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Welcome to an Age of Heroes

In Taara's wake the earth crumbled. Gods fell, others rose, and the race of mankind looked forward and saw the destruction of nations. For five years, necrotech seared the world's landscape and forces unknown decimated the once-insurmountable Walls of Charn. Nations turned against one another with the vanishing of monarchs--brother to brother and kin to kin. During the struggles, the nation of Dragonier attempted to keep the peace before it, too, fell. Other nations threatened to follow.

Now returned from the Mists, Alexandria finds itself thrown into a world in turmoil. In this world, the Pantheon of Light stride forward in anger, the Twilight fall into debate, and the forces of Darkness are locked in a war between Maugrim and Taara. High arcana soars over the landscape with the renewed activity of the Old Races, while guilds and organizations struggle to find their footing with the fall of Rune. The sildanyar and khazad have moved forward into the world once again, driven by the perceived neglect of the world by humankind.

The world had waited for the return of Alexandria and the return of the Myrrish and Bludgun kings for five years--only to find Alexandria suddenly returned unchanged, and unknowing, from the Land of Mists. To Alexandria, the War of Sendor is just days past. To the world--

It is the time for heroes.

Recent Website Updates

January 1

As most of you know, we've experimented with death consent PRPs. We are now reopening these once more. Players can ask for and receive permission to run death consent PRPs. This means full XP and treasure, as per a standard DM'd plot, but with the risk of death being higher. We ask that players communicate with us on these to maintain a standard of challenge to help players do so as well.

In addition to this, players are now free to use any and all Beastiary 2 content in their PRPs. That said, if a monster is a 'world spanning, soul devoring creature', we do ask that they come to us and ask us if it is okay to use. Moreover, if you're uncertain something fits into theme, or how it might fit into theme, don't hesitate to ask us as well. We'll work something out with you if we can. :)

Please peruse hte updated plotrunning guide and rules at Roleplay > Running PrPs > Introduction to Plotrunning.

Bestiary 3 is also now open on a case-by-case basis. Basically, ask us first--the tome is still new, and we're looking to avoid any unexpected surprises as things shake out within the greater Pathfinder community.

December 26

FYI, Finland is currently being ravaged by excessively strong winds (300K people are currently without electricity). Thankfully, central areas have been holding on in that respect, but one can never tell for sure, as the storms continue. Fingers crossed, folks.

-Lolth

December 25

The arvek stands over the ruins of the Thulite spires, his eyes filled with the Blaze of Dawn. He raises his spear, giving out a war cry--and finds the wind, the storm responding. Wind roars from the West and the East, tearing at his clothing, and bringing with it the scent of blood...

The world of Ea is saturated with magic, and we have struggled for years with ways to reflect this. Today, we've launched what we hope is the opening of a new chapter for characters within the world of Ea: the launch of Aspects.

Aspects are benefits, some supernatural in nature, some not, that reflect the effort, experience, and time you have spent on your character and their story. You may read more about them through our website, by visiting Characters > Aspects.

As this is the first time Aspects are available, we'll be working with you to offer them to PCs who have part of their stories told already. That is, characters 6+ may apply for Level I of an Aspect as normal, and then consider it 'earned' after 1 month's worth of RP. Level IIs must be applied for as normal. Characters of levels 11+ may do the same for both Levels I and II of an Aspect (that is, one month each).

As we move forward, we will also be looking at the response to Aspects and how they work ingame. That is, you might expect a tweak or two, just as with anything new added to the game.

Happy Holidays, and happy gaming, everyone. :)

- Your Tenebrae Staff (But mostly Lahar because she did the work on it.)

December 15

A big thanks to everyone who participated Make-a-Wish this holiday season! We've one or two more that've been scheduled, and those will be awarded as promised. Scheduling issues are scheduling issues.

Thanks again to everyone, and well, we'd love to do this again next year. Happy Holidays, and make a point of checking out +today. It's been snowing lately...

- Your Tenebrae Staffers

December 10

Curious about the nitty-gritty on designing encounters? A big kudos to Xander for helping put this together. Please send him your thanks the next time he logs in. :)

Getting Started > Pathfinder Resources > How to Design an Encounter

December 9

Just a few days left for Make-a-Wish! We're offering a bonus for making someone's wish come true for the holidays. You can find details at +bbread 1/1. You can share a wish, or grab a wish, over here.

