[ooc]Hi, i'm new to this forum, and right now i'm typing this on a PS3, so please bare with me for a moment... The general idea of the setting was inspired by the book 1632 (or The Ring of Fire series as it's also known). The premise of the book is pretty simple; a cosmic disaster befalls the town of grantville, and their thrown into germany 1632. I thought it would be fun to do the same thing, only use a dnd setting, and of course my favourite official setting is Eberron. I managed to get a game together, and it was alot of fun. The group has disbanded sadly before we could really get into it, and i would really like to see it fleshed out. I'll explain what my group and me have managed to do so far a little later (With maps!). For now this controller is killing me... Ahh much better.. Before we go any further,This was supposed to be the build up to a much bigger campaign, and this is merely when the USK is being formed.[/ooc]
2015 AD USA
(Please note, that Liberty is just a city i made up. If you happen to be from a city called Liberty, it's purely Coincidental)
It was just another recession hit, in-trouble, relatively small Industrial town. Liberty, a great place to be raised, with 40% Country folk, 40% Yankees,and 20% others (including a few Katrina refugees, who took a liking to the town.) Despite all of the differences though, it was
100% proud, patriotic, all-American.
While it was certainly hit hard by the economy, it wasn't just about to die out. Everybody began helping each other. People began to buy there groceries at the town markets. Cars were taken to local mechanics instead. Even books were bought at those small little stores at the end of the streets, as apposed to Borders, and Barnes and Noble. Yes, Liberty was making ends meat. Certainly, nobody thought that they were going to change the world. And they were right in a sense...
Nobody knew what it was, or where it came from, the news would report it as an event of the century, and it would be a catalyst for scientific argument and debate. All of a sudden an aurora borealis appeared out of nowhere, and a beam of light came crashing down on the town of Liberty, and when it was all over, a strange new landscape was in it's place. While this was certainly tragic event for a lot of people who lost family, it did provide an exciting new development for the Paleontology community, for when they explored the new terrain, dinosaur-like creatures were found. This has led many theoretical theorists to claim that they were sent back in time. Still there was an issue with this claim. When the land was fully explored, strange alien structures were found, which were clearly man made. No evidence was discovered to support that such creatures ever existed in the past. The theories, the claims, and the subjective conclusions would abound for as long as the Liberty tragedy was remembered by history. Let them say whatever pleases them, for the truth is far stranger....
998 YK Darguun.
The plague hit the nation like a hammer on a nail, a nail to the coffin of Darguun as Eberron knew it. Within about a years notice a devastating number of goblinoids were wiped out, and the nation was torn apart like fresh bread. What few goblinoids remained were forced to move up to the northern most part of Darguun, hoping to escape the plague. This left middle and southern Darguun wide open to conquest from outside sources...
Ambitious Cyrans hoping to reclaim what was once theirs came by the numbers, and managed to carve out a base for the eventual conquest of middle Darguun. Not about to give up there land without a fight, they sent troops into southern Darguun to secure it, so that the Cyrans couldn't head south.
While they managed to claim the border... Anyone who went more south than the Torlaac River never returned... Will there were a few who came back, and they all had one thing in common; None of them had slaves with them. Those that did survive always brought back accounts of the same incident.. Strange humans in bizarre horseless Carriages who had crossbows that shot fire and brimstone (or some variation of that). Some even made claims about seeing a city...
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Eliza Cranely was the closely kept secret of the Cranely family. Her mother died when she was young, and her father was the Brother of the King of Cyre. A tightly kept secret. The only people who knew of this were her family, and the three knights who surrounded her in the horse Carriage carrying her to what was soon to become a new homeland for the dismantled Cyrans. She never thought this would be her fate. She assumed her Cousin Oargev would assume the mantle of the new ruler of this land. Eliza had no interest in becoming a ruler nor did she have political capability. Still Duty called her to it. But Eliza wished she had a choice deep down.
Her Caravan was attacked by goblinoids when they almost reached Fort Fairhaven. just north of the Torlaac River. As the battle ensued, Eliza panicked and fled the scene. She came across a bridge and crossed it south, not caring where it took her, so long as she was out of danger.
