Tales from Llynadell

A Dungeons & Dragons Blog

[tales-from-llynadell]

Q’ar - ‘Gods, Duty, and Men’

Extract from ‘Gods, Duty, and Men’ by Bartholemew Lillan

[Old text found in the forbidden section of the Saeya State Library dated from Year 5 of The Cassian Era]

Q’ar is one of the only Old Gods that people still follow today, whether they admit it or not. Q’arian principles dictate a life in pursuit of Justice and Truth. The Order of El Guard are among the most devout followers of the Q’arian faith.

Q’ar itself (himself?) is depicted as a large humanoid Kraken type creature and it is thought that this is how The Kraken, in a modern Llynadell calendar, came about.

The Kraken as a month is a time for revenge, which people readily and wrongly associate with justice. It is a time for telling others hard truths and both of these things are at the core of Q’arian beliefs.

The Q’arian belief system is closely bonded with an unwavering urge to rid the world of evil through action. At the very core are a previously unknown set of principles that, through careful research, I can outline for you dear reader.

Bring criminals and wrongdoers to the authorities

Be truthful, have the conviction to go through with your promises

Evil actions are unacceptable in any form

Punish the wicked through righteous actions

Purge Evil from the world in my name (Q’ar)

Smite the evil with my holy Wrath

Any action performed with a righteous heart and a clarified will is not evil

All is Permitted in my name (Q’ar)

The main principles don’t come in any particular order and are closely associated with truth and justice. The main theme seems to suggest that if in your heart you feel you’re doing the right thing then do it. It is no wonder then that this religion fell by the wayside owing to the fact that it revels in anarchic and chaotic situations. The last principle of Q’ar is particularly troublesome as it gave rise to people who used it as permission from God to be evil shits!

Executors of Q’ar - a sort of religious police.These fanatical faithful chase down those who would spurn Q’ar in favour of alternative lifestyle choice. They believe that after a person has taken the Oath of Q’ar it is binding until death. Oath-breakers are pursued relentlessly and tortured in ways beyond human imagination. I only know this from the extensive research and debriefing reports from the Executors themselves.

Trust me dear reader the graphic details I have read have no place in academic research other than to shock and horrify…

[tales-from-llynadell]

‘The Order of El Guard’

Extract from The First Order: El Guardian Knights by Bartholemew Lillan

[A very dusty book that is falling to pieces...]

Sometimes known as El Guardian Knights, or the First Order, this Holy Order of Paladins was founded before the advent of the Human Empire. Eminent scholars agree that their primary function was that of protectors and guardians. When Humanity was still a young race this Ancient Order defended the small Human villages and towns during the Elvish Age in 758Ea.

Historians have discovered cave drawings and scrolls that depict The Order of El Guard as colossal, hulking men wearing bearskin or a different favoured animal, shown as wielding a massive club or similarly brutal two-handed weapon. In more modern tapestry their tales of valour and bravery have been painstakingly stitched into legend. The majority of Academics agree that early Humans would have succumbed to Orcish Invasion if not for these men.

The earliest recorded El Guardian Knight is known to have been ‘Jordanus Ellgvarden’ he followed the teachings of the First Incarnation of Q’ar and together they wrote down the creed we know today.

The Order of El Guard take a solemn vow to protect the weak and uphold good. The Order is based on 3 Sacred Tenets passed down from the God Q’ar an Ancient Human deity of Judgement and Guardianship.

A Knight must do his duty as commanded by the will of Q’ar

A Knight must be just and fair, a Knights behaviour must be the highest example of how to live a pious and noble life.

A Knight must protect those unable to protect themselves even if it means The Knight will come to harm, or death.

There are few who follow the Order of El Guard today but those who do are found in the military or in the employ of The Emperors Guard. They are the most elite soldiers and battlefield commanders who, in the Human Era, work as an extension of the Emperor’s will. Only a fool would argue with an El Guardian Knight.

The Oath* that those wishing to join the Order of El Guard must take goes thus:

I promise in the Light of Q’ar to do no wrong I swear on The First Rise to fight until The Last No man may break me No blade will stop me From completing my duty I pledge my life and soul in service of Q’ar To protect those who cannot do so themselves And to slay those who would harm them

*translated and re-translated many times over

After joining the Order that person must forsake all their possessions in Order to “earn their life” in the Eyes of Q’ar. The final step in becoming an El Guardian Knight is changing your name! Those in the service of Q’ar shed themselves of the final bond to corporeal relations. Instead they change their name to El Guard or in modern iterations Lguard. They go by this single moniker only accompanied by a rank, hence why El Guardians often join the military.  

