The Whispering Wyrm

The Wyrm Whispers, the Wyrm watches… This is a blog for the homebrew dnd campaign I dm, In the Depths of Doom. Lore and Art will be posted : )

[thewhisperingwyrm]

Map of Kadira with color

[miseria-fortes-viros]

best trope is the one where the character’s godlike power is also killing them btw. they don’t even lift a hand to kill the monster but now they’re delirious with fever. they save a friend’s life and said friend immediately finds them emergency medical care. they raze the enemy to nothing and it takes far too long to find their pulse with all the bruising. their friends just constantly having to patch them up and worrying over which feat will be their last. et cetera

[thewhisperingwyrm]

Emerging Prophecies

"Wicked words weaving wonders, warping fate... They shall announce my arrival. They shall make the earth tremble." - The Whispering Wyrm

Throughout their travels, the adventurers Ambrose, Brilliant, and Skree have discovered a number of prophecies, foreboding an ancient enemy's return, and other threats that may climb from the hollow depths winding beneath the continent. In the order of their discovery: "The Earth shakes and rattles. It is breathing, it is awakening. He calls from the depths, he calls from the void. He is here, he will be here, he is coming. Plans ripped, planes stitched Wounded world healing, he is the scar, he is the knife. Great Wyrm shakes the earth. Let him in Let him out."

A prophecy delivered by a strange child in the den of a basilisk, which the party defeated. The child disappeared, but returned later and melted into wax after delivering the prophecy. Found in the sludgy mess was a tarnished locket, with an image of a young Planestitcher Elnan, his brother Karstan, and a mysterious third figure.

"Wicked Whispers deep beneath A candle gutters out In the dark lays the queen lady of midnight The forgotten nation clawing up to spill blood not to salt the earth but to sow the field"

Prophecy delivered by drow who were taken prisoner by mysterious trenchkeepers, who seem to have gone rogue from the original purpose of the order, capturing and taming monsters. Found before the attack on Siltharbour

"Blackened blood, blackened deal power twisting hands, twisting tongues calling across time, their magic lingers the heir's claws dug into the scars climbing back up, back out the wound will spread, has spread infected, infecting, festering. Hands on shoulders, eyes behind, guidance Influence. all that was prommised. All they will take. And more."

A prophecy given to Elder, an old aaracockra mercenary, when he was traveling inside the trenches. The one who gave it to him was a mysterious elf with smoldering, molten irises and black sclera.

[thewhisperingwyrm]

Kadiran Calendar (pt 2)

"They do not feel time in their bones, so they write it down. How long have I languished here in the Hells, if this is what has happened to me?" - The Whispering Wyrm The Kadiran calendar has another, larger version, which allows holidays or other things to be written in next to certain dates, and shows the cycles of two of the moons most relevant to the calendar. Each year calendars are printed in Lidor. New covers and seals are given to show the year. However, the calendars are virtually recyclable because of a few things. The calendar has 435 days, and five day weeks. Each year starts on Enamera and ends on Elefmera. Additionally, this consistency was intentional on the part of the calendar's designers, who wanted a source of stability for the continent. It helps that each year when the Planestitcher binds the pit to protect from the hellish threat in its depths, the six moons are turned to full, resetting their cycle. This is a terrifying power. It causes tides to rise sharply along the coast, and many towns have built seawalls for this specific event. The magic involved is immense. This means the moon cycle is the same each year, though, and easy to keep track of. The calendar has the months displayed circularly. One side of the calendar has the first seven months, and can be flipped to display the rest. It is folded almost accordion style, and two months can be displayed at one time. Families tend to keep the calendars on tables or other surfaces so they can be easily referenced. Some rich families across Kadira purchase calibrated clocks that include a calendar and import them from Lidor to keep in their homes, winding them each year. Some just keep the small calendar design. Part 2 of 2

Part 1 of 2

[thewhisperingwyrm]

The Planestitcher

"Foul enemy of mine. Passing down Elnan's Needle, barring me from my true throne. The Order fights in Vain. My Acolyte Venvaris was a fool to let herself be defeated, but the legacy of her blood is just as strong as Elnan's and his ilk, who pace the pit and pour their blood as offering to the damnable Weave." - The Whispering Wyrm