For day's she walked, ran, stumbled, dredged... Until she came across a sight that made her stop cold. She wondered why none of the goblinoids ever came after her. Well she turned around. There were four goblinoids behind her, apparently stalking her. Well they stopped dead in their tracks with a look of dread on there faces. It wasn't because of her but it was more like they were afraid of something out in front of her. she turned around and looked. She didn't really see anything, but it was quite clear that the goblins were scared of something.. So she just walked further south. They still stood there, and some were beginning to leave up north. She kept going south where she thought she was safe.
[ooc]sorry for the wait, it's been a LOOOOONNNNNGGGGGG weekend... I don't want this to turn into an epic novel, so i've been condensing the events into a manageable timeline.[/ooc]
She awoke in a hospital, confused as to where she was, and becomes even more so when a nurse walks in. Then a lot of other people come in, and the first American/Cyran encounter ensues.
Small events between two months as Eliza learns more about american culture, their technologies, and political system.
Reaching out for hope for their beloved princess, the knights send for adventurers brave (crazy) enough to rescue her or find her whereabouts.
4 adventurers step forward. A cannith heir (with a love for airships), a warforged barbarian (who is also a music critic whose articles are spread across newspapers), a Kalashtar psy. Warrior (I don't use the Soulknife class, so I just made Mind blades an exotic weapon. She can use mind blades), and a talenta halfling with his pterosaur.
The plan was simple. Since the 'thunderblasters' were only on the ground, they would take an airship and try to locate the princess and bring her back to the knights. Although it didn't go quite as planned. Goblinoids snuck onto the ship, and the Emerald Claw. Both the claw and the goblinoids wanted the ship for their own, and a huge battle ensued.
The cannith heir tried to keep the ship stable while fighting off the bad guys, and keeping his Lyrander friend safe who was wounded.
All of a sudden an airplane came roaring by. The young pilot Leona Johnson was surprised she was surprised. Sure Liz (as Eliza has been come to known) talked about her worlds 'magic' and there ability to create flying vehicles, and magical robots, or as she called them 'warforged'. But she was skeptical, like most people.. She radioed in to warn Liberty about what she was seeing... A bunch of monsters, a 'warforged', and.... a jedi...
The fight resumed after the shock of seeing the alien craft. Through a long series of events they safely crash just outside of Liberty, with what Emerald claw remained escaping by magical means. None of the goblinoids survived.
They're met with bizarre weapons in their faces, and the holders of the weapons were demanding what their business was with them. They explained that they were hired to find and escort Princess Eliza ir'Wynarn back to Cyre II. Sensing the honesty in their claim they escort them to her.
When they found her, she was in a strange club with the most strange music ever (which the Cannith heir took a liking too), called 'Jazz'. And she wasn't Eliza ir'Wynarn anymore... she was Eliza Craner.
In a nutshell, Cyre II was in a tight position. 4 of the 5 nations wanted to impose rule over Cyre II (Kaius kept out of it), especially Aundair. But still Cyre II was in an interesting position. Either they could have rule imposed over them from one of the 5 nations who were once their bitter enemies, or...
When she returned to Cyre II she brought her husband with her, Allan Craner (all major characters roles will be discussed later) who had brought with him his copy of the RNA's (Republic of New America) Constitution. After discussing (arguing) with the knights, she was able to declare her plan to the Cyran people. She, as Queen of Cyre II would ask the government of the RNA to join there federation. A lot of outcry was made, but she bluntly explained there situation. 'Either one of the 4 nations impose there rule over us, and I become a political puppet, or two, I, Gueen Eliza surrender my crown by my own free will, and we don't become subject to the rule of our most hated enemies.' She also stuck the knife through the ribs. 'And even if we do let Aundair, Thrane, Breland, or Karrnath control us, who thinks it wouldn't lead to another war?' With reluctance, most of the Cyran people agreed with her. In the year 1000 YK, a new nation was born, The United States of Khorvaire. A two state federal republic consisting of New America, new homeland of the bizarre yet delightful humans from the world in another universe called earth, and Cyre II, the new homeland for a bunch of displaced people whose home was destroyed by Syberis only knows.