Release Package 4 is also officially announced! In it, you'll find a number of things:

• Artificers
• BEARS!
• Additional Teamwork feats from all main Paizo sources
• Firearms
• Racial feats for the Arvek Nar
• Some rather shameless awards for RP

It will be one of our biggest updates to date, so we'll be rolling it out in stages. You can see the bears right now.

A little cleanup for the Pathfinder Resources page, too, including some nice new logos. If you've additional areas that would help (especially new players), please ping me ingame. Some of the sources have nice "getting started" columns, which might be useful to link to from our class pages. What are your thoughts?

- Lahar

December 7

Release Package 4 coming soon! As this package is somewhat larger than normal, some content will be rolled out in phases. Here's our updated bear and digger.

December 3

More content coming soon! Bears, guns, artificers, oh my! Watch this space, and the +bboard ingame.

- Lahar

November 24

To celebrate the holidays, it's Run-a-Plot-for-Someone Month! Make a wish come true! Keep on the lookout for gifts from staff as well. :)

- Lahar

November 15

Cavalier page is up. Coding is underway.

- Lahar

November 12

Standard PrPs are worth 75 percent, now, and have been for a little while. Website updated to reflect this change.

- Lahar

November 7

Updated the sith'makar faith entry to use 'ancient dragons'. Current dragons make less sense, and weren't intended. Rest of that section tightened up to include stuff about Thul, etc.

- Lahar

October 26

Updated the About Tenebrae section, as well as the PI section for Alexandros.

- Lahar

October 25

Special Materials policy updated!

- Lahar

October 24

Language on the mul'niessa, sildanyar and llyranesi pages cleaned up. Llyranesi page still needs a little work, but we're getting there.

- Lahar

October 23

The oruch calls on the power of ancient chieftans, quelling the horde...they pause, axes raised, briefly heeding his call.

Through Earthquake's blood, sweat, and tears, we're pleased to announce a few new treasures to the Tenebrae family. We've added a few new spells, feats, and combat styles for the ranger, as well as new racial feats for our oruch.

These may be seen by visiting:

Characters > Magic

Characters > Feats

Characters > Skills

Characters > Classes > Ranger

As part of an ongoing cleanup process, note we've also merged k/tech with k/artifice. Please contact us if you have this skill so we can make arrangements.

A big thank you to Lahar and EQ for continuing the drive to get this stuff ready. And a big thank you to all our players for continuing to make this game a fun place to be.

There is still more to come. New policies for special materials, the submitted magical items and still *more* stuff is en route. We hope you'll all enjoy what we've got in store for you.

October 16

Wearing armor composed of earth itself, the druid raises her hands to the sky, calling upon the elements...

We're pleased to announce our new content! We've added new animal companions, familiars, and for the druids (and rangers), a new, unique form of armament.

These may be seen by visiting:

Flora and Fauna: World > Flora and Fauna

Equipment: Characters > Equipment

Characters wanting to update their companions or familiars may do so, though we require you provide a brief summary of your RP within your request (releasing the former creature, for example). Companions, familiars, are part of your own story, after all.

Druids (or rangers) wishing to make use of the new armor should send in a +request to staff.

October 5

Oh, yeah. A few things are coming up. :) And if you haven't +bbread Announcements lately, you should.

Lahar

October 4

In exciting news, some of our nations are beginning to strut their colors! In addition, we've added some samples to the About Backgrounds section.

Lahar

August 29

We're updating the website software! Things may crackle from time to time. Navigation is a known issue.

Lahar

EDIT: Navigation fixed! Thank you, Lolth!! :)

August 17

Welcome to Alexandros Month! A big thanks goes to Whirlpool for kicking us off with a bang!

Starting Saturday the 20th (Ceriday 20th, Callem), we'll be celebrating Alexandros' independence and the signing of the Rose Treaty. Because it is such a big event in the city's history, we'd wanted to do something special to celebrate.

What this means is--starting the 20th and running roughly four weeks thereafter, staff will be rewarding runners with additional XP for PrPs run, and participants will receive additional XP and treasure. To qualify for this bonus, your PrP must feature Alexandros/Alexandria in some prominent way.

In preparation for Alexandros' celebration of Independence, we've also added a few surprises. Garthos graciously mapped out the Alexandrian wilderness, which can be seen by going Core Setting > Alexandros.