The Planestitcher is the head of the Trenchkeeper order. The first Planestitcher was an elven man named Elnan. After the pit opened and the continent of Kadira was beset by monsters, he appeared with the magnificent and powerful Wyrmneedle. He weilded it and led an army of powerful mages called Planecasters to stem the tide of the monsters. Later, he was forced to open the trenches to contain the monsters. He did this with the power of Wyrmneedle, and also cast a powerful ritual to try and seal the damaged weave. This damage led into other plains like the Hells, full of monsters who lust for the surface and for power. Some monsters still slip through, so the Trenchkeeper order was formed to tend to the pit and to the trenches, as well as maintain trade, peace, and other relations between the four nations of Kadira. Their role keeps peace and order on the continent and the Trenchkeepers do not answer to any one governing body. The Planecasters remain as leaders in the order, answering only to the Planestitcher. The casters act as leaders and magical experts. They help tend to the pit and trenches, and form magical bridges that allow travel between the nations. Many also act as ambassadors between nations, viewed as unbiased parties. Planestitcher Elnan disappeared a little over 300 years ago. Since then, Planecasters took up the needle and took the mantle of Planestitcher. As the original planecasters died out, other means of finding a planestitcher were sought out. This also came amid fears that a Planestitcher from any one nation, with family or other connections may be swayed and biased to one nation, affording them more power on the continent.

The Order, along with leaders at the time, formed a new plan. The youth of Kadira would further its future, those with potential to wield powerful magic and withstand the danger of Wyrmneedle and the Pit would be given from their homes and their families, and raised by the Trenchkeeper Order for a chance to become the Planestitcher. Every generation of planestitcher, these apprentices are chosen and raised, mentored by influential Planecasters with important knowledge and experience. Along the way they are trained harshly and tested. those who fail early return to their families. Those who fail later might return to their families, but often join the ranks of the Planecasters, as they are still formable spellcasters. When the time is right, one apprentice is chosen above the others to fulfill the role as the next planestitcher. They are often trained under the planestitcher before the current one retires, but previous planestitchers sometimes die before this secondary training is complete. Each apprentice is also mentored by a Planecaster through their youth, another important role that they fill. The current planestitcher is Planestitcher Adrienne. He took up the mantle in 423 Post Siege, after Planestitcher Thealace sacrificed her life at the pit. He is the first tiefling Planestitcher, and one of the youngest planestitchers to take up the mantle. He is currently 28 years old in the year 427 Post Siege. There was some concern across Kadira over his infernal heritage, but the Trenchkeeper Order has assured the populace that he is trustworthy and no less holy than any Planestitcher before him. He has already made many strides, as he is powerful and skilled with Wyrmneedle.

[thewhisperingwyrm]

The Kadiran Calendar

"Time slithers by and those wretches remain unworthy of the sun and the moons they bask beneath. They call to me in this lonely fire... My loyal confidants tell me of the surface's warmth, comfortable and not searing with hate." - The Whispering Wyrm

Kadira runs on generally the same calendar system– This was not always the case, and there used to be various calendar systems practiced in various circles. The elves in Tesal had long calendars, reflecting the smallest of changes and cycles and interlocking to create calendars that could span years and repeat again and again, not differentiating by their own longevity but by the briefness of the world around them. Nocuria had several calendars, based in a few folk religions as well as the Nocurian church, as well as their farmers. Epireon tracked the natural cycles of the moons, the energy of the Earth and magic, and was probably the most similar to Lidor because of this. The lidorians made astronomical calculations. The deserts gave them a sky full of stars, at least many centuries ago before the fog and smog of industrial living clouded the sky. The Lidorian calendar has become the dominant calendar in Kadira, with some additions over time. 

The calendar includes 14 months, totalling to 435 days and is typically displayed in a circular pattern. The calendar focuses on the center two moons that rise and fall in the sky in Kadira, which are nearly synced with one another. The other moons are tracked, but not as significant as they are dimmer, and it would be too much to keep track of. There are also various constellations and star belts kept track of. Holidays have been added to the calendar from various religions, and locals keep their own traditions for some special dates and times. The months seem to have a random number of days, but actually there are specific constellations that only appear for certain amounts of time, and at certain times of year, visible or invisible depending on the brightness of the sun and the moons, as well as the location of the planet in space. The number of days in a month are based on these constellations, which each month is named after. 

