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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 27
To those of you cgenning wizards right now:
There appears to be a bug where your 0th level spells are not being appropriately added to your sheets. We are aware of the bug and it will be fixed as soon as EQ has a chance. :)
- -Whirl
Janurary 26
It has been pointed out several times that halflings are the only race that don't have a unique racial name for themselves. After some discussion and ideas being bounced around, we've settled on An Lucht Siuil, which translates into 'The Travelling Folk' in tradespeak, for the halflings as their proper name. Check out the wiki page for more details and we'll be doing some more cleaning over the next several days.
Thanks to Laoise for her suggestions and to our players for bringing this to our attention.
- -Whirl
January 23
Special Materials policy updated! Basically, we've just made it a little clearer, friendlier, and worth a bit more. :)
- Start Here > Game Policies > Special Materials
- - Lahar
January 22
hi i kno ur busybut canyo u ...
Hard to understand that, eh? One of the things we're doing on Tenebrae is to encourage clearer communication. We're a text-based medium. Everything we do is based around how someone on the other end of the screen perceives what you've typed.
Since we see, and hear, one another by words across the screen, those same words are how we perceive others. If someone types and spells in a sloppy manner, without taking a moment to look over their spelling and use basic punctuation, then they appear lazy or worse, as though they don't respect or care enough about those they are communicating with.
So put a period or proper punctuation at the end of sentences. Capitalise the first word in a sentence and other words that require it. Take the time to spell out abbreviations, and watch your spelling. This isn't to say perfection is expected, everyone makes typos and mistakes. Just make an honest attempt to communicate clearly.
- - Your Tenebrae Staff
January 20
Well, that wasn't MY fault this time.
I'll tell you a joke:
Q: How a lost network engineer will find his or her way back to civilization from wilderness?
A: S/he takes that six feet cable s/he was carrying, buries it to the ground, and thirty minutes later when the backhoe shows up, hitches a ride back to town.
In other words, the expected happened in a nearby excavation site, and some stupid ass dug through the main electricity cable to my neighborhood.
- -Lolth
January 20
Hi everyone!
As you know, we've been looking into rebuilding the grid. The old one has been in service for a long time -- close to ten years now -- and it is time to take what we've learned in that time and make something better, stronger, (Tsu ed: faster!) and more useful to you players. Something easier to navigate.
While we're not quite ready to do a building push, we *are* getting ready to do so. This is where you, our players, come in. We're going to start pulling people aside for their thoughts on the grid and what's important and what isn't. You're going to be seeing more in this space going forward. We feel this is important and we hope you'll help us in this project.
- -Whirl
January 17
Sit down and pass the nachos. Tenebrae's Geek Corner is now open! Share your thoughts, your favorites, your hate on recent video games, authors, RPGs, webcomics, music, and artists. Other community members are welcome to share and comment on your posts, too... just keep it civil.
- Visit: Community > Our Geek Corner
- -Lahar
January 16
This is just a friendly reminder to be respectful to your fellow players, give them a fair shake, and to remember to be respectful of the time that people invest in getting things done here. This goes doubly for the OOC room, guys. We're a community sitting around our shared gaming table. Make sure you're not That Guy.
I would ask that everyone take a moment and review our behavior policies at http://www.tenebraemush.net/index.php/Behaviour and remember that a friendly and safe community for people to play in is one of our goals here.
- -Whirl
January 16
I will be away on a business trip as of this coming Wednesday, January 18th, through Sunday evening, January 22nd.
I may log in briefly in the evenings thanks to the free wifi at the hotel, but I won't be really be free to run scenes and so on.
- -Thunder
January 16
The fancy skin works again, more or less so, and I'll puzzle the mystery of the drop-down menu later. -- Lolth
January 15
Updates done, but the fancy skin for the wiki is TEH BORKEN. Will continue figuring out what's going on with it.
January 13
When we launched Cavalier, one of our goals was to add more Teamwork feats...and I'm proud to announce that we just did. Proud, because we've a hard-working team who's been willing to dig in and make things happen for the Tenebrae community for over a year now. I am blessed to be able to work with each and every one of them. :)
So, hop on over to Characters > Feats, and you'll see a list of the new ones. If you'd like to trade out or exchange, just let us know via +request. A full list of additional Cavalier options (including some rules updates to make traveling with your mount easier) may be seen by visiting their class page.
This finishes Release Package Four, and we'll be gearing up to focus on Five, which focuses on our grid. Note, there may be a few bug fixes here or there, as per usual, and if so, please be patient, we're there with you.
- - Lahar
January 11
"By fire and earth! By the divine and sacred blood of Bruce Campbell!" the oruch exclaimed as he raised shaking, scarred hands to the unforgiving darkness, "ARTIFICERS. ARE. DONE!!!"
Many thanks to Earthquake and our hard-working staffers! It has taken us a while to get here, though I think we are better for it.
When Pathfinder first released, most of us knew "3.5 compatible," though not the extent of it, or the changes and change of outlook that Paizo had introduced. It's taken a while to understand these changes. And we're better for it, overall.
We will be taking +requests for conversions to Artificer beginning this evening. Conversions will be handled normally, and report any bugs to Eq via +request.
Please be aware that things may be tweaked as play progresses--this is just normal for new material.
- - Lahar
January 7
Classes and Races pages updated. Pretty! And, check out our Introduction to Tenebrae and new PrP Policies if you haven't already!
- - Lahar
January 4
Firearms are a go! We've adopted the Inner Sea Guide rules for firearms, with a few minor adaptations.
- * Firearms are artifice creations, crafted by gobbers
- * We've updated Craft/Gunsmithing to allow for in-combat repairs
- * We've added and tweaked a few feats to make them more awesome
- * Ranger gunnery style has been updated
You will find the Skills and Feats on the Skills and Feats pages, respectively. Firearms and their new theme and base mechanics are availible under Equipment.
Note, we've removed bayonets until we can get a good look at how the new rules will test.
Respecs are availible via +request.
- -Lahar
January 4
The updated artificer is not yet in code.
However, the version we will be using is now available on our wiki.
- -Whirl
January 4
The Arvek Nar have a few new feats, and Unit Tactics has been updated to make it easier to track for our DMs. Mul'niessa also received a minor tweak. We're almost through...please send Eq a thank-you the next time he pops online!
- -Lahar
January 4
If you possess a rifle, pistol, or other firearm, you will need to contact staff for a trade. This will just be an even trade-in for the new set at no charge. :3
- -Lahar
January 3
As the new year is here, it is time we let you know what it is we're working on next.
Some of you have heard us talk about our dissatisfaction with the current grid. As such, our next major project after finishing the release of Package 4 is to do a complete rebuild of the grid for package 5. The grid is old and we've all learned a lot since then and it is something that's long been needed. Our goals are to highlight Alexandria's landmarks better, compress it and make it less difficult to navigate and add more colorful and useful locations *outside* of Alexandria for you to make use of.
We want to better incentivize the use of the grid and RPing at a variety of new locations.
As we move forward on this project, we will be enlisting the help of you, our players, in making this project doable, and opening a dialogue with you to find out what sort of things you want out of the new grid. More information will be coming soon. :)
- -Whirlpool
January 2
You may now use content from Beastiary 3 in PRPs as long as you ask us first. :)
- -Whirlpool
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
"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.