The Plot Information for Alexandros has also been beefed up to provide you easy access to questions like: just what types of creatures can I find in Genrivia, anyways? Or, why is Genrivia so messed up, and how can I use that to tell a story? Feel free to draw on these areas and their histories to explore what makes Alexandros one of the most coveted places in the world.

Join with us as we celebrate the Rose Treaty this month, and Alexandros' independence.

"The roads shall be painted teal!" announced the maddened hobgoblin king. And lo, his subjects bowed before him, and all roads from Hither to Yon became teal with bright green roses.

Recent Rumors in Alexandria

Tariday, Khael 13, 1013

With the recent announcements from the government of Alexandria that the current mists are an artificial construction, and that they are doing something about it, people are just beginning to stick their heads back out of doors. Civilians are starting to return to the streets and to conduct business more regularly. Gold and red decorations, flags, and streamers are beginning to festoon the city in preperation for Yuletide celebrations.

In short, things are beginning to get back to normal, even though it is by a degree of inches.

Of course, the prices haven't dropped...

Gilday, Khael 07, 1013

The Ruling Council of Alexandria has released the following statement:

"We know that many Alexandrians have dreaded the return of the Mists that had locked our city away. After all, if such a thing could happen once, why not twice? But it is with determined satisfaction that we can state, categorically, that these mists are not the powers of Taara at work once again, but rather, the sick and twisted plan of one individual or a group of individuals, to spread fear and discord in our homeland through black artifice; one who seeks to exploit our understandable concerns. We have, through the aid of several of our very own local heroes, led by one valiant dwarf, Ser Otto, Son of Bandaerl of Clan Masterbuilder and his two assistants, been able to determine, through their efforts, the source of these mists as being from somewhere within the Red Ridge Mountains near the mining town of Denston."

"The Council has agreed to launch an immediate investigation into the area and has ordered the dispatch of available city watch and militia, along with mercenary forces contracted through the Guild of Explorers. We will find the source of these 'mists' and see to their end. Know that Alexandria will be protected at all costs."

Gilday, Khael 07, 1013

It has taken quite a bit of time to get the harvest together this year. With all the damage done by the mists, monsters, and fear stoked by various sources, food prices have continued to skyrocket. But today the government of Alexandros stated, having taken stock of all the food brought into the city from the surrounding countryside, that supplies are more than adequate to get through the winter and meet reestablished trade obligations. Even in the face of this news, prices have still continued their climb for basic food staples and have not yet reached their peak.

Though many farms were abandoned, city workers were hired to go out to the farms and collect what food they could from the fields and begin counting the tonnage secured with the help of adventurers and city watch alike.

While not everything could be saved due to the cold, wet and... misty weather, Alexandros' food supplies are now better off than they might otherwise have been.

Kesenday, Quintoos 25, 1013

The previous evening something went down in the market district.

First, there was a run on the alchemist's shop slightly before closing that resulted in everyone being thrown out.

Then there was an explosion that sounded like it came from just below the streets. Much cobblestone was actually damaged and a couple of manhole grates went flying. All of that was a prelude to the real main event.

Pastvale manor has always sat on the edge of the Market District, kept nicely on the orders of its Myrrish noble owners who visit during the summers.

Shortly after the first explosion, one rocked the market from the fifth floor of Pastvale Manor, sending a shockwave through the district that overturned carts, blew out shop windows, and more.

Rumors indicate a war golem was seen jumping onto the balcony of the manor shortly before the explosion.

The City Watch was one scene quickly, doused the flames (of which there were startlingly few) and took control of the scene.

One arrest has been made at this time and one guardsman is in critical condition at the Temple of Althea.

Eliday, Quintoos 20, 1013

The fog has not gone away.

Some days, it is thicker than others, though not as thick as the growing paranoia on the streets of Alexandria and surrounding Alexandros. Whispers suggest the anniversary of the Return is near, while others point to the increased activity of the Taaran cults.

OOC: As merchants react to the unusual changes, they've begun charging more for prices. The cost of any material or purchase is considered to be 5 percent higher than normal.

Tariday, Quintoos 08, 1013

Adding to farmers' woes, weather in Alexandria has been unusually overcast of late. River merchants report tales of increased fog and mists, with more on the way. With the Mists so recent in memory, such a phenomenon understandably has many nervous.

