@Empress Giovanna di Mora is a true power player, love it! Love the description of Palazzo Moravese, exactly what Veranth needs to flesh out the setting. I admittedly had to look up bougainvillea :)
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6 yrs ago
Hello guild my old friend :)
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7 yrs ago
The nostalgia is fierce tonight...so many ideas. Where did the time go? roleplayerguild.com/topics/…
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7 yrs ago
The Archive is Activated
8 yrs ago
Guild issues making it difficult to post. Will update when the server errors stop.
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8 yrs ago
To Teluval, Farewell . A surreal fantasy adventure: roleplayerguild.com/topics/1..
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PRELUDE: SPRING 1423: The Council of Peers
1408: The debut of gunpowder, manufactured in Trato, using techniques learned from the Far East, at the Battle of Sechy. The forces of King Borremond, some 230 cavalry, 350 archers, and over 4,000 men-at-arms, hailing from the Kingdom of Geromdia to the north, were beat back decisively by the combined armies of the Holy League. A priest present at the battle described the scene thus:
"...knights carried brass pots where before they held lances and spears. A holy light, and the roar of thunder fired forth from these pots and turned horses upon their heads, and scattered the pagans like so much dust..."
During the first few decades of the 15th century, the Holy Church of Karoleth reached the height of its military and economic power. In 1408, soldiers from the Kingdom of Geromdia advanced across the Arno Mountains and were defeated by the combined armies of the Holy League. With this successful defense of the Lassa Peninsula, Pope Linus II proved his legitimacy as the Divine Word of God. One by one, the city-states of Lassa submitted to Papal rule. Only Veranth and Mersolan have managed to remain independent.
And yet...
From the Holy city of CAPOS, Pope Linus II continues to influence even our great city through tithe and tax, and Inquisition. It is only by the riches that flow through our city that we have managed to remain independent-the common citizen of Veranth is wholly pious and considers Pope Linus II to be ordained by God. With the ascension of the Fiore family to the Dukedom of Veranth, the Church reached an agreeable relationship with our city. Duke Fiore payed the necessary tithes and enforced the holy decrees issued by the Pope. But it has not been enough.
It would appear a fatal blow is being delivered with the Inquisition confirming the heresy of Duke Carlo Fiore. Apparently, the bribes paid to Cardinal Paccio were either insufficient, or the piety of Paccio is absolute, or the man has ambitions for himself.
Regarding the Inquisition of Heretical Acts conducted by Duke Carlo Fiore
Cardinal Paccio, upon the steps of the Cathedral of St. Martinus recited the findings of the Holy Inquisition into the activities of Duke Carlo Fiore concerning allegations of heresy.
The crowd wept openly at the news of the judgement of Duke Carlo Fiore, who had for 30 years presided over the Council of Peers, the Board of Guild Masters and the Veranthan Standing Army. Giving such an open statement regarding the findings of an Inquisitorial Tribunal is unprecedented. Paccio risks his own career if the pope does not issue the excommunication. Regardless, the Fiores have been confined to the White Citadel and all of their wealth and possessions seized by the church.
The Council of Peers
Immediately convened an emergency session in the Palazzini di Veranti, (The City Fortress) which, in and of itself set the tone of a war-council. While the Guild Masters refused to attend, several prominent families or their representatives, and other important dignitaries not part of the regular council were present, including Giovanna di Mora, Rodrigo Nantua, Bartellemeo Palladina, and Alessandro de Bladelli.
The most important citizens crammed into the inner chambers of the fortress, with dozens of junior peers packing the adjoining halls and rooms. Rumors of several people being stampeded to death outside the main hall have been found to be false. A panic has beset the city, especially among the commoners as the fate of the Duke and his family, and the leadership of the city is called into question. Amidst hostility and shouting, the session was finally convened with the nomination of Ignatius Cremini, a wealthy merchant, to preside.
Since 1304, the Senior Council had been banned in Veranth. Too much power in the hands of citizens was a direct challenge to the Church of Karoleth (or the church could simply not control them). Instead, a Duke was placed in power by the Church and acted as a puppet. With Duke Carlo Fiore, the Church's grasp began to waiver, culminating in the Inquisition conducted by Cardinal Paccio.
And yet...
From the Holy city of CAPOS, Pope Linus II continues to influence even our great city through tithe and tax, and Inquisition. It is only by the riches that flow through our city that we have managed to remain independent-the common citizen of Veranth is wholly pious and considers Pope Linus II to be ordained by God. With the ascension of the Fiore family to the Dukedom of Veranth, the Church reached an agreeable relationship with our city. Duke Fiore payed the necessary tithes and enforced the holy decrees issued by the Pope. But it has not been enough.
