The Campaign Builder's Guild

The world of Rilos is at war. The aliens who called themselves the Bei are all gone, but not forgotten. In their wake, they have left the tools of war; mighty gunships that resemble islands as they cruise through the sky. The Empire's strength was at its peak when the rebellion began. Having reverse engineered the Bei technology, the Empire had conquered nation after nation. Tears fell across the world, the tears of  those who had been defeated, those whose husbands, sons and fathers were slain in battle, those who starved in the streets and those were cast out by the victors. It was from these tears that the tree of freedom grew. People came together and fought in whatever way they could. Though the empire was strong, it could not contain so many. War has begun. Colossal machines of other worlds kill in millions and only the champions of the weak can stand and face the evil that threatens to engulf the world. In the new tongue, â,¬Å"Rilos ap Folâ,¬Â means â,¬Å"Flames of Rilos,â,¬Â for the entire world is burning up with war and if it does not end soon, Rilos itself may be consumed by the flames. This is not a time of peace, it is a test for humanity to overcome greed, prejudice and nationality in order to serve the greater good. It is a time of war.

Rilos ap Fol is a setting themed around war and justice. Good and evil are not hard to see, but whether light can overcome the might of evil is yet to be seen. Heroes of Rilos are champions of the rebellion and must overcome overwhelming odds again and again if there is to be any hope.

Rilos ap Fol is a no-magic setting that uses alien (Bei) technology to add mystical spice to the world. Holograms, plasma cannons, forcefields and indestructible swords make the world a fantasy sci-fi. Though the world is generally on-par with modern Earth in regards to civilized progress, the setting holds several medieval elements, such as melee combat, which causes the world to feel more classical than futuristic in certain cases.

The tone of the setting is grand drama. Though the people of the world are the prize of the war, the setting focuses more on the actual battles, whether on the ground or in the air. The nature of destruction, righteousness and humanity are perfect focal points for the dramatic aspect of the war setting. To best symbolize the setting, imagine a wolf in a circle of flame. The wolf is surrounded and cornered, likely to die. The only hope is that the wolf can gather the strength to fight back against the imposible.

This setting is more or less an experiment. I will write no stat blocks and have no game information for Rilos ap Fol. Each Sunday I'll post once and the entire setting will only be 22 posts long. During late February, when I make the last post, I will be done with the setting and will not post any more. After that time, anyone is free to use it and add to it as they see fit. Comments and questions will be answered and old posts may be edited later, but if you ask for more material, you'll have to wait. :)

EDIT: If this setting shows anything, it's my inability to follow a schedule. Treat the dates presented as a rough guideline. ;)

I have reserved all the posts I need. Please feel free to comment in this thread.

Good Gaming,
 -Rael

[ooc]--- RILOS IN A NUTSHELL ---
Rilos is a world that has been colonized by mankind in the far future (around 3100 AD). The colonists forgot their past and managed to survive on the cold world. Eventually a race of aliens called the Bei came and died randomly. This gave the Rilians advanced technology. An evil empire arose using the alien's floating ships to conquer the world. They are very close to "winning" the first world war on a massive scale, only a few freedom fighters fight to maintain the freedom of the world.[/ooc]

[ic FAQ]Q: What Races exist in Rilos ap Fol?
A: Rilos is a human-only setting. The bei, a race of enigmatic aliens, have recently died out, leaving us once again, alone.

Q: What is up with your map?!
A: It's an icosahedron (d20). Try printing it out and folding it into a ball.

Q: Don't you have a normal one?
A: The problem is that there is no good way to draw a sphere on a piece of paper. I picked the route I did because of the minimal distortion. I may make a more traditional map sometime in the future, depending on demand.

