Archmagos Issac
Sir Ser Issac of Clarke of Chad the II
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2014
- Location
- The Forge World of Mars
Greetings Travelers, welcome to the Exiled Lands
I am Issac and I wish to tell the tales of those who live in these sun scorched lands. As you will come to see, there is quite a bit of detail below. This has been a personal project I have been working on for going on 3 years and has been slowly developing bit by bit. That being said, that doesn't mean EVERYTHING is set in stone. Far from it! I want to brainstorm with like minded individuals and create great stories within these shifting sands. Stories that could follow escaped slaves who become legendary heroes, skilled mercenaries taking any jobs they can find from anyone from shady criminals to powerful nobles, explorers hunting for lost relics of a constantly changing world.
If you have ideas and suggestions than please feel free to share! I want this to be fun for all and interesting for all. Like any good swiss cheese, there are plenty of holes that we can take advantage of to construct a strong and unique
Background
I am Issac and I wish to tell the tales of those who live in these sun scorched lands. As you will come to see, there is quite a bit of detail below. This has been a personal project I have been working on for going on 3 years and has been slowly developing bit by bit. That being said, that doesn't mean EVERYTHING is set in stone. Far from it! I want to brainstorm with like minded individuals and create great stories within these shifting sands. Stories that could follow escaped slaves who become legendary heroes, skilled mercenaries taking any jobs they can find from anyone from shady criminals to powerful nobles, explorers hunting for lost relics of a constantly changing world.
If you have ideas and suggestions than please feel free to share! I want this to be fun for all and interesting for all. Like any good swiss cheese, there are plenty of holes that we can take advantage of to construct a strong and unique
narrative. Below I will include a few ideas that are vague but could act as good starts for an interesting story. Feel free to message me any time!
Background
Not much is known of the time before the Exodus. What is known is that the forefathers of Man, Fae, and Dwarf were forced to leave by monstrous threat our ancestors called the "Shyr Polaes" or in common "Blood Drinkers". The creatures spread like wildfire, wanting nothing more then to kill and multiply like locusts. Our ancestors were powerless to this enemy and were given no choice but the to leave the lush world they once called home. The fae called these lands “Jhyr Jhal” or in common speech, “The Lost Lands”.
To ensure the survival of not only themselves but future generations, the ancestors pleaded to the Makers for aid, a means to survive the horrors that threatened to consume their servants. The Makers answered in kind, leading those seeking to escape to what the ancestors collectively referred to as “The Conduit”, an ancient structure believed to be constructed by the Makers themselves. With the combined efforts of the old magic, the most powerful of the ancestors shamans and mages awoke The Conduit, opening a portal to new and unfamiliar lands, a place seemingly inhospitable to the threat that followed.
“Aezoli Jhal”, The Exiled Lands. A place of sand and stone, seemingly comprised only of shifting deserts and rocky canyons. A place seemingly inhospitable to any form of life. Little is known of that time. What is known is that our ancestors forced those creatures that followed into the Deep Deserts where they would perish, from there they began spreading out in search of places to call home. The dwarves took to the mountains, digging deep and thriving despite the harsh world. Many fae took to the deserts, becoming nomadic tribes that wandered the shifting sands. Some tribes of man took to the deserts in search of more hospitable lands, others settling on the first sources of water they could find, and others settling on in the ruins of what were once cities of the Makers that were teeming with powerful artifacts.
The deserts are a cruel and unforgiving place. Scorching heat, minimal water, dangerous terrain, sandstorms so powerful they can shred the skin from your bones in minutes, and that's just the elements without mentioning the deadly creatures as well. Only the strongest can survive...
To ensure the survival of not only themselves but future generations, the ancestors pleaded to the Makers for aid, a means to survive the horrors that threatened to consume their servants. The Makers answered in kind, leading those seeking to escape to what the ancestors collectively referred to as “The Conduit”, an ancient structure believed to be constructed by the Makers themselves. With the combined efforts of the old magic, the most powerful of the ancestors shamans and mages awoke The Conduit, opening a portal to new and unfamiliar lands, a place seemingly inhospitable to the threat that followed.
