The World Around You (Part 1)

Magic Items
Distribution of magic items will be dealt with differently with in this world. Magic items are rare, and the market for any substantial magical wealth is slim to none. The same magic items are passed from family to family, from father to son, and distributed between generations through thievery and murder. Chances are, that belt of giant strength you have is about four hundred years old, and has had a half dozen owners. So, in order to facilitate your acquisition of useable magic gear, before an adventure, I would like a list of five magical items from each player on a “wish list.” The items should be within level appropriate range, if they aren’t, you’ll go home without loot. Anyway, at the end of an adventure, when the dragon is slain and the maiden rescued, don’t be surprised when one item from each person’s list is among the hoard.


Legendary Figures
In a world where the lines between countries and nations change multiple times in an adventurer’s life, the only grounded things that carry over between generations (aside from magic items!), are stories and lore. The legends of the past become the stories told by children in the streets. Every little trogg knows about Gr’akk, the mighty Troll that held off a hundred gnomes at the Battle of Brisnarr, dying valiantly to give his village time to flee. Gnomes admire Lediah, the fabled “Maiden of Magic” whose hands were said to be blessed by the Gods themselves – capable of shattering mountains and starting thunderous hurricanes. And all the land has heard, some spoken in whispers, some shouted from dark chapels, the name of Vorhest, of he who has risen from the past, unfettered by the laws that bind life to the earth. Through a dark pact, undoubtedly wrought with blood and sacrifice, talk is that he has been reborn to once again wreak pestilence upon the land, immortality granted through this deal with the Gods. Though none has seen him walk among the living, or heard tell of worshippers or clerics, there is still talk. And sometimes, that is enough to sow the seeds of fear…