Q: What is "The day of first contact"?
A: The day where the bei decended from the heavens to greet Rilos.[/ic]

[note=Overview]Scope: Nation
Population: Around One Billion
Capital city: Yulfol (Firethorn), Located in Old Goma
Government: Empire
Leader: Emperor Toaplan Zeigmund
[spoiler=Flag](http://static.flickr.com/107/263093386_3ad1bc6819_o.jpg)[/spoiler][/note]Hubris and greed have blinded the world. Rilos ap Shadras, once called Goma, has become a nation enslaved by the desires of its rulers. This neverending lust for power has torched the world and threatens to consume it.

History: When the Bei came to Rilos, the Gomanian Empire was the first to envy their technology. Their spies desperately sought to steal the power of the Bei while the rest of the world wasted time on making peace with the outsiders. Goma proved to be on the right track. The sudden death of the Bei may have stunned and confused most, but it was the empire that took action. The floating ships of the Bei were captured in the stunned aftermath. The rest of the world's protest was not enough, for the Empire had more power now than ever. Harnessing the alien weaponry, it was a simple matter to defeat those who attacked first. Not long after, the Empire began to expand in all directions. None could match the Empire's newfound power and before long the Gomanian Empire became Rilos ap Shadras, ruler of the world.

Goals: Some have called Emperor Zeigmund mad. Mad with an unending love for power. Now that the world, with the exception of Paliza, has been conquered, two main goals live in the mind of those in power: defeat any opposition and make the empire loved. Unfortunately, the sting of defeat still lives in the hearts of those crushed by the empire and the police state in effect in most fronter zones simply adds to the agitation of the people. To counteract this, propaganda is in full swing. In all the world, there is no public media that is not controlled by Shadras. In some lands, it is illegal to not have an imperial flag visible on a building. Public schooling is now free for any imperial citizen, in an effort to re-educate the populace.

Weapons: Shadras is build on weapons. Though the Bei are gone, their legacy lives on in the form of floating battleships, capable of spaceflight. Unfortunately, the shadran engineers have not discovered how to make more than quick jaunts into low orbit, but it is likely that Rilos' two moons will be reachable within a few years.
In addition to owning and controlling the majority of Bei ships, the empire is also researching bei technologies with the hopes of creating a new form of weaponry. Shadran warships, an ugly combination of Human steel and Bei bio-alloy, are ont eh horison as the next generation of weapons, built with even more destructive power than those of the enlightened race.

In addition to the imperial airforce, the shadran infantry is feared across the world. Even before the coming of the Bei, the empire's expert trained "super-warriors" were a recognized threat. The genius behind the soldier is in their training. Put through rigorous military programs at a young age, the warriors live, breathe and die war from a young age. With the advancement of cybernetics, the soldiers are more than human and are feared by the world as monsters.

Relations: The empire is feared by all. However, there are those who stand against it. The freedom fighters of the deep south, led by Aeprell Sunahra have risen up and fought the empire at every turn. So much so, that Shadras' long time enemy, Paliza, is no longer an active concern of the emperor. Unknown to most of the world, there is a secret society that also seeks to unravel the threads of power and judge the wicked. Yaros-nan Boor, or "The Shadowed-Fist of Justice" holds many positions of power within the empire, but it is unclear when they will reveal themselves, or if they serve the greater good.

[note=Overview]Scope: Nation
Population: Around 400 Million
Capital city: Zeradon
Government: Democracy
Leader: Supreme Council
[spoiler=Flag](http://static.flickr.com/106/269657018_76772fe1c8_o.png)[/spoiler][/note]In recent times the empire's claws have reached across the world and all but one nation has fallen. A shining democracy, where anyone can make a honest living, the nation of Paliza is a constant menace to imperial forces. But is the nation of the sun, truly the haven it appears? Paliza's robotic police force is unyielding in it's execution, and civil liberties have been banished since the death of the Bei.