“Aezoli Jhal”, The Exiled Lands. A place of sand and stone, seemingly comprised only of shifting deserts and rocky canyons. A place seemingly inhospitable to any form of life. Little is known of that time. What is known is that our ancestors forced those creatures that followed into the Deep Deserts where they would perish, from there they began spreading out in search of places to call home. The dwarves took to the mountains, digging deep and thriving despite the harsh world. Many fae took to the deserts, becoming nomadic tribes that wandered the shifting sands. Some tribes of man took to the deserts in search of more hospitable lands, others settling on the first sources of water they could find, and others settling on in the ruins of what were once cities of the Makers that were teeming with powerful artifacts.
The deserts are a cruel and unforgiving place. Scorching heat, minimal water, dangerous terrain, sandstorms so powerful they can shred the skin from your bones in minutes, and that's just the elements without mentioning the deadly creatures as well. Only the strongest can survive...
Inspirations
If someone was to ask me to list off all the things that inspired Shifting Sands, I would likely be sitting here all damn day typing away. Gun to my head, twisting my arm, all of that hoopla; here is a list of most (if not all) of the things that inspired me in one way or another:
- The Witcher Series
- Dragon Age Series
- Frank Herbert's Dune
- Warhammer 40k Series
- Brian Lumley's Necroscope
Potential Plots and Pairings
The Wizard's Bodyguard
Rumors are abound in the Exiled Lands of long forgotten vaults that reside somewhere on the fringes of the Dune Seas. Vaults that could contain untouched and unstudied artifacts that date back to the Makers themselves. A young and ambitious wizard wishes to study these artifacts and discover these vaults but they can't possibly go alone. They may have strong magical abilities but they lack the knowledge to survive in the deserts alone, they need someone who can be their escort, their guard. Someone they are willing to pay very well.
Rumors are abound in the Exiled Lands of long forgotten vaults that reside somewhere on the fringes of the Dune Seas. Vaults that could contain untouched and unstudied artifacts that date back to the Makers themselves. A young and ambitious wizard wishes to study these artifacts and discover these vaults but they can't possibly go alone. They may have strong magical abilities but they lack the knowledge to survive in the deserts alone, they need someone who can be their escort, their guard. Someone they are willing to pay very well.
Races
Mankind
Perhaps the most common species found, human beings can be found all across the Aezoli Jhal, ranging from as tall as the fae or as short as the dwarves. Humans vary in terms of magic, some being very powerful while some are completely void of magic ability. Humans have proven quite effective at bridging the gap between both science and magic, relying equally on both respectively. Many humans have settled and made their own cities, some above ground in the heart of the deserts and some deep in the earth where it is far more tolerable. Humans however are often deeply distrusting and superstitious, often believing that things in nature must be one thing or another, black or white, good or evil. When they encounter something they fear or don’t understand, they often react violently, trying to control things that cannot or will not be controlled
Faekind
One of the oldest of the races, the fae can be recognized by their distinctive sharp ears and tall slender figures. Their bones are naturally hollow like a birds, making them naturally light on their feet and naturally agile. Of all the races, the fae are naturally adept at magic. Fae mages are often able to perform seemingly impossible feats of magic because of their natural attunement and their naturally long age allows them to study longee. Unlike mankind or dwarven kind, the majority of fae prefer to live in nomadic tribes on the surface. A minor number live in the larger cities peacefully, making lives for themselves and preferring the comfort of city living rather than the harsh uncertainty of the desert. The average fae can live 600 years assuming they are in good health and aren’t magically altered. Otherwise, a fae can live perhaps thousands of years before dying