It would appear a fatal blow is being delivered with the Inquisition confirming the heresy of Duke Carlo Fiore. Apparently, the bribes paid to Cardinal Paccio were either insufficient, or the piety of Paccio is absolute, or the man has ambitions for himself.
Regarding the Inquisition of Heretical Acts conducted by Duke Carlo Fiore
Cardinal Paccio, upon the steps of the Cathedral of St. Martinus recited the findings of the Holy Inquisition into the activities of Duke Carlo Fiore concerning allegations of heresy.
The crowd wept openly at the news of the judgement of Duke Carlo Fiore, who had for 30 years presided over the Council of Peers, the Board of Guild Masters and the Veranthan Standing Army. Giving such an open statement regarding the findings of an Inquisitorial Tribunal is unprecedented. Paccio risks his own career if the pope does not issue the excommunication. Regardless, the Fiores have been confined to the White Citadel and all of their wealth and possessions seized by the church.
The Council of Peers
Immediately convened an emergency session in the Palazzini di Veranti, (The City Fortress) which, in and of itself set the tone of a war-council. While the Guild Masters refused to attend, several prominent families or their representatives, and other important dignitaries not part of the regular council were present, including Giovanna di Mora, Rodrigo Nantua, Bartellemeo Palladina, and Alessandro de Bladelli.
The most important citizens crammed into the inner chambers of the fortress, with dozens of junior peers packing the adjoining halls and rooms. Rumors of several people being stampeded to death outside the main hall have been found to be false. A panic has beset the city, especially among the commoners as the fate of the Duke and his family, and the leadership of the city is called into question. Amidst hostility and shouting, the session was finally convened with the nomination of Ignatius Cremini, a wealthy merchant, to preside.
Since 1304, the Senior Council had been banned in Veranth. Too much power in the hands of citizens was a direct challenge to the Church of Karoleth (or the church could simply not control them). Instead, a Duke was placed in power by the Church and acted as a puppet. With Duke Carlo Fiore, the Church's grasp began to waiver, culminating in the Inquisition conducted by Cardinal Paccio.
The Masters are citizens elected to oversee military and financial matters, a practice dating back to the old Lassan Empire Governorships. These 'Masters of Veranth' are charged by the citizens to supplant the Council of Peers and oversee the daily tasks required to administer a city.
The Master of ARMS is in charge of military matters. Hiring, training and deploying troops. Since Veranth has a very small standing army, this is a rather cushy job with a salary of 1 WP per season. The official title of a master of Arms is Warden. Master of Arms receives the Military Report each season.
The Master of the COIN is in charge of financial matters. Paying the bills and raising the monies to pay those bills. Veranth offers no salary for this position, although Masters may petition for a salary. Master of Coin receives the Economic Ledger each season.
The Master of STEWARDSHIP is responsible for conducting diplomacy and securing and maintaining trade deals. The Steward is also responsible for overseeing the cities sizable fleet of merchant and war vessels. The Steward is payed 1 WP in salary per season. The Steward receives the Diplomatic Ledger each season.
The DOGE presides over all other offices and may veto any action for governance of the city with the support of at least (1) other Master. The Doge is paid 2WP per season.
Chairman Ignatius Cremini called for nominations to these positions as Masters of Veranth. If the Council of Peers fails to appoint citizens to the office of Masters, Veranth will be in jeopardy of being placed under direct papal control.
Masters of Veranth
A Renaissance Era Roleplay of Faith, Politics & Warfare by Polybius
An OSR Hack
An OSR Hack
It is an age of conflicting ideas and ideology. Of competing faith, science and mysticism. In the land of Lassa, a resource rich peninsula bounded by water to the east and west, and mountains in the north, city-states vie for power. All is ruled over by the Holy Church of Karoleth, a religion with a 4,000 year old history.
The Inquisition conducted by the agents of Karoleth has found the Duke of Veranth guilty of heresy. While the Duke remains imprisoned, the enemies of the fair city Veranth have seized upon the vacuum of power to expand their influence. The city is in need of strong leadership, strength, and perhaps faith.
The Inquisition conducted by the agents of Karoleth has found the Duke of Veranth guilty of heresy. While the Duke remains imprisoned, the enemies of the fair city Veranth have seized upon the vacuum of power to expand their influence. The city is in need of strong leadership, strength, and perhaps faith.
Rules
Follow these rules if you wish to play in the game!
Characters
This is the crunchy bit, but it is really simple. You should familiarize yourself with the world information under the Lore header before choosing a name and background. In addition to basic character info, you have Attributes and Skills that determine what your character can do and what she knows. The numbers are very simple: Spend 4 points on Attributes (Charisma, Combat, Fame, Faith) and 8 points on Skills (Grace, Speech, Literacy, Trade, Luck, Leadership, Dueling, Strategy).