History: On the day of first contact, Paliza was embroiled in a cold war with the Gomanian Empire. Spies, and terrorism were used as excuses to avoid open conflict. The Bei changed everything. Conflicts ceased as the citizens decided nearly unanimously to focus all free funding on winning the alien's favor. Frightened by the weaponry, Palizan scientists frantically began researching a way to block the plasma weaponry. Before long, the Bei fell. None knew why, but Paliza fell into chaos for three days as the people feared some horrible bio-weapon had be unleashed by their enemies. The sudden action of Goma drove the country into further turmoil. Under duress, the Supreme Council released the army into the streets. A police state was created, curfews were put into effect and the panic was suppressed. As the empire began mobilizing their new weapons, Paliza was saved by a man named Yamin Icorvan. Icorvan, a scientist, was credited for implementing the first anti-Bei defense turret. The IDT (Icorvan Defense Turret) was put into use immediately all across the border. The empire declared war on Paliza soon after. The military was recalled to be put into action and the IDTs were tested frantically on primitive plasma bombs. At the battle of Kienseech the Palizan military was put to the test. Icorvan's weaponry worked wonders. Scoring a direct hit to one of the two Bei ships, the IDT in action caused a buoyancy malfunction and the ship crashed in the mountains. Throughout the world Paliza became known as the champion and the Empire fled. The government used this victory as a testament to the strength of those in power and the vote to give the Supreme Council lasting power was passed. Thereafter, the threat of the empire has been Paliza's trump card. A surveillance network was set up in all public places to "weed out imperial spies" and military tech was put to use on the streets to "suppress gurila insurgents." The empire has yet to crack the wall of IDTs surrounding Paliza, but through infantry pressure, the nation cannot expand turret wall.

Goals: Paliza is a nation united by war and divided by motive. Most citizens seek to defeat the empire so that the blessing of democracy can return to those conquered and so that their families need not live in constant fear. Scientists seek to uncover the cause of the Bei's death and find some way to integrate Bei bio-tech with Palizan robotics. The Palizan government wishes to defeat the empire, but also to keep them alive as a reason for the ever increasing state power.

Weapons: Paliza is famous for robotics. The most notably Palizan weapon is the ar-dok (walk-fire) a four-legged robot about as big as a small car. The ar-dok serves as a mobile combat vehicle capable of carrying one man or being controlled unmanned. Military ar-doks are equipped with two cannons and three machine gun turrets. Ar-doks are also used by the Palizan police as guards and vehicles. Robotic technology is also used in unmanned fighter planes and a plethora of domestic situations.

Paliza is also protected by Icorvan's inventions. Icorvan weaponry utilizes nanobots that are shot in bursts at plasma weapons. The nanobots collect plasma and explode, disrupting the attack. The explosions can also become deadly when placed in contact with Bei forcefields, managing to penetrate the alien defenses.

Relations: Hated enemy of the empire, Paliza has no real allies now that the world has fallen into shadow. It is rumored, however, that the renegade group called Sunahran Ulosash is receiving support from Paliza. Re-fitted ar-dok have also appeared in Sunharan skirmishes, adding to the empires accusations of alliance.

[note=Overview]Scope: Organization
Membership: Around 2 Thousand
Leader: Aeprell Sunahara
Political Status: None (Guerilla)
[spoiler=Flag](http://static.flickr.com/90/276602390_a56ad5cab9_o.png)[/spoiler][/note] Slaughtered and cut down are those that try to fight against the empire openly. Even Paliza, behind their turret wall, knows this. The crushed nations of the world have silently come together in darkness. Like cockroaches, those who would fight against tyranny must flee from the light, lest they be stomped out. Behind the resistance is a girl named Aeprell Sunahara. Though her brilliant strategies and strong leadership, the combined rebels of Rilos have managed to elude the empire and score several major victories. Because of this, thousands have hailed her as the leader of the liberation. But will a measly force, led by one girl be able to defeat the greatest nation in history? The path to victory lies in the use of Bei technology, but few souls have what it takes to steal freedom from the jaws of the empire.