Dwarves
Dwarves are almost as old as the fae but unlike the fae, prefer the power of science and machine then magic. Dwarves can be recognized by their distinctive short features and excessive hair. Unlike the fae, dwarves bones are naturally dense and strong like iron, often keeping them from being light or agile. However, what they lack in general speed or agility, they make up for in both pure strength and durability. Dwarves are also naturally stubborn and are often unaffected by magic that alters the mind. Dwarves have harnessed the power of steam and black powder. Though the dwarves have harnessed amazing sciences, they prefer to keep themselves, helping mankind on occasion but outright ignoring the fae. Dwarves find the fae to be smug and afraid to get their hands dirty, fae finding them equally distasteful and untrustworthy
Gleekon
The Gleekon are a reptilian race of tribal raiders. Gleekon can range in size, color, and shape from one another similarly to humans but gleekon are always reptilian humanoids and are almost always ill-tempered. Many aren’t very intelligent and those that are intelligent often become tribal chiefs. These tribes can range in size from a few hundred gleekon to several thousand. These tribes often wander the deserts and wage war with the dwarves more often than not. The dwarves and humans particularly hate the gleekon as they often disrupt established trade routes and can cripple cities for weeks if not months. It isn’t known roughly how long gleekon live due in large part to the gleekon often dying from killing one another or from the constant wars
Zitan
The Zitan are one of the native inhabitants of the Exiled Lands. Zitan are considered by the general populace to be pests due in large part to their insectoid appearance and their reputation as scavengers (hence the nickname 'Skavvers'). While the bands of scavengers can be a problem, largely the Zitan keep to themselves and stay close to their hives. It isn't unheard of to see a Zitan independent of it's hive, it is rare however. Zitan often times have difficulty speaking the common tongue. When they speak they often keep their sentences short and refer to themselves in the third person. They do however have a form of sign language that can be used to communicate more effectively
Katajan
Katajan are the feline natives of the Exiled Lands and have been revered for their strong and capable hunters as well as their tracking abilities. Katajan live in mostly nomadic tribes, following the big game wherever it may be. The Hunt is all that matters to them. Katajan are proud hunters, they respect the laws of the Hunt and want nothing more than to hunt worthy prey. Katajan have had a shaky relationship with the Exiled. The Katajan have a great respect for those who display great strength and conduct themselves with honor
Shyr Polaes
The Shyr Polaes, the Blood Drinkers, "Those That Thirst"; to many these creatures are merely legends. An old story to warn people away from the Deep Deserts. To some, these creatures still plague them. A creature that reproduce and spread with the spilling of blood. The old legends speak of mindless killers, "Reavers" that spread like wildfire. Creatures of immense speed and strength that butchered whole villages in a matter of minutes but no mind to speak of. Rumors however persist that some of the creatures that were driven into the Deep Deserts have.....changed. That these creatures have become intelligent, have evolved and persisted despite best efforts
Bestiary
Boga
Threat Level: Very Low - None
Primary Food: Small Animals or Vegetation (prefer Fruit)
Tameable: Yes
When first arriving in the Exiled Lands, one of the first problems our ancestors discovered was that horses simply wasn't a viable mount for the desert. Simply put, the environment was simply too harsh. Keeping both the rider and the horse alive was simply impossible. When beast masters discovered the boga, it became clear that these creatures could do what horses couldn't.
Bogas are reptilian omnivores that stand at roughly 7 feet tall at the shoulder and roughly 15 feet long. The Boga's most distinguishing feature is the feathery mane and sharp beak. It's talons are razor sharp and capable of slicing flesh down to the bone. However, these claws also help the creature scale the sides of mountains and canyons with relative ease.