[ooc]...and this is as far as we got. Then for various reasons the group dismissed. I was planning this to become a much bigger campaign. This was a lot of fun, and i would like to see this setting fleshed out. Still this was built on character action, and that's what made it fun, but i would hate to see all this go to waste. Still i'm a fairly newbish DM and don't really have the capability of fleshing this all out on my own.
An interesting idea a friend of mine suggested was that i give it a hundred year's to let things develop. This campaign was meant to be an establishing point for that. Still i was going to let things develop on their own. So i guess what i'm asking is in self-respectful terms;
Help me build a series of events and backstory for this so that it can develop into a much bigger campaign. In pathetic terms; Help me (whimpering puppy voice) [/ooc]
Typing on a PS3- that's impressive.
>>Strange humans in bizarre horseless Carriages who had crossbows that shot fire and brimstone (or some variation of that). Some even made claims about seeing a city..
Interesting.
I'd also be interested in knowing how the city is rationing their gasoline. (How did they manage that in Eric Flint's series?)
Good luck and welcome!
Quote from: Light DragonTyping on a PS3- that's impressive.
>>Strange humans in bizarre horseless Carriages who had crossbows that shot fire and brimstone (or some variation of that). Some even made claims about seeing a city..
Interesting.
I'd also be interested in knowing how the city is rationing their gasoline. (How did they manage that in Eric Flint's series?)
Good luck and welcome!
Thanks! And in the books, they made gasoline a military priority. I just got up, and i'm on my ps3. Let me switch to my computer.
I enjoy Eberron, so I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
It might be amusing if the town has a steam train engine and at least a decent amount of tracks... I wonder what the engineers on the Lightning Rail would think of that.
In case you didn't see the OOC box in the last part of the first post, i'm not sure what to do with this. I would love nothing more than to see this built on, and become a great setting, but i don't know where to begin, and thought i would bring it here for help from this experienced community. Anyone who helps me will get credit.
Hmm, okay, so basically Darguun has been wiped out (in its entirety?) and replaced with the USK.
How big was Liberty? I assume it was fairly big considering they have access to airplanes. Still, much of their technology will be knocked out. Without power plants there will be no electricity and you could make a point about them sending envoys to Zilargo to have the gnomes craft an elemental electrical generator (perhaps even adding an ally to the list while there).
Of course the new nations will also quickly run out of various things they took for granted (anything from toilet paper to gasoline) which will either cause them to lash out, attempt to produce it themselves or find an alternative.
After diplomatic relations have been established, House Cannith might also be very, very interested in acquiring some of their new technology. Industrial spies will have to be fended off and you will have to think about the consequences of modern technologies falling into the hands of the people of Eberron. This of course also goes the other way: some of the newcomers might find they have an aptitude for magic or something similar. In the end, you should have a lot of technological exchange on both sides of the conflict.
You might also consider the reactions of a patriot when he suddenly discovers his country doesn't exist. Do many of them despair? Do they become nostalgic and try to remake their homeland down to every last detail? Do they become stoic and move on? You might have different factions arise. Also, inevitably, somebody will desire to find a way home and in Eberron this is not impossible (considering they have magic). Perhaps missions to Sharn, the Twelve or Arcanix will try to locate a mage capable of recreating the gate they came through. Perhaps the more desperate will even turn to Cults of the Dragon Below.
Also, you could consider that the technology needed to lift the curse on the Mournlands is within the capabilities of the libertynites. Maybe that's why they were sent there.
Quote from: Conundrum CrowHmm, okay, so basically Darguun has been wiped out (in its entirety?) and replaced with the USK.
Not all of Darguun was wiped out, but they were forced north. Really i don't see much choice for them at this point. Either they choose to remain the way they are, or surrender to the USK. It could come to that eventually, but not at the moment.
QuoteHow big was Liberty?
I assume it was fairly big considering they have access to airplanes. Still, much of their technology will be knocked out. Without power
plants there will be no electricity and you could make a point about them sending envoys to Zilargo to have the gnomes craft an elemental electrical generator (perhaps even adding an ally to the list while there).
Liberty isn't a sprawling metropolis, but it isn't some dusty middle-of-nowhere town. It's state known, but it isn't a nationwide phenomenon (Atleast until it got warped). It was large enough to be an industrial center, with a few factories here and there. That's why it was hit hard by the economy. In dnd terms it would be a small city, with a population of roughly 5 to 6 thousand people.