History: Aeprell Sunahara was born 15 years before the coming of the Bei. Born in Paran, a small island nation in the South Muharat Ocean, Sunahara grew up in poverty and strife. Her mother and father strived to create a safe and healthy home for their girl, but nightly gunshots became her lullabies and famine was her only friend. At the age of nine, Aeprell was smuggled out of Paran with her mother by ship to live in Calyasmir (new yasmir). Before the end of the month, Calyasmir soldiers had drafted her into a military academy as part of a public education service that would bolster future recruits. Aeprell was found to be a military genius and soon sent off to an institute for accelerated learning. Alone and sad, the young girl lived for three years as a puppet of the state, constantly being assaulted with propaganda because of her "questionable" upbringing. An invasion from the north forced Calyasmir to send all available talent to the front-lines, including the 12 year old Sunahara. The front lines were devastating. Aeprell folded under the pressure and death, fleeing the war zone and deserting her superiors. Sunahara traveled north in fear of being prosecuted by Calyasmir for desertion. Three years passed. Sunahara had found a small village where she worked as a nurse for a healer named Ms. Hanu. The Bei were largely unnoticed, for the village had little contact with the outside and no encounters with the alien race. Gorma's actions were felt, however. As the empire moved across the world, imperial soldiers moved in to occupy the town. While trying to tend to a sick refugee, Ms. Hran was shot and killed, leaving Aeprell alone once again. Angry at the empire's destruction of her tranquil refuge, Aeprell used her strategic knowledge to stage a series of guerilla attacks, eventually driving soldiers from the town. In two short weeks, the empire returned en masse, threatening citizens at gunpoint if they refused to help find her. Forced to flee into the hills, the empire eventually bombed the hamlet to ensure that the attacks stop. In the short year that the empire took to take over the world, Sunahara had found and raised an army of rebels, bent on defeating the empire at any cost.

Goals: Sunahran Ulosash seek to liberate the downtrodden. Anywhere the imperial military holds ground, Sunahara's army seeks to free. Though some have said that Sunahara seeks to establish her own land once the empire is gone, it is clear that the only actions taken are to defeat Rilos ap Shadras in whatever way possible.

Weapons: The Ulosash are an unpredictable lot. An assortment of people, both military and citizen, from all walks of life, the freedom fighters rely on guerilla warfare and strategic bombing to demoralize and segregate imperial units. Because of their underground nature, most Ulosash use hand-made or stolen weaponry including pirated ar-doks from Paliza. Recently, a few veterans have joined the fight, providing Sunahara with expert help from elite squads of soldiers.

Relations: Sunaharan Ulosash are labeled at "criminals" and "terrorists" by the empire. The current imperial bounty on Aeprell's head is around two billion Que, a sum large enough to buy an island. Paliza is on neutral ground to most Ulosash. Though they share an enemy, most Palizans are unwilling to help in the resistance and most Ulosash are unwilling to deal with the Palizan government.

[note=Overview]Scope: Organization
Membership: Unknown (Less than 100)
Leader: Unkown
Political Status: None (Secret)
[/note] In the dark, hidden corners of the imperial fortresses and towers, conspiritors silently twist the will of the empereor to their own grand schemes. Those with any knowledge of the secret plots wisper the name Yaros-nan Boor, the Shadowed-Fist of Justice. Though the Shadowed-Fist is said to oppose the standing imperial power, none know whether they seek to help the rebelion or merely impose their own rule.

History: For decades, Yaros-nan Boor has lain in waiting. None but those in the highest circles of the society know of it's origins or age. In recent years, the secret society has been thrust into the open more and more as it pulls strings with a more blatant hand.

Weapons: Who knows the extent of the Fist's influence? What is known is that there exists a cell of elete assasin who do the society's dirty work. The identities of these assasins, as well as their individual talents are unkown, but after the public assasination of Supreme Admiral Kolohvine, a known criminal turned war hero, their existance is more than just guessed.

------------------------------------------------------------------

[note=Overview]Scope: Entity
Form: Computer Malfunction
[/note] Coming Soon.