In response, some merchants have been raising their prices. This practice has drawn complaints, though not as much as it may have a month ago--the refugee issue appears to have eased, as recently as a few weeks ago. Actions of a Hearthguard, along with a number of adventurers, are cited.

OOC Note: Despite +today, weather will tend towards overcast and foggy.

Variday, Quintoos 07, 1013

Outlying farms in the immediate Alexandrian countryside have been inconveniently abandoned by their owners. Those who've come into town indicate, for whatever reason, they no longer feel safe there.

Exactly *why*, they aren't saying as of now. This close to the harvest and with Alexandria's population still swollen with refugees, its worrisome to see any farm abandoned and the fields left idle as the harvest continues.

Ceriday, Rhaltaas 29, 1013

"Well, he says he found somethin'," says one doubtful-sounding oruch. He looks back towards a group of refugees who are busy putting together a large wagon. "That uh, Hearthguard. So we're headed out, I guess." He pauses. "Well, my brother's staying. He found him a good job, though--out there cuttin' wood and haulin' it in for th' farmers. Some adventurer helped him git with the Gileans. 'Parently so long as you're all respectful and plantin' too, they're okay with it." He rubs at his nose. "The Essence don't agree, but what can you do?"

Thus runs the tale from the Western wards of the city. As the Harvest rolls in, a number of the refugees appear to be preparing caravans, though not all of them appear to be headed out. Some appear to be settled, or questioning the wisdom of traveling during winter. Not all of the tensions are gone.

In fact, a small riot broke out the other day in the Western ward between a young arvek nar and a Dranei, over a reportedly stolen loaf of olive bread.

"I say good riddance," reported another refugee, who was leaving (her aunt and two uncles were staying). "I lost a child to those Taarans running around the place. We thought Alexandria would be the City of Hope. Well, here's what I think of that," she says, and spits on the ground. Flecks of blood come with it, right before she crumples into her sister's arms.

Variday, Rhaltaas 17, 1013

The guards have spread out into patrols more heavily than normal in the western district of the city.

A riot nearly broke out in goblintown after arrests were made, notable of one goblin named Teb the White. He is now in custody, being questioned about his role in black market trafficing of magical components and alchemical supplies.

Furthermore, a house in the western district has been quarantined and, rumor has it, a druid called in from the Union to look into something that has been found there. Apparently, some unusual plantlife was found in it by guardsmen and contracted back up.

Eliday, Rhaltaas 09, 1013

As fall settles in, the farmers in greater Alexandros prepare to bring in the last of the harvest. Too, this year more than ever, caravans from all over the world come to Alexandria, to trade and share news in the last great Market season before winter closes the doors. Caravans from the exotic locations of Veyshan, from Am'shere, and more, and will make their way into Alexandria in the coming weeks.

OOC: Use this as an excuse to RP visitors from exotic locales, or involve your PC in trade and even inquiries into local customs. Merchants will be interested in what Alexandria has to offer, as well as selling and trading.

Ceriday, Rhaltaas 1, 1013

Word around the Explorer's Guild is more of the same. The collapse of the main chamber of the khazad ruins and widening of the first sinkhole that first led to the discovery of the ruins is still underway, held up by heavy rains to the north that have hampered progress.

The leadership of the Engineer's Enclave, the Explorer's Guild, and the khazad delegates have been in heated talks regarding renegotiating of the contract and who, if any, is at fault, but all involved have been tight lipped thus far. If exploration is to continue, it could be weeks or even months, though Alexandrians have gotten a taste of the wealth pulled from the ruins and the demand is high for more Khazdul artifacts.

OOC - This is my IC explanation for my extended absence. I lost all of my notes and maps when my computer crashed, but I will be piecing them back together and getting this show back on the road. Just bear with me, peoples. - Owen

Tariday, Daeshen 13, 1013

A second raid of the guardsman on the College of Magic nearly resulted in the apparent arrest of Madame Gelfure.

Harsh words were exchanged between guard units and the Madame but apparently whatever mix up had occurred was cleared up, as the Madame left the College under her own power.

That said, her estate in the noble district now apparently has guards surrounding it. Rumors are circulating that there may well have been some sort of assassination attempt and she was likely placed into protective custody of some kind.