Here's a list of resources that survived;
- Cars: Gasoline was declared a military necessity, so gasoline cars were rendered useless. BUT there was a steam enthusiast community in Liberty, and they built a couple of steam vehicles. They were commissioned to begin building steam vehicles. They aren't common place yet, and everyone began to stash away there cars for when/if they discover oil.
- Airplanes: The airplanes that came back were commercial private planes, and there were only 4 or 5 of them. There was an Air Force
Museum, however with old WW2 era planes in decent condition. Big projects began going underway in the mechanical, and machining shops in town to try to restore the airplanes for military purposes. For now, they managed to take a WW1 era biplane replica, and get it running. They're still trying to make weapons for it though.
- Electronics: Liberty was once a major benefactor for Dell, because of it's Computer Factory. It was closed down a few years ago, but now Liberty's denizens have been trying to get it operational again.
- Electricity: Naturally, if New America is going to have any edge at all, it's going to need electrity. There happened to be an old plant in town, that was still functional, just not in use. They managed to get it running. Still, they need a resource like coal or something to keep it up, since they're beginning to run out. Still another way was found. The steam community who was building cars, also began building personal steam engine generators. Demand is growing, and Steam powered generators are becoming more commonplace.
QuoteAfter diplomatic relations have been established, House Cannith might also be very, very interested in acquiring some of their new technology. Industrial spies will have to be fended off and you will have to think about the consequences of modern technologies falling into the hands of the people of Eberron. This of course also goes the other way: some of the newcomers might find they have an aptitude for magic or something similar. In the end, you should have a lot of technological exchange on both sides of the conflict.
Of course the new nations will also quickly run out of various things they took for granted (anything from toilet paper to gasoline) which will either cause them to lash out, attempt to produce it themselves or find an alternative.
When i presented this idea to someone on another forum, they said that
everyone would be interested in befriending the strange town, steal it's secrets, and then strip it of it's power. Still, in the ring of fire books the americans kept most of their technologies and knowledge open to the public. Really the only thing they kept top secret was there books on weaponry (which makes sense), but really by keeping everything open, they're making it possible for other people to build things for them. I'm going with the same prospect. What i was aiming for was an eventual blending of technology and magic, but hey, i'm open to suggestions.
But what really interests me is all the kinds of interesting Political Intrigue that could be introduced! I mean you have a Cyran kingdom that just surrendered itself to a bunch of alien humans with bizarre "magic", to form a new kind of government that has never been tried on Khorvaire before. You don't think Queen Aundaila's going to be the slightest bit hacked off? And what about Breland? There next door neighbors to this bizarre new nation. Sure the americans and the brelish are sure to have all kinds of things in common, but there's already a fragile political situation going on between the Monarchists and the Parliament parties. What if a third party arose saying that Breland should have a system like the Cyrans and americans over in Darguun, or better yet, say that Breland should join there union? And what about Riedra? Oh the things i would love to do with Riedra in this setting...
QuoteYou might also consider the reactions of a patriot when he suddenly discovers his country doesn't exist. Do many of them despair? Do they become nostalgic and try to remake their homeland down to every last detail? Do they become stoic and move on? You might have different factions arise. Also, inevitably, somebody will desire to find a way home and in Eberron this is not impossible (considering they have magic). Perhaps missions to Sharn, the Twelve or Arcanix will try to locate a mage capable of recreating the gate they came through. Perhaps the more desperate will even turn to Cults of the Dragon Below.
A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.
George William Curtis
I don't know what to think of what you said. I for one could see them able to adapt to their situation. It's what humans are good at.
QuoteAlso, you could consider that the technology needed to lift the curse on the Mournlands is within the capabilities of the libertynites. Maybe that's why they were sent there.
Libertynites :D
This is something I'm keeping a mystery. Who knows? it could have been a ploy from Syberis, It could have just been a freak accident as well. Not even the dragons are sure. It could've said something in the prophecy about Liberty. It's possible dragons caused the plague in Darguun to make it so the "event" could occur undisturbed by the goblinoids.