The new year always begins when all six moons are full. The moons are named Diona, Somniar, Elena, Maula, Amsis, and Laise. They are named for the gods in the Church of First Light. (Though Laise is considered a forgotten god, and no longer worshipped widely). The days are arranged in a five day repeating week. The days are Enemara (day of beginning), Timera (day of honor), Dynamera (day of strength), Andreimera (day of valor), and Elefmara (day of freedom). The names of these days are from the Lidorian tongue. A typical work week across much of Kadira includes four to five days of work, and two days of rest, which alternate slightly depending on someones needs and what day of the week the year begins upon. Typically Elefmara is one of those days, and either Andreimera or Enemara would be the other day off.

The months are, in order: Aanvamand, Herlmand, Cloudburst, Verdantide, Diomand, Amsimand, Malumand, Azuren, Torrida, Etherspark, Aubora, Elanmand, Sominand, and Helioval. Helioval is most often referred to as "The Long Month" as it contains 50 days, rather than th estandard of 29-30 days that many of the other months have. On a typical Kadiran small calendar, which presents all the months and days at once, the months are listed to show the cycles of the continent and grouped by general seasons. Though some of the season vary between the kingdoms. Generally the seasons are as follows: Cloudburst to Amsimand is spring, Summer is Amsimand to Etherspark, fall is Etherspark to Sominand, and winter is Sominand to Herlmand. In Lidor, the seasons are quickened. Summer is Diomand to Aubora, Fall is Aubora to Sominand, Winter is Sominand to Herlamand. Nocuria has a long winter. Spring is Verdantide to Amsimand, sumer is Amsimand to Torriday, fall is Etherspark to Elanmand, and winter is Sominand to Verdantide. Tesal has a similar structure to Nocuria but has a longer summer, funning into Aubora for the southeastern most parts of the nation.

The small calendar that shows all the months is meant to be read with Aanvanmand first, then Herlmand. Each month after that is read from the center ring of the corner to the other one. (So Herlmand, then Cloudburst, then Verdantide, then diomand, Amsimand, and Malumund... etc) A kadiran large calendar has each month in order on a circular page, and usually are folded in an accordion fashion. The large calendar denotes specific weeks, moon phases, and important constellations, as well as important holidays and events (which vary by each nation). Some parts of Nocuria still use a fifteen month system that has Helioval split into two months, but the year has roughly the same number of days.

This is part 1 of 2

[the-honey-badger-boi]

I designed some flags for the four countries in my DND campaign for my DM because I enjoy getting way into world building.

I also made flags for the organization that practically runs the continent:

[thewhisperingwyrm]

The Continent Pt3

Nocuria is the other human nation on Kadira. It is to the northeast and has a very different environment compared to the other nations. It has verdant green forests closer to the pit, but much of the nation is cold tundra and even arctic environments. Its people are characterized by their scrupulous nature. Many closely follow the religion of Nocuria, the Church of First Light. It provides comfort and succor to those who need it, and an explanation for the plague of monsters, as a punishment from the gods. Their rulers are said to be holy and ordained, and their line has continued for some time. King Barret rules the nation for now, and is one of the first kings in a long time, as Nocuria tends to be matriarchal. He rules from Alisdair's gem, a massive city shielded by mountains. Nocuria also has many clerics and paladins, who serve the faith and protect Nocuria as Holy Knights. Tesal is the final nation of Kadira. Full of winged elves, who have either feathered or insect like wings. They use these to live among the floating islands that make up their nation. After the first siege of monsters, the elves pulled up their lands into the sky to protect themselves from monster attacks. Now, they rule from the skies. They have an army of elite flying warriors, which include Aaracockra, one of the few nations to incorporate Terrolk fully into their military power. Currently the kingdom is ruled by Sovereign Eluin, a young 70 year old elf who has taken well to the throne. Their line follows from Karstan, the twin brother of the first Planestitcher Elnan. Tesal is full of many ancient elves, who can live to be almost 450 years old, though many were massacred in the original siege. Many elves work for the Trenchkeeper order, as the upper leaders in the Order, known as the Planecasters. It is worth noting as well that the Terrolk across Kadira form their own communities, and sometimes act as nations within nations, a necessity given the treatment they face. There is much superstition about their possible relation to monsters, and fear that they bring bad omens. Part 1 of 3 Part 2 of 3 You are on part 3!