In Masters of Veranth, you take the role of an influential and affluent nobleman, merchant, clergyman and citizen of the city of Veranth. The city is without a master and the council of peers is unsure what steps to take to ensure the safety and survival of the city. The Church of Karoleth is eager to step in and declare Veranth a protectorate of the Church and seize the assets and wealth within our coffers. Foreign investors have stopped sending payments for goods and pirates and brigands (perhaps funded by our rival city-states) have begun looting and pillaging our trade-routes and outlying settlements. In order to play the game, you must build a character, pick your attributes and stats and write a brief description of your personality and background.
World Information
Geography
Lassa Peninsula
Bounded by water on three sides and mountains to the north, the Lassan Peninsula is a conduit for trade between east and west. Once the seat of power for an ancient empire (also known as Lassa), city states with distinct dialects and cultures have prospered here for the past 400 years under the watchful eye of the Church of Karoleth. Wheat and barley are grown in the south and the central hills hold vast plantations where olives are grown and processed into olive oil. Other important commodities are wool and iron. Ships and caravans from the east heavily laden with jade, gold, silver and spices make for ports along the coast.
Veranth
The city where the roleplay takes place. Veranth has made a name for itself as a strong mercantile stronghold with guilds and banks and little outside meddling from the Church of Karoleth. For nearly thirty years art and science has thrived in Veranth under the guidance of Duke Carlo Fiore. That reign has come to an end with the arrest of the Duke and his close associates by the church on charges of heresy, a crime that carries the penalty of death. It seems Duke Fiore funded a the publication of a pamphlet outlining the failings of the church. Fiore is being held in the White Citadel in Veranth until the order from his Holiness, Linus II for execution comes through.
Mersolan
The historic rival city-state of Veranth ruled by Duke Giacomo Princep, a wealthy wool-merchant with many family members holding posts in the Church of Karoleth. Long has Mersolan prided itself on maintaining the Abbey of St. Sebastian, the most beautiful and ornate church in all of Lassa. Mersolan has rebuilt the ancient sea wall of the Lassan empire and controls a powerful navy and merchant fleet, reaching as far east as the Jade Empire.
Other notable city-states of Lassa:
Capos: The largest city in Lassa; seat of power for his Holiness, the Pope.
Cuna: Birthplace of His Holiness Linus II, Pope of the Church of Karoleth.
Trato: Home to the workshop of Maccio, the famous painter and inventor
Parmos: A northern city-state with strong mercenary presence
Vica: Stronghold of the Holy Order of the Knights Sanctus Vitae
The Jade Empire
Far to the east is an Empire of such immeasurable territory and wealth that many common citizens consider it a mythical place. It is said that no foreign merchant has ever entered the Empire and left again, instead dealing with intermediaries and guides to secure valuable goods like spices, gold, silver, silk and of course jade.
Factions
The Holy Church of Karoleth
Presided over by his Holiness Linus II, with a complex hierarchy of Cardinals, priests and holy appointments, the Holy Church of Karoleth is one of the wealthiest institutions in the world. For 4,000 years the church has existed in one form or another, even during the final centuries of the ancient Lassan Empire. In recent history, the Inquisitions conducted by Cardinal Paccio have gutted the nobility and middle class of the Lassan city-states.
The Guilds
Guilds are unions of very skilled, specialized craftsmen devoted to one industry or another. Cloth dying, spinning wool, iron works, shipbuilding etc. are just some of the many guild specialties. These institutions hold control over vast sums of money and are semi-militant.
Mercenaries & Knightly Orders
Bands of veteran soldiers roam the Lassan peninsula looking for work. Those given the blessing of the Church are well funded and are often employed protecting shrines, churches and holy persons across the land. Other mercenary bands are more nefarious, and include pirates, brigands and cuthroats. They are not as well trained or funded, but will do almost any job.
More world info and a map coming this week guys.
Masters of Veranth
A Renaissance Era Roleplay of Faith, Politics & Warfare by Polybius
An OSR Hack
An OSR Hack
It is an age of conflicting ideas and ideology. Of competing faith, science and mysticism. In the land of Lassa, a resource rich peninsula bounded by water to the east and west, and mountains in the north, city-states vie for power. All is ruled over by the Holy Church of Karoleth, a religion with a 4,000 year old history.
The Inquisition conducted by the agents of Karoleth has found the Duke of Veranth guilty of heresy. While the Duke remains imprisoned, the enemies of the fair city Veranth have seized upon the vacuum of power to expand their influence. The city is in need of strong leadership, strength, and perhaps faith.