[tales-from-llynadell]

‘A Future of Two-Halves’

Extract from ‘A Future of Two-Halves’ by Gerandil Trist

…many types of Hybrid live in Llynadell. My rule of thumb is; if the two species can breed there's probably a hybrid of it! Hybrids are often unpredictable creatures that can take on all, most, some, or none of their bi-species parts. A word to the wise is whatever you think you know about a hybrid forget it because you're probably wrong. Of the Hybrids I have interviewed for this study 85% said they had felt a “high or unacceptable level” of racism in their lifetime. Over 90% of the same study group stated that after revealing their bi-racial status they had felt “threatened or been physically attacked” in their lifetime. A most saddening statistic indeed… When will we learn to get along as a country and all work towards the greater good? The most common perpetrators of these attacks where of course Halflings. It is a shame the bi-racial simply cannot avoid the Halflings but the torrid little beasts are everywhere, filthy little mud gobblers…

[tales-from-llynadell]

‘The Various Species of Llynadell: Musings and Comments’

Extract from ‘The Various Species of Llynadell: Musings and Comments’ by Ciril ‘Knee-high’ Champers

(BONUS: COMMUNICATE BASIC CONCEPTS AND IDEAS IN AURAN).

In my explorations I have only ever seen a handful of the species known as Kenku. I am yet to discover where they come from or how they survived the cleansing. Kenku are basically bird people the most common of which are ravens, crows, rooks, sparrows etc. They speak their own language which I have deciphered some of by speaking with the one I know whose name is Griff Hawksbane. He is a Kenku Justicar a sort of police for Kenku society and a well respected one at that, Griff has told me of the Criminal Renee Le Craw, a most feared member of The Lowly who’s never been caught.

Kenku remain a mysterious bunch, mother would say they were rude because they are very direct and don’t seem to have any etiquette at all!

As for how they appear, the standard Kenku is about the same size as a Human, I don’t know how long they live for but one of the most fascinating aspects of the Kenku is their ability to imitate any sound they hear and commit it to memory! This ability effectively allows them to learn any language, the grammar, semantics and lexicon as long as they have heard the words before!

I’d love to know more about them. They are fascinating creatures.

Oh! They CANNOT fly! Contrary to rumour they can only glide!

Absolutely marvellous creatures…

[tales-from-llynadell]

‘Lawful Good Don’t Mean Lawful Nice...’

El Guardo, the Human Paladin

Alignment: Lawful Good | Sacred Oath: Oath of Devotion | Special Item: The Sword Excalibur

In ancient history, Paladins were renowned not just as elite warriors but as champions of the weak and vulnerable, epitomising all that was good. They were devoted to kindness, and yet beyond measure in their effectiveness at ridding the universe of evil, crusading in the name of good, justice, and order, all the while honouring their strict code of honour. It was said that in combat, a Paladin with a cause was almost impossible to defeat. Such was their fearsome reputation, that it was said they had divine powers.

El Guardo, a knight templar, better known as King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table, is on a solo quest and adventure in this Land, to spread the cause of the ways of the Paladins and make this world a better place. Looking for his true love, a beautiful elven Princess called Jacs.

Such is the reputation of the Paladins through history, there isn’t a world out there where they aren’t regarded as amongst the most agile and effective of all warriors, almost impossible to defeat.

[tales-from-llynadell]

‘A Drinking Shanty’

‘A Drinking Shanty’ sung by The Lowly thought be be about The Phantom

Oooooh!

There once was a maiden who danced like a dream Her fairness was fadin' but it dint bother me She swung and swirled and she filled me with glee Oh! What a sight she was to see! Oh!

Lady, oh lady! What would I buy thee? Gemstones the colour of the Shimmering Sea I've got no riches, and most would agree I'm the most fearsome rogue that there ever be!

Iiiiiiiiim! Justice I'm vengeance The knife in the night! An arrow of silence I could take your life But I'd change my ways If you'd be my wife!

And I'll be a Phantom no moooooorrre! And I'll be a Phantom no more!

[tales-from-llynadell]

‘Distasteful Limerick’

‘Distasteful Limerick’ by The Lowly

The only thing Cassius fears Is Humans with pointier ears They live in the trees And he quaked at the knees When they killed him and all of his Spears!