[note Rilos World Data]Gravity & Size: Roughly the same as Earth
Day Length: 29.2 hours
[spoiler Details]Inhabitants of Rilos have slowly adapted to this extended day, including animals and plants. The extended nights are especially fierce, however, and are one of the main reasons Rilos frosts so often. Temperatures often end up dropping an additional 5 degrees (Fahrenheit) due to the extra 2.6 hours of darkness.

  The Rilian timekeeping is metric, divided into segments of ten. All units are approximations.
1 Day = 1 Daenas = 29.2 Hours
1 Daenas = 10 Oundus = 2.92 Hours
1 Oundus = 10 Pendas = 17.52 Minutes
1 Pendas = 10 Oros = 1.752 Minutes
1 Oros = 10 Gomoros = 10.512 Seconds
1Gomoros = 10 Soro[ros] = 1.05 Seconds[/spoiler]Solar Cycle: 312 Rilian Days (Approximately)
[spoiler Details]Equivilent to 379.6 earth days, the Rilian year is much like our own.[/spoiler]Average Temperature Difference: -25 Degrees Fahrenheit
[spoiler Details]Because of its distance from the sun, any place on Rilos is generally 25 degrees colder than it would be on earth. This means that summers on the equator usually don't get hotter than 75 degrees and that nearly the entire world sees snow each winter.[/spoiler]Moons: Yan & Terras
[spoiler Details][ic Yan]Tidal Locked
Orbit: 10.44 Hours
Visible Size Relative to the Terran Moon: 1/20th
Average Moonrise Cycle: ??? (I need to figure this out)[/ic][ic Terras]Tidal Locked
Orbit: 31.1 Hours
Visible Size Relative to the Terran Moon: 1/3rd
Average Moonrise Cycle: ??? (I need to figure this out)[/ic][/spoiler]Axial Tilt: As Earth (Roughly)
[spoiler Details]  This means that seasonal changes are the same as earth.[/spoiler][/note]
Silent for many years, Rilos is a world with a history long forgotten. However, to truly understand Rilos, one must understand its past. Though forgotten now, the origin of the story of Rilos begins in the early 22nd century of a small blue planet. After several years of hard labor, the interstellar colony ship Einstein-12 was launched from high orbit on an epic journey across the galaxy. Though the ship housed several thousand humans along with a substantial population of chickens, sheep, pigs, goats, fish and various other species.

For 421 years the ship drifted through the void, towing a titanic icy asteroid. During this time, the peoples of the ship moved about, reproduced, died, fought and created, just as people do. When the colony ship finally arrived, the passengers had little memory of their first home, only that which the computer kept on record. The asteroid was shot into the new world, melting into a colossal flood that supplemented the world's own oceans. The ship was piloted onto a rocky plain near the equator and the terraforming began. One hundred and thirty years were spent building a new home. Einstein was converted into a city, and greenhouses, farms and mines were set up wherever it was not too cold. Even after the great change, the world was cold and harsh, air that, while breathable, was too thin and 29 hour days that killed plants.

It was not long before the first machines broke. Though they had been made with the utmost care, time corroded them and frost shattered them. Only generations after the air became breathable, Einstien stopped working, stopped protecting. The cold crept in and wool blankets replaced polymer heat shields, donkeys replaced tractors and books replaced computers. The great history within the spacecraft disappeared in an instant and was promptly forgotten. The people named the world Rilos,  a word that once meant Reaper.

The people of Rilos forgot their past and became their future. Ages came and went, bringing life to the world and slowly spreading out to all corners of the globe. The people built their own technology upon the bones of their ancestors and finally, nearly a thousand years in the future, the world had come together with the strength and intellect of old. Until the Bei came.

