest friend, and her devil’s advocate, Nymuea is the archmage of divination.
• Ornien: The most powerful wizard in Prydain, Ornien is the archmage of evocation.
• Selestra: Known as much for her temper and wit as her magical ability (and it is considerable), Selestra is the youngest of the archmages, and has mastered Enchantment.
• Dyfed: A recluse and a bit of a scoundrel, Dyfed places little value on even the lives of his elven brethren.  He is the archmage of abjuration.
• Rhystel: Known to be older than the Queen, and of universally bad reputation, Rhystel is rarely seen in Prydain.  He is, however, the archmage of conjuration.
• Thymean: An adventuresome and charismatic leader, Thymean is the archmage of transmutation.
• Anippa: The white necromancer, and the first to be named by the Queen when she started the council, Anippa has long practiced a unique tradition of necromancy.
• The Mistmaster: The archmage of illusion has long left his or her enemies guessing as to the archmage’s true identity.

Rank and Associated Abilities

Associated Subclasses Wizard (Abjurer, Conjurer, Diviner, Enchanter, Evoker, Illusionist, Necromancer, Transmuter)

• First Circle (Rank 1): Wizard training available (required for 2nd level of wizard).
• Second Circle (Rank 2): Wizard training available (required for 6th level of wizard).
• Third Circle (Rank 3): Wizard training available (required for 10th level of wizard).
• Fourth Circle (Rank4): Wizard training available (required for 14th level of wizard).  There is only one wizard of the 4th circle or higher for any given school, plus the queen.
• Fifth Circle (Rank 5): Bestowed on any wizard capable of casting 9th level spells.

Heroes of the Empire

The Heroes of the Empire

Lands: The Imperial City, the Heartlands

Races: Aasimar, Human, Tiefling

The Heroes of the Empire are the collective names for the nobles of the old Empire.  These are the individuals who held positions, either in courts, or private lands beyond the city (or both).  In recent days, their numbers have dropped, such that most cities beyond the walls of Rhysone are run by guildsmen of the Keepers Guild.

Note: while the ranks of all factions are only loosely correlated with the abilities of certain subclasses (with a particular rank being a prerequisite for certain levels, not the other way around), this is particularly of note for the Heroes of the Empire.  The Rhysonian nobility is fallen and a shadow of its former self: there are very, very few holy warriors of true power left.  

History

Before the Great Conflagration, and even up until the days of the Reckoning, the nobility of Rhysone was known for their prowess in battle as much as for their constant scheming against each other.  Now, of course,  they are known only for the latter.

Goals

• Every noble has but one goal… gain power for his or her family.  The ideals of the Empire have largely fallen to the wayside.

Key Individuals

• Count Sambrun Corringbyrd: A cunning, if somewhat detached man, who opposes the unchecked power of the priests of the mysteries.
• Countess  Inga Winding: The leader of House Windling and a hero to the people, Countess Inga is the most likely to gain the support to be named Duke (and thus open ruler of the Imperial City)
• Count Wendall Ironcrown: The greatest arcanist in the Imperial City is this aging man who none the less has managed to make his family into a force to be reckoned with.

Rank and Associated Abilities

Associated Subclasses Paladin (Oath of Devotion), Sorcerer (Favored Soul)

• Lord/Lady (Rank 1): Paladin or sorcerer training available (required for 1st level of sorcerer or 3rd level of paladin).
• Baron/Baroness (Rank 2): Paladin training available (required for 7th level of paladin).
• Count/Countess (Rank 3): Sorcerer training available (required for 6th level sorcerer).  Currently, there are only three Counts.
• Duke/Duchess (Rank4): Paladin or sorcerer training available (required for 14th level of sorcerer or 15th level of paladin).  Currently, there are no dukes.
• Emperor (Rank 5): Paladin or sorcerer training available (required for 18th level of sorcerer or 20th level of paladin).  At any time, there could only be one Emperor.