The Inquisition conducted by the agents of Karoleth has found the Duke of Veranth guilty of heresy. While the Duke remains imprisoned, the enemies of the fair city Veranth have seized upon the vacuum of power to expand their influence. The city is in need of strong leadership, strength, and perhaps faith.
Characters
This is the crunchy bit, but it is really simple. You should familiarize yourself with the world information section before choosing a name and background. In addition to basic character info, you have Attributes and Skills that determine what your character can do and what she knows. The numbers are very simple: Spend 4 points on Attributes (Charisma, Combat, Fame, Faith) and 8 points on Skills (Grace, Speech, Literacy, Trade, Luck, Leadership, Dueling, Strategy).
In Masters of Veranth, you take the role of an influential and affluent nobleman, merchant, clergyman and citizen of the city of Veranth. The city is without a master and the council of peers is unsure what steps to take to ensure the safety and survival of the city. The Church of Karoleth is eager to step in and declare Veranth a protectorate of the Church and seize the assets and wealth within our coffers. Foreign investors have stopped sending payments for goods and pirates and brigands (perhaps funded by our rival city-states) have begun looting and pillaging our trade-routes and outlying settlements. In order to play the game, you must build a character, pick your attributes and stats and write a brief description of your personality and background.
World Information
Geography
Lassa Peninsula
Bounded by water on three sides and mountains to the north, the Lassan Peninsula is a conduit for trade between east and west. Once the seat of power for an ancient empire (also known as Lassa), city states with distinct dialects and cultures have prospered here for the past 400 years under the watchful eye of the Church of Karoleth. Wheat and barley are grown in the south and the central hills hold vast plantations where olives are grown and processed into olive oil. Other important commodities are wool and iron. Ships and caravans from the east heavily laden with jade, gold, silver and spices make for ports along the coast.
Veranth
The city where the roleplay takes place. Veranth has made a name for itself as a strong mercantile stronghold with guilds and banks and little outside meddling from the Church of Karoleth. For nearly thirty years art and science has thrived in Veranth under the guidance of Duke Carlo Fiore. That reign has come to an end with the arrest of the Duke and his close associates by the church on charges of heresy, a crime that carries the penalty of death. It seems Duke Fiore funded a the publication of a pamphlet outlining the failings of the church. Fiore is being held in the White Citadel in Veranth until the order from his Holiness, Linus II for execution comes through.
Mersolan
The historic rival city-state of Veranth ruled by Duke Giacomo Princep, a wealthy wool-merchant with many family members holding posts in the Church of Karoleth. Long has Mersolan prided itself on maintaining the Abbey of St. Sebastian, the most beautiful and ornate church in all of Lassa. Mersolan has rebuilt the ancient sea wall of the Lassan empire and controls a powerful navy and merchant fleet, reaching as far east as the Jade Empire.
Other notable city-states of Lassa:
Cuna: Birthplace of His Holiness Linus II
Trato: Home to the workshop of Maccio, the famous painter and inventor
Parmos: A northern city-state with strong mercenary presence
Vica: Stronghold of the Holy Order of the Knights Sanctus Vitae
The Jade Empire
Far to the east is an Empire of such immeasurable territory and wealth that many common citizens consider it a mythical place. It is said that no foreign merchant has ever entered the Empire and left again, instead dealing with intermediaries and guides to secure valuable goods like spices, gold, silver, silk and of course jade.
Factions
The Holy Church of Karoleth
Presided over by his Holiness Linus II, with a complex hierarchy of Cardinals, priests and holy appointments, the Holy Church of Karoleth is one of the wealthiest institutions in the world. For 4,000 years the church has existed in one form or another, even during the final centuries of the ancient Lassan Empire. In recent history, the Inquisitions conducted by Cardinal Paccio have gutted the nobility and middle class of the Lassan city-states.
The Guilds
Guilds are unions of very skilled, specialized craftsmen devoted to one industry or another. Cloth dying, spinning wool, iron works, shipbuilding etc. are just some of the many guild specialties. These institutions hold control over vast sums of money and are semi-militant.
Mercenaries & Knightly Orders
Bands of veteran soldiers roam the Lassan peninsula looking for work. Those given the blessing of the Church are well funded and are often employed protecting shrines, churches and holy persons across the land. Other mercenary bands are more nefarious, and include pirates, brigands and cuthroats. They are not as well trained or funded, but will do almost any job.
@Big DreadStill here. Post up by Sunday!
@Polybius
You know, after looking over this RP's concept and mechanics a few times, it's started to look more like a tabletop RP than a nation RP.
Better get the mods!
How's this?
I don't see any problems with this character. I will divulge more world information when the game thread is posted if you want to expand his background at some point. It will be interesting to see how an altruistic character fares in the cut throat world of politics and religion of Lassa.
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