Timeline
All these dates are on the Terran calendar and are based on the idea that Einstein was launched in 2101, nothing is exact.
Early 22nd Century (Lets say 2101): Einstein-12 leaves earth for a distant star.
2522: Einstein-12 lands on Rilos. Einstein's design meant that the ship was never meant to fly again. Solar sails were destructed to provide extra material.
2652: Terraforming is complete and the inhabitants of the city of Einstein are able to breathe and walk around on the cold world without special gear.
2710: Einstein's power gives out, life support, memory banks, everything. The massive city is largely abandoned, as the artificial sun can no longer support the crops within. Most life stays within a few hundred miles of the landing site. Life resembles a mix of the dark ages and modern day. The dominant weapon is the wreckage spear.
2800: Einstein is a lifeless hulk, most of it's hull has been recycled and re-shaped. Civilization has traveled outward, expanding into states and cultures. Recent re-discoveries include steel mining, textiles and creation of synthetic paper. Swords become the dominant weapon.
2900: Einstein is nothing more than ruin, even the deepest computer banks are unsalvageable. World navigation becomes possible with the invention of the automobile, and what little differences in language that arose during the dark time was obliterated. Swords remain the height of warfare tech, though their craftsmanship increases greatly.
3000: Airplanes are the newest development, along with phone lines, steel-frame buildings and firearms.
3050: Computers have recently been developed, but instead of focusing on communications (internet), work is done in robotics and artificial intelligence.
3084: Aeprell Sunhara is born.
3099: Bei arrive.
3100: Modern day.

[ic=Map][spoiler=Map](http://static.flickr.com/122/310842688_02f2f85984_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=310842688&size=l)[/spoiler]
All yellow(ish) areas are part of Rilos ap Shadras.

See the full globe here:[spoiler](http://farm1.static.flickr.com/138/377122813_1b2087032f_o.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/92013128@N00/377122813/)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/377122814_0696b2f012_o.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/92013128@N00/377122814/)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/377122816_ffd826ee80_o.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/92013128@N00/377122816/)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/377122817_8a8e0a8736_o.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/92013128@N00/377122817/)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/377122818_2af9df65f1_o.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/92013128@N00/377122818/)[/spoiler][/ic]

The oceans of Rilos are a failure. Undetected masses of sulfur in the icy asteroid used to terraform  Rilos made an ocean of death, and in fact, the colonists named them the Dead Seas. The various breeds of fish taken on Einstein could not survive in the vast, deadly waters, nor would they provide drinkable water without purification. Fish on Rilos are a delacacy, raised and bred in specialized farms for the tastes of the wealthy. Evaporation thankfully purifies water, so streams and lakes remain drinkable.

[note Time Notation]Each area of technology is outlined with a general note of the progression of the technology in regard to a Terran time line. That is, what time period it is roughly equivalent to. The dates presented are for real earth, not any fictional version.

Ancient - Before 1000 AD
Historic - 1000 to 1700
Pre-Modern - 1700 to 1920
Modern - 1920 to 2020
Post Modern - 2020 to 2101
Futuristic - After 2101

Different - A technology that isn't futuristic, but rather it has not been focused on (on earth) for various reasons.[/note]
As ordinary as it may seem to it's inhabitants, Rilos has never been an standard planet by any means. Metal was plentiful before it was mined, animals genetically engineered for farming make up most of the non-human inhabitants of the planet and early airplanes were developed before the invention of gunpowder. To look at the technology of Rilos, one must understand that the world has been blessed with wonders of the future before its time. In general, the world mimics 21st century earth. Automobiles are the primary means of transport, phones are the primary means of communication and farmland is maintained largely by heavy machinery. Here is a rundown of non-Bei technologies:

Agriculture: Futuristic
Rilos is home to many genetically enhanced farm animals, modified and bred for docility and fertility. Woolly pigs, sheep, chickens and goats are the primary food animals, their shaggy coats, feathers and fat protecting them from the chill. Cattle and horses are not present on Rilos, nor have they ever been.
In Paliza, as well as some of Teros and Aezan, robotics assists day-to-day life on farmsteads, irrigating and harvesting staple crops such as wheat, corn, rice, potatoes, beets, carrots, cabbage and oats. In days of old, plows were hauled by the now-extinct donkey.
The chill of Rilos is a major factor in any farmer's schedule. Though Rilian crops have been artificially enhanced with minor frost resistance, the heavy snowfall of non-tropical areas can easily ruin a late harvesting. In northern lands, important or frail crops are often grown in greenhouses, usually heated by geothermal energy.