[thewhisperingwyrm]

The Continent Pt2

"Kadira is much changed since I last laid eyes upon it. The urchins, the mortals, always banding together, thinking it will protect them." - The Whispering Wyrm

A little about each nation: Epireon is to the northwest. It is ruled by a number of druidic circles which elect a king/queen as needed, to guide their nation. Epireon is primarily populated and ruled by Teiflings, who have found acceptance and community in the nation, while they are sometimes shunned in others. Epireon's southern climate is very warm and the west is covered in dense jungles, including the Ameridan jungle that is populated with wood elves and Terrolk. Terrolk in Kadira are anthropomorphic animals, such as Aaracockra (bird humans), Tabaxi (cat humans), or Dragonborn. They are discriminated against in many places, but Epireon affords them more acceptance, including places in governing bodies. The aaracockra of the Ameridan jungle govern themselves, separate to Epireon, and rarely leave their forest and their flocks. Northern Epireon is icy and cold, the largest city there is Vigdarel, known for its famous undercity held together by magic. The capitol of Epireon is the city of Irsia, where Queen Gratia has ruled from for the past seven years. Epireon's cities are protected magically by great shields that can go up or down as needed, controlled by druids and leaders in each city. Lidor is directly south of Epireon. It is mostly harsh desert wasteland, and its people have adapted to that. it is mostly a human nation. King Ademir will take any means necessary to survive, and to rule his nation. 33 years ago he enacted an attack along the borders, scorching the earth and destroying miles of terriroty. It created a wasteland that is difficult for travelers and mosnters alike to cross. In this action he also ordered the deaths of many Terrolk, who are not allowed inside Lidorian cities. Lidorian cities are mechanical, powerful, the people protected by great metal moving walls that are engineered to move the city into maze-like configurations and protect from monster attacks. The greatest of its cities is Eriset, the capitol, and it is where most of its firearms are produced and engineered.

Part 1 of 3 This is part 2 of 3! Part 3 of 3

[thewhisperingwyrm]

The Continent

"The great continent,a swath of riches and filth both waiting for the guiding hand of a god. I will reach up from these Hells, and grasp what is waiting for me, what those mortals on the material plain have sullied and squandered. I spit on their four nations. It is my own banner they will soon fall to." - The Whispering Wyrm The continent of Kadira is divided into four great nations: Lidor, Epireon, Nocuria, and Tesal. The nations and the continent are split by deep trenches, merging in the center at a great pit, called the Abyss. 427 years ago the trenches were opened in a great war. From the abyss spill monsters and beasts of all nature, attempting to consume the world. The trenches contain them, as well as the powerful magic of the Trenchkeeper Order, led by the Planestitcher. The Order does not answer the heed of any one nation, instead protecting them all and acting as an arbitor to prevent conflict between the nations. The Planestitcher uses the magic of the ancient wand Wyrmneedle to keep the abyss sealed and prevent monsters from other planes from entering. Some still slip through, thus the necessity of the Order.

You are on part 1 of 3! Part 2 of 3

Part 3 of 3

[thewhisperingwyrm]

Introduction

"Little adventurers skitter along the surface. I watch them skulking along the corner of Epireon. Shifting in the trenches, my scales will devour the sun again." - The Whispering Wyrm Ambrose A tiefling sorcerer of mysterious origin. he seems kind hearted, if a bit directionless in his travels. Brilliant Boltz A tiefling artificer, hailing from the militaristic land of Lidor. He seems to be on a mission of vague detail. Skree A'Roo A steadfast Aaracockra warrior from the Ameridan Jungle, question through the Epireon Countryside to hunt monsters.