A wizard. In protective custody. Yeah, right.

Variday, Daeshen 5, 1013

The Temple of Eluna held a quiet celebration and reconsecration ceremony last night (under the light of the moon, of course). It was more muted than most, but the high clergy are looking more relaxed today -- even if folks didn't notice they were tense before.

Eliday, Daeshen 4, 1013

Recently, a body was recovered from within one of the warehouses along the docks. After investigation by the guards and contracted mercenaries in support, some sort of monsters behind the slaying was found and eliminated. This in and of itself would not be so hugely unusual in these dark times but the investigation into the death appears to be continuing.

Recently, several guards were seen searching several rooms within the College of Magic, much to the frustration and consternation of the workers and academics there. These searches took most of the day. It seem the guards believe that 'a wizard did it' and plan to continue their investigation.

Korday, Daeshen 1, 1013

An hour before midnight, a piercing shriek hears in the alleyways near the docks, more to the point from the water itself. Crowds flocked to the docks to see one man sink in the water, his face a mask of terror and desperation. When the guards arrived, they found a corpse and talk of a priest fingered as the murderer. Once the guards were able to clear out the crowds, there is rumors of the fighter Alteri lead away bound for the guardhouse. Many tell of her also being drenched as if she had been in the water, and some speculation if she was trying to hide the body from discovery.

Variday, Callem 22, 1013

As the gifts from the Beyond, and from more mundane sources are poured over, scholars have of late taken a recent concern to the Council of Alexandria...

...and as a result, images of the Gods of Evil have been removed from the City for fears of security.

OOC: This refers (in part) to ramifications of the spell: Enter Image. ICly, all images of the dark gods are being removed, and nobles, merchants, and commonfolk alike are urged to examine the paintings which may hang upon their walls--images from Charnese nobility, even though political, might be considered a risk in some areas.

Variday, Callem 22, 1013

Since the Fall of Rune, individual Academy of Sages across the world have been undergoing retrofitting into more local-serving institutions. With no instructors, money, or supplies from Rune, each one has been having to make do. Alexandria's is no exception.

With several prominent mages, such as Madame Gelfure leading the charge, with Baldwin Addelberg by her side, along with generous backing from High Lady Rawyn Telenil, the Academy of Sages is now undergoing large amounts of reconstruction. The final construction, aided through a showing of Alexandrian magic, will better serve more local, Alexandrian needs, according to reports. Instructors are being drawn from the local populace and prominent adventures may occasionally be asked to guest lecture based on their experiences.

Ambassadors from Llyranost have also set up shop there--indeed, an entire new section of the College of Magic is dedicated to the sildanyari mages and their teachings. For their part, the sildanyari have sought to make themselves at home.

As the sildanyar continue to step out from beyond the fabled veil, one can only see their influence over local magical culture growing, despite the tension this might cause. This tension can be seen everywhere from the Academy itself, and into local politics--whispers of just what the sildanyar have been hiding, as well as perhaps, well-founded worries over Alexandria's hard-fought-for sovereignty.

Gilday, Callem 17, 1013

"We worked hard to get here." The oruch folds his arms across his chest. Behind him is the business he'd built--a small chili stall. It stands across from a well-known khazad vendor who even now eyes him.

The oruch's tale is typical. Rugged, inventive--is the Alexandrian archetype. A place unlike any on Ea and prideful for it--the people who saved the War of Sendor, who drew Blar from the reaches of Bludgun. The City who five years ago, stood being the place--not just any place--but The Place where world peace might first be achieved. The place where gods first spoke to mortal men.

Because every other Court is a copy.

And it's time to celebrate. Live, Alexandria! Today, banners whip in the wind, and the oruch decorates his stall in Alexandria's colors. Street-urchins wave copies of the Rose Treaty for anyone to read--and bards stand on street corners, telling a thousand and one versions of the tale to anyone who will listen.

The famous oruch and khazad chili cookoff will happen anytime.

Live, Alexandria! City of wonders, city of impossibilities. This month is the month of your independence!

"Siniath! Alexandrie!"

"Nuacht an tAlexandreann!"

"Korero! Alexandria!"

"Mrezne! Alexandria!"

"Alexandria-zagad Berud!"

OOC: In order: sildanyar, halfling, oruch, gobber, khadzul.

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