Hermit Geko
Threat Level: Very Low - None
Primary Food: Small Insects
Tameable: Yes
Many creatures of the desert look for shady places to make their homes. Caves, trees, bushes, canyons. Some however have the ability to create their own homes. There is no better example then the Hermit Gecko. The Hermit Gecko's spit is highly acidic and is able to eat through stone and metal. It uses this ability to create a nest for itself primarily but it can use this same ability as a defense IF it feels threatened. These creatures are quite friendly however and can make for good pets
Great Shellback
Threat Level: Very Low - None
Primary Food: Cactus Fruit
Tameable: Yes
Great Shellbacks are massive herbivores that wander the deserts of the Exiled Lands. These creatures have been recorded at more than 15 feet tall and are nearly twice that in length. While these creatures make look intimidating, they really are not. They make for excellent mounts if one intends on moving a great deal of items at one time, though at the cost of speed. These beasts generally pull Dune Boats that provide ample shade and room for life saving supplies which makes up for that lack of real speed. These armored beasts can shrug off arrows along with most other weapons but are vulnerable to fast and vicious predators
Koriaris
Threat Level: Very Low - None
Primary Food: Unknown
Tameable: Unknown
The Koriaris is also known as the Horned Fox and is a rare sight in the deserts of the Exiled Lands. Koriaris are often seen following the storms that erupt in the desert and are often seen as good omens for the end of bad weather for some time. Wanderers of the sands often report good luck upon seeing these creatures but the creatures mysteriously disappear when one takes their eyes off them for even a moment. Some theorize that the creatures have a natural magic ability, that they can appear and disappear at will. One has never been caught and studied in captivity and many believe no one will ever catch one. If one wants to be caught, they'll allow it to be caught.
Threat Level: Very Low - None
Primary Food: Small Animals or Vegetation (prefer Fruit)
Tameable: Yes
When first arriving in the Exiled Lands, one of the first problems our ancestors discovered was that horses simply wasn't a viable mount for the desert. Simply put, the environment was simply too harsh. Keeping both the rider and the horse alive was simply impossible. When beast masters discovered the boga, it became clear that these creatures could do what horses couldn't.
Bogas are reptilian omnivores that stand at roughly 7 feet tall at the shoulder and roughly 15 feet long. The Boga's most distinguishing feature is the feathery mane and sharp beak. It's talons are razor sharp and capable of slicing flesh down to the bone. However, these claws also help the creature scale the sides of mountains and canyons with relative ease.
Hermit Geko
Threat Level: Very Low - None
Primary Food: Small Insects
Tameable: Yes
Many creatures of the desert look for shady places to make their homes. Caves, trees, bushes, canyons. Some however have the ability to create their own homes. There is no better example then the Hermit Gecko. The Hermit Gecko's spit is highly acidic and is able to eat through stone and metal. It uses this ability to create a nest for itself primarily but it can use this same ability as a defense IF it feels threatened. These creatures are quite friendly however and can make for good pets
Great Shellback
Threat Level: Very Low - None
Primary Food: Cactus Fruit
Tameable: Yes
Great Shellbacks are massive herbivores that wander the deserts of the Exiled Lands. These creatures have been recorded at more than 15 feet tall and are nearly twice that in length. While these creatures make look intimidating, they really are not. They make for excellent mounts if one intends on moving a great deal of items at one time, though at the cost of speed. These beasts generally pull Dune Boats that provide ample shade and room for life saving supplies which makes up for that lack of real speed. These armored beasts can shrug off arrows along with most other weapons but are vulnerable to fast and vicious predators
Koriaris
Threat Level: Very Low - None
Primary Food: Unknown
Tameable: Unknown
The Koriaris is also known as the Horned Fox and is a rare sight in the deserts of the Exiled Lands. Koriaris are often seen following the storms that erupt in the desert and are often seen as good omens for the end of bad weather for some time. Wanderers of the sands often report good luck upon seeing these creatures but the creatures mysteriously disappear when one takes their eyes off them for even a moment. Some theorize that the creatures have a natural magic ability, that they can appear and disappear at will. One has never been caught and studied in captivity and many believe no one will ever catch one. If one wants to be caught, they'll allow it to be caught.
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