[tales-from-llynadell]

Wood Elf Proverb

(Translation) Unknown Author

I went to the Woods (Forest?) because I wished to live deliberately.  Confront only the essential facts of life and learn only what it had to teach. When I came (it was my time?) to die I wanted not to discover I hadn't lived.    

[tales-from-llynadell]

‘Trust Me, I’m A Rogue...’

Fairë Esse, the Half-Elf Rogue

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral | Roguish Archetype: Assassin

Fairë Esse was born and made in the criminal underworld of Lanavir, the capital city of Llynadell. His mother was a human prostitute who died in childbirth, his father an unknown dark elf. He spent his first years at the brothel, before being turfed out to scrape a living as a street urchin.

The resourceful Fairë soon fell in with a gang of pickpockets, then worked his way up to become the head of the underground criminal gang ‘The Lowly’. Caught by a rival crime boss, his life was spared on the condition that he never set foot in Lanavir again.

Fairë ignored this order, instead leading the life of a lone wolf and becoming the most successful pickpocket the city had ever seen. Soon he was noticed by the upper echelons of Lanavirian society, and was recruited as the personal assassin of an unknown patron at the palace.

Fairë’s only self-confessed weakness is a low alcohol tolerance, though others would say his secrecy, selfishness, and lack of moral purpose are weaknesses too. Fairë would call them strengths... or simply kill the person who had the nerve to insult him.

This dark and shady rogue is wanted under the pseudonym ‘The Phantom.’

There is a large monetary reward for his capture.

[tales-from-llynadell]

‘Musings of Our History’

Extract from ‘Musings of Our History’ by Grand Maester Erwin Tolsen

Beasts of legend and tales of brave heroes slaying dragons in time of olde have been analysed to mean nothing but metaphor. A foreign threat, or something bad that was once among us.

The First Emperor Cassius is often depicted battling either a small black dragon, roughly the size of an Ettin, or a large green dragon, collosal in size  This is not to be taken literally.

The smaller black dragon is thought to represent Cassius' battle against the Dwarves in the North. Often shown to have Mythril scales and a beard, further on in these tapestries, this dragon poses little threat.

The much larger green dragon is often depicted as defeating the Emperor, even though he has many spears at his command, time and time again this dragon is depicted as mortally wounding or outright killing our beloved leader and dare I say it friend.

I only know what reports have I read and they mention nothing of these great beasts having ever existed at all. I therefore place them in the same category as Gnomes, and Ice bears, purely fictitious and mythical in nature.

No cause for concern.... Hopefully...

[tales-from-llynadell]

'Never Piss Off The Healer...’

Grizelda Stone, the Dwarf Cleric

Alignment: Lawful Good | Divine Domain: Life | Special Item: A Pet Sneagle

Grizelda Stone was born in Nogaak Mugdor, the most active Dwarven mine in Llynadell, which nestles amongst the steep rocks of The Neck. Both dwarves and humans inhabit this small frontier mining town.

Grizelda’s father is a miner, though he used to be a warrior in his younger days. Her mother is a maid to the Prefect of Nogaak Mugdor. Grizelda grew up with the expectation that she would follow in one of their footsteps, but instead she inherited a thirst for knowledge from some distant dwarven ancestor. As a child, she sought out the local hermit witch and began to learn the arts of horticulture, magic, and herbal healing.

The Prefect of Nogaak Mugdor, out of fondness and respect for Grizelda’s mother, sponsored her to make the long journey south to the great Saeya State Academy in Lanavir. There, Grizelda achieved her dream and graduated as a Cleric at the tender age of 18, specialising in healing. She now lives in Lanavir, though often misses the rocky outcrops and sparkling stones of Nogaak Mugdor. Her northern abrasiveness frustrates Lanavirian citizens, and she feels most at home when visiting her old tutors at the academy. She is a Follower of the Arcane.

Grizelda has an odd pet, a Sneagle named Dumpling, who was the runt of his litter. Initially Dumpling was bred to be a messenger for the academy, but when it became clear his stumpy wings and shortened legs made him less than adept at flying, Grizelda took him in. Now he travels in her priest’s pack, snoozing most of the time, and occasionally attempting to carry messages a short distance.

[tales-from-llynadell]

‘Flying Messengers’

Extract from ‘Flying Messengers’ by Zultan Magus

There are few things as wondrous and baffling in this world as the Many Crested Serpents we co-habit it with.

Colloquially known as Sneagles these birds (reptiles? Further research needed) are a phenomenon like no other.

They understand and speak Common however we also understand them even they just 'screech' and 'hiss', perhaps these magnificent creatures possess a form of telepathy?