Architecture: Modern
Though the quality and form of housing varies across the planet, Rilian architecture is roughly on par with that of modern earth. Houses are built from wood frames and have artificial insulation, mold-resistance and fireproofing. Most buildings are internally heated and carpeted. High-quality homes and businesses often have vacuum padded glass to reduce heat-loss through windows. Cellars and basements are quite common worldwide, with two story buildings being generally rare. Skyscrapers are unheard of, as there is often more than enough space for construction and few people to inhabit them. In major cities, it is possible to encounter buildings that have several stories underground.

Communication: Pre-modern
With the advent of global transit, communication has developed nicely, though not in the exponential ways of the 20th century. Phone lines connect major cities, providing the most used form of communication. Outside of that, physical mail is often carried by car or plane to it's destination.

Energy: Different
Rilos is a planet bursting with energy if one knows where to look. Though the surface may be icy and barren, magma pockets are much more common under the planet's crust creating a bastion of easy heat. Hot springs are a common attraction for the wealthy, being present in a variety of nations. Thermal pumps are often used to heat buildings and provide power for cities. Because of the lack of fossil fuels, Rilian vehicles are usually powered by electrical batteries. Automobiles can only go so far without a charge, though this is usually 200 miles or so, and there are a few charging stations in metropolitan areas. Most aircraft are large, due to having to haul large energy cells.

Entertainment: Historic
Rilos is a hard word. For generations, its people have fought against blizzards, famine, wild dogs and one another. Entertainment has been pushed aside again and again in favor of more practical pursuits, and no real progress has ever been made in the field for half a century. What few entertainers wander the rocky world use jokes, plays, oral tales and above all, music to lift the spirits of the people. Musical traditions are perhaps the most common form of entertainment on Rilos, usually ranging from working songs to lullabies with a few more "classical" pieces for nobility.

Exploration: Pre-Modern
Though the world has been mapped and colonized, Rilians have never seen the floor of the ocean or their world from space. Rockets have yet to reach stable orbit, though bei technology has sped up the progress in this field considerably.

***TO BE WRITTEN***
Industry:

Medicine: Post-Modern

Robotics: Futuristic

Transportation: Post-Modern
***TO BE WRITTEN***
Warfare: Futuristic
One cannot look at the face of war on Rilos without taking the actions of the bei into account. See the warfare section three posts down for details.

Impact
Nearly eleven months ago, the Day of First Contact changed the world. Faen, the capital of Aezan was chosen by a race of outsiders, visitors from the heavens, and early in the morning five titanic, floating ships descended from the sky like celestial whales. In retrospect, a less-populous spot would have made a better impression. Mass panic filled the streets and a few missiles were even fired, though most will deny it. After a few hours, half the city had been evacuated and the military moved in warily. After trying to decode a strange radio signal from the ships for several hours, the message was made clear "We have come from far. We are peaceful."

For twelve days, scientists and world leaders went into overdrive. Ten other ships soon descended from orbit around the globe, each bearing the same message. Strange pods were sent to the leader of each nation (even Hyris, though Goma would take them), each containing five swords made of an alloy that had never been seen and imbued with amazing micro-electronics. It is strange to think that they bei would give weapons as gifts. Perhaps is was a sort of message or perhaps they saw the ceremonial blades that politicians carried and sought to improve them. Regardless, further gifts of tools were bestowed, some so arcane that their purpose could not be understood.

On the thirteenth day, all communication stopped. Two ships backed out of Mashan space and returned to orbit. Any and all attempts to get the attention of the star-walkers was ignored. Two days later, Goma, the nation who had tried so hard to get face-to-face negotiations for so long, managