Genre
Fantasy, Siege, Mystery, Action
THE STORY
In the year 660 the free cities formed a confederation to check the growing power of the Nazarene Kingdom. Their combined forces crushed the Nazarene Forces in the Battle of the Red Slopes. In a humiliating peace treaty the Nazarenes were stripped of their right to use mages or build a standing army. In a horrific process called the cull the magic circles of the free cities culled the magic bloodlines of the Kingdom. In the year 720 the Nazarene Kingdom finds new strength under their latest Monarch Nazar the Eleventh. In violation of the peace treaty they raise a standing army. Stunningly despite the cull of their bloodlines the Nazarenes are able to field mages by allowing usage of the forbidden arts of necromancy the knowledge of which they gain from a mysterious tome called the black Grimmore. In the year 724 they begin a protracted campaign of the free cities. Not taking the threat seriously the free cities refuse to unite as they once did. City after city fell and at the dawn of the year 725 Antioch finds itself the only standing free city not burned to the ground. The city is yet to be sieged but it is only a matter of time
Antioch is not unduly worries though: Jewel of the free cities, envy of a hundred powers and kingdoms, its granaries burst to the seams with overflowing crop; its coffers stuffed to the brim with leaking gold; its walls guarded by a an army of soldiers who are not just guardsmen but battle hardened warriors; its mage cadres old and secretive using magic that others can barley dream about Antioch is a wonder. It has grown rich under the rule of the line of merchant princes who have through a shrewd combination of political scheming and economic coercion. The”Magnificent One” as the call the head of the house and ruler of the city well loved. However concerns regarding his health have weakened his position amongst its citizens. Its food supply is assured by the Cultivators who till many square miles of farmland on the cities plateaus that make the city self sufficient in food: Antioch will not starve.
Yet darker currents run beneath the city as its Rogues guild has grown a little too powerful for liking lately. It is Unclear where the Daymaster and Nightmaster will stand on the issue and their power may tip the scales either way. The Mercenary Company that the city has hired is growing restless and a mercenary’s loyalty is fickle thing and the Fires of the Nazarene Army grow ever brighter on the Horizon as above the city the Sycophant Watches…
The City and Interest groups
1. The head of the city is given the title of the "Magnificent One": the patriarch of the ruling family of merchant princes. Lately though their rule rests uneasily as the Magnificent one is Bedridden.
2. The "Mage Circle" is one of the oldest and capable of the free cities and played a prominent part in the culling. It is ruled by a council of the five oldest mages of the order called the Inner circle.
3. It is protected by mighty walls and capable "City Guard" three thousand strong.
4. Furthermore it has hired a mercenary group: the "Company of the Bloody Hand" to bolster its defenses with a further thousand troops.
5. The upper plateau of Antioch houses the inner farms: many square miles of farmland that makes the city self sufficient in food. This plot of land is considered sacred
ground by the masses and is tilled by a priesthood called the "Cultivators."
6. The "Rogues Guild" deals the organized crime. These include the cities Assassin Guild. The Guild’s leadership is split between the Day Master and the Night Master.
7. The "Sycophant" is the most mysterious figure within the city. He has his own mysterious purposes. He is rumored to be a master mage and warrior and is an all pervading part of the city for the last 200 years. He is at constant war with the Rogues Guild.
Unwritten Rules of the City
1. The Rogues guild is tolerated by the Magnificent One only because it is useful. All Assassinations on Magicians or people of note are done only after attaining his prior consent. Large scale Heists and scams are done only after clearing them with him. However it is the Guilds choice of whether to refer a contract to the magnificent one for approval in the first place.
2. Daymaster handles Pickpockets, Musclemen, Bribes, Brothels and is the guilds liaison with the Government .Nightmaster handles Courtesans, Assasins, Con-Men and is the Guilds liaison with the Mages Circle and Cultivators.
3. Mages Circle is Semi Autonomous. It is generally considered to work for the good of the city. It answers only to the Magnificent One.
4. The Head of the City Guard is at constant war with the Rogues guild. The Magnificent One will not intercede if the guards begin to destroy the guild.
5. The Cultivators Farms are closed off to all Non- Cultivators. The Cultivators are the Cities Priests. They Worship the Cities Patron Deity Plenora: the Goddess of plenty. This is followed rigorously even by the Rogues.
6. The Sycophant is to be respected if not held in awe. Glimpsing just a sight of him is said to be lucky. Citizens make it a point to see him at least once in their lives.
Map
Ill add this in a day or so
Available Roles
1. Captain, Company of the Red Hand
2. Cultivator’s Liaison with the city
Character Template
Name:
Sex:
Age:
Role: You're Chosen position.
Appearance: Picture would be appreciated
Personality: At least 1 paragraph.
History: At least a Para or two.
Weapon of choice: For the Combative ones.