The origin of the Sneagle is unknown, they have always been here. They are fierce protectors of their own kind especially their infants.

Sneagle eggs are a delicacy however Sneagle meat is quite poisonous and often deadly.

To the point... Sneagles are the messengers of our World you simply hand them a scroll with the aforementioned message on it and then they will motion towards your lips as if to command you to speak the name of the messages intended recipient.

Most curious of all is that these creatures seem utterly content on delivering messages across the World even though it holds no evolutionary advantage.

Truly, they are the living embodiment of the Divine at work, Gaia be praised!

Quite incredibly they never fail to deliver unless the poor beast is killed before the message can be delivered.

It is in fact a shame that Sneagles can't carry anything heavier than a few scrolls at a time as they'd be a wonderful resource for travelling merchants and would undoubtedly change the way the economy of Llynadell worked fundamentally....

[tales-from-llynadell]

‘Llynadell: Adventures and Tall Tales, Vol 1′

Selected extracts from ‘Llynadell: Adventures and Tall Tales, Volume One.’

The Unified Church of Aego

Many races were forcably converted to the UCA during the reign of Cassius Squall The First Emperor.

Nowadays, this Genocide is not something Humans like to acknowledge, as it happened over 60 years ago but the lesser races still remember.

This brutal conversion was the catalyst for the subsequent domination of the Human Empire and the Squall family have ruled practically unchallenged for nearly a millennia. At the same time it was established that Lanavir be built upon the ruins of the Ancient Elvish City Llnvír. It has served as Humanities Capital ever since.

The Unified Church of Aego is the belief that Aego Tel' Avae is the one true God and discoverer of Gaia. When Aego renounced his possessions and travelled into the wilderness alone he became one with the World. Henceforth, He disappeared to watch Humanity and all those that accepted Him as the one true God. His teachings were passed down by his young wife Saeya, athough these were academic texts in journal form, Emperor Cassius interpreted them as the will of God and sought to teach the world about Aego and cleanse the wicked.

Human law is based on this religion, unlike the FotA there is very little room for interpretation in this doctrine. UCA has a hierarchical structure with the Emperor being Aego's Holy Appointed Servant on Llynadell, at the top and his various underlings beneath him, decreasing in rank to the lowest street preacher.

UCA is a fanatical religion for those who would take it literally, but is used  y manly creatures in Llynadell as a sort of moral compass. Followers have a sworn duty to pass on the good word and observe holidays that bring Glory to Him and the Church.

Buffs for following this religion.

Followers of this religion can rest for free at any nearby Church or Lesser Churches of UCA

+1 to any rolls for regaining hit points

+2 Health Potions when used in Church.

UCA followers gain instant trust with other Church members +2 on Charisma checks when asking a member of the Church for information.

FotA - Followers of the Arcane 

The FotA are a religious group who interpret the signs in nature as the will of Gaia itself. Gaia is known among academics to be the lifeforce that flows through the world, it can be harnessed by those skilled in Arcane Arts and creatures who study at The Saeya State Academy.

FotA live by the will of Gaia and follow signs such as; the direction of the wind, the colour of leaves, the formation of clouds, weather patterns etc.

There is no official doctrine for FotA and it is therefore open to interpretation and exploitation. Gut feeling and instinct is encouraged. Like The UCA religions it was founded during the era of the Ancient Elves but has gained traction in recent years among the common folk, and travellers.

Notes and Buffs.

A common greeting in this religion is: "By Gaia! How's the day?"

A formal expression is: "Gaia Guides"

A farewell expression is: "May Gaia flow through you"

FotA can rest in FotA encampments for free and gain +2 Charisma Check when asking for information from FotA preists/priestesses or holy people.

+ 1 for any hit point rolls when resting and +1 for any medicine used in FotA encampments.

Friend to the Elves - characters who follow this religion gain this trait. Elvish NPCs are less suspicious of these characters

The Old Gods

Those that subscribe to the Old Gods favour Polytheism. A God for everything!

A God of Cheese, A God of Wine, A God of Tits, A God of Socks etc.

Fairly self explanatory.

Buffs and notes.

+1 When intimidating Nobles

+1 When Deceiving poor people

+1 Hit points when choosing to rest for free in a city (staying in the gutter).

Addendum: Old God Buffs for Intimidation and Deceit can only be applied Once a Day

[tales-from-llynadell]

‘How to Make a Civilisation Disappear’

Extract from ‘How to Make a Civilisation Disappear’ by Oliver Thornby

Despite their small stature Dwarves are among the most fearless creatures in Llynadell. Their dwindling number can be explained by over expansion in the Golden era of the Dwarves, at that time Dwarves could be found all over Llynadell. The unique look of Lanavir can accredited to Dwarves building over (and under) Ancient Elvish architecture.

Another theory among academics is that the dwarves built an armada of ships with all their riches after they had exhausted all the gemstones and gold in the North. The dwarves left in hope of finding a new world with greater, richer opportunities.

[Brand New Journal]

I have been to many Dwarven Ruins across the country and they all had one thing in common. They left everything behind! If the popular opinion that they all left by ship is true then how come they didn't take anything with them?! Treasure chests full of gold, houses in full working order, clothes still in drawers, and most terribly of all tiny skeletons littered about. The Deep Blue still lights their now empty halls and of course some ruins have been emptied but I put that down to looters, or bands of wandering adventurers.

I theorise a great catastrophe but I can’t figure out what it may have been?

Disease perhaps?

Did that Deep Blue just hum at me…………….

[TEXT ENDS]

[tales-from-llynadell]

Calendar of Llynadell

Llynadell has nine months, each consisting of fourteen days.

The Trist - a time for new beginnings and love. The 6th day of the Trist is marked by the Festival of Hearts, a time to show devotion to a secret lover, or long time crush. To make your feelings known and make pledges of fielty to your Lords.

The Hearth - a time for planting and sowing the fields for next year's crop. Towns and cities make tribute to Aego or thier God's in hopes of a bountiful harvest for the 9th to the 12th day as part of The Giving, it is considered bad luck to not take part in these celebrations.

The Tempest - a time of turbulent storms, known also as the wet season.

The Hammer - a time for hardwork and payings due. Taxes go up for the Hammer and many poor people suffer during this month.

The Jester - a time of mischief, Lords Day is the 1st day of the month where it is customary for the Lord of the Land to make a fool of himself in front of his subjects. To be born on this day is particularly unlucky.

The Bounty - a time of harvest, this whole month is dedicated to harvesting the crops for the year to come.

The Kraken - a time to make good on grudges and settle old scores. The highest reported violent crime and murder rate always falls in this month.

The Bride - a time of forgiveness (provided you made it through the last one! Many attend their Gods during this time. It is considered lucky to die during this month.

The Harrowing - a time when the veil between the Worlds is thinnest. Ghostly spirits are frequently spotted during this time. The final day of this month is spent by many people dressing up as spirits and counting in the New Year.

[tales-from-llynadell]

‘The Lowly’ & ‘A Life of Crime’

Extract from ‘The Lowly’, a book owned by Fairë Esse

An Organised Gang that works in shadow across Llynadell. If it's illegal then they do it.

Often resorting to violence first and questions later The Lowly are heavily associated with The Thieves Guild.

Extracts from ‘A Life Of Crime’ by Dwight Kipers

.... It's going down tonight! I get to meet their leader! After years of participating in brutal torture, and sinister plots I'm being initiated into The Lowly. I must admit I wasn't particularly thrilled when Emperor Septimus commuted my crime to a life of informing but I've grown to like it. Even love it.

Drake "The Beggar" Redwood is my pseudonym and I've grown into it.

[Journal goes on about Dwight's years undercover describing in graphic detail murders, torture and crime.]

[It continues after the meeting...]

They know! I must get out of Lanavir....

[WRITING ABRUPTLY STOPS] [THE HANDWRITING CHANGES] [BLOOD SPATTERED PAGES]

Oh dear Mr Redwood...

Or should I say Mr Kipers? Let this serve as a warning to those who would infiltrate my world in the future. 

YOU HAVE NO CLAIM ON THE LOWLY SQUALL! AND YOU NEVER WILL.

I'm not entirely heartless I'm sending your loyal informant back to you... 

Starting with his cock...

Don't fuck with me again Squall!

Signed

The Phantom 

[tales-from-llynadell]

‘Observations of the Lesser Greenskin’

Extract from ‘Observations of the Lesser Greenskin’ by Direel Doss

A smaller race of Greenskins that lack the brain capacity to be anything other than subservient Rarely, larger than 2 feet tall these pathetic creatures are scared of everything but obey anything that shows strength. These creatures can only be found north of Castle Bastion.

Pertinent information:

Grotts see and hear everything that goes on in Greenskin society, finding a way to communicate with them would be one thing, but making them cooperate or tell the truth would be another.