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Also, does anyone think i would get into trouble if i took the blank Darguun map here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/eb/20040611a), drew borderlines and write stuff on it using illustrator, and made my map of the USK that way?
It looks like the maps are open for use as long as you don't publish. But I'm no expert on legal matters (read: I know nothing about it).
Even if they do adapt, they are, as you say, still humans: they will divide into factions as you can never get everyone to agree on one thing and somebody will inevitably try to get home to their families and the known world if there is even the slightest chance of it happening. Could be fun if one of the citizens became so desperate to go back that he started studying old forbidden lore or made pacts with the Lords of Dust or soemthing in his attempt to get home; could be a villain for campaigns situated in USK.
About dragons, I can definitely see an event like this catching the attention of Argonessen. The Chamber specifically might take an extraordinary interest in the survival of the little anomaly. Maybe one of the Chamber dragons comes to USK as an ambassador or a guardian, appearing in times of distress.
Quote from: Conundrum CrowIt looks like the maps are open for use as long as you don't publish. But I'm no expert on legal matters (read: I know nothing about it).
Even if they do adapt, they are, as you say, still humans: they will divide into factions as you can never get everyone to agree on one thing and somebody will inevitably try to get home to their families and the known world if there is even the slightest chance of it happening. Could be fun if one of the citizens became so desperate to go back that he started studying old forbidden lore or made pacts with the Lords of Dust or soemthing in his attempt to get home; could be a villain for campaigns situated in USK.
About dragons, I can definitely see an event like this catching the attention of Argonessen. The Chamber specifically might take an extraordinary interest in the survival of the little anomaly. Maybe one of the Chamber dragons comes to USK as an ambassador or a guardian, appearing in times of distress.
I think it goes alot deeper. I mean think about it, a race of giant energy breathing reptiles that have managed to bind the worst villains in Eberrons history to the pits of khyber, have practically ruled the world for thousands upon thousands of years, have brought down entire civilizations, and have considered the humanoids dogs at best, have all of a sudden discovered a group of humans that are at least as advanced as the dragons, and are more advanced in some respects. I mean these "lesser" beings have traveled into outer space! Something the dragons never thought was even possible. All kinds of conflicts would arise. These humans could rival the dragons eventually, and so many would feel that they should be destroyed. But they clearly came from Syberis, and so destroying them would probably be considered blasphemous. And think about all the bigotry. Can humanoids really be as advanced as dragons, or is it just a special case with these humans?
Surely travelling between worlds beats merely leaving one? Can't see why the dragons would consider the libertynites to be much of a threat: they are bigger, faster, stronger, smarter, know the world, can do magic and can breathe fire.
And IIRC the dragons of Eberron are far from rulers. They are watchers. I believe only the Chamber deign to interfere with the rest of the world. The other dragons merely attempt to interpret the prophecy.
In general, I believe they would consider them more of a curious phenomenon. After all, as you said yourself, the dragons consider humans et al to be members of the lesser races.
Of course, this setting is entirely yours; you can make the dragons every bit as paranoid as you see fit. I'm just basing this weak criticism off what I can remember of Eberron.
I know what I want to do with all of this. I was reading the Dark Sun campaign setting from Athas.org, and i became fascinated by the Ages of Play, like the Green Age, the Brown Age, Etc.
I think it would be interesting to break up 1 or 2 hundred years of the USK's history into Periods of Play. What i have so far could be called the Age of Establishment, where the americans are adapting to being thrown in to eberron, and the USK is still in its infancy.
What i ask of the CBG peoples is, will you help me create the future periods of play for the USK?
If so, here are some ideas for future periods of history, that i came up with.
The "Technomancy" Period (I'll come up with a better name later).
The next logical step i feel, is to have a period where political intrigue, and the blending of Eberron's magic, and American steam technology beginning, is emphasized.
Some of the other periods i feel would be cool are periods of war with Riedra, and probably another last war. A period where the americans attempt to colonize parts of xen'drik, and a very far future period where cybernetics and magic begin to blend.
Will you join me?
Another thought. Religion. How would real world religions interact with the faiths of Eberron? Would the real world religions followers be able to get divine spells? Also, how would the people react to magic in the first place? I could see mass panic once the regular people of Liberty for example see someone cast some flashy evocation spell.
Quote from: St0nEAnother thought. Religion. How would real world religions interact with the faiths of Eberron? Would the real world religions followers be able to get divine spells? Also, how would the people react to magic in the first place? I could see mass panic once the regular people of Liberty for example see someone cast some flashy evocation spell.
Yeah, I've been putting alot of thought into this. What are your guy's thoughts ont this? I'm interested in hearing various opinions.
Anyway's I've been putting together a timeline of events.
The Establishing Era
-998 YK:
- The "Darguun Scourge" (a devastating plague) Wiped out the majority of the goblinoid population
- The fantastic event which some call the "Syberis Transitioning" and others refer to as the "Borealis Effect" occurs bringing a town called Liberty from another world called "Earth".
- Cyran refugees see their chance to reclaim a portion of what was once there nation. They gather by the thousands fighting the last of the Goblinoids off.
- What's left of Darguun pushes north and are able to secure their northern lands. Forces are sent into southern Darguun to secure it. While they are able to guard the border from pressing Cyran armies, very few dare to go south. Almost everyone that goes down south "disappeared", and the survivors always bring back similar stories. Rumors start spreading about "bizarre" humans, "strange crossbows that shoot fire", and "Horseless carriages".
-Eliza ir'Wynarn, secret princess of the Cyran royal family heads towards the forming nation, guarded by her fathers most trusted knights and friends, and are attacked along the way to the southern most tip of the new Cyran nation.
[ooc](P.S. i'm sorry to everyone for screwing up Eliza's last name in the first post, i'll fix it later)[/ooc]
-The princess runs as fast as she can, trying to flee the attack. She wanders for days on end, until coming across a strange sign. The general premise of the sign was to warn the "monsters" (assuming goblinoids) that if they were carrying any slaves with them that they would be killed without hesitation.
-Slightly hopeful she keeps wandering south, tired, hungy, and dehydrated, she see's a bunch of strange metal carriages, and flees. But her body can't take anymore, and she collapses.
-Afterwards she awakes to find herself in new Liberty, and spends months there absorbing and learning about the "Americans".
999 YK:
-Adventurers are hired to seek out the Princess. They succeed but it was about a year later, and the Adventurers bring back the princess and her husband Allan Cranely.
1000 YK:
-The 4 nations get word of the new Cyran kingdom being formed, and 3/4 feel that they should be subject to one of the other kingdoms (Except for Karrnath which took a stand of neutrality on the issue), Especially being pressed by Aundair.
-Eliza Pressing her options, reviews her husbands copy of the RNA's (Republic of New America) constitution, and reads about a "federation" where several states are put under a single republican entity.
-In her last act as Queen of Cyre II, with the reluctant support of her people, she surrenders Cyre II to the RNA, and forms the USK.
End of Establishing period.
Well, one suggestion could be an easy workaround to the electricity problem ;)
Calvinists can make electricity shoot from their fingertips.
...I'm not too sure that fits- but it's your setting.
Quote from: Light DragonWell, one suggestion could be an easy workaround to the electricity problem ;)
Calvinists can make electricity shoot from their fingertips.
...I'm not too sure that fits- but it's your setting.
I decided to leave the american religions out of most of the campaign, other than the cultural conflicts that occurred during the Compounding Period which is next. If anyone wants to make it a big deal, than go ahead and fill it in yourself (which i feel is an important aspect of Eberron).
Quote from: St0nEAnother thought. Religion. How would real world religions interact with the faiths of Eberron? Would the real world religions followers be able to get divine spells? Also, how would the people react to magic in the first place? I could see mass panic once the regular people of Liberty for example see someone cast some flashy evocation spell.
With the situation I brought up, I think it'd vary quite a bit dependent on where in the nation Liberty was originally from. I'd see a town in a more cosmopolitan area reacting less with hostility compared to a town in the bible belt for example.
Also, how would scientists and engineers react to magic?
Also, the reactions from say a student of the occult or a parapsychologist to being on Eberron could be quite interesting... Might be a way to use some of the d20 Modern material as well.
Good news! I've got a new group, that likes my setting, and wants to play in it! I decided it would be an oppurtunity to build up the compounding era. I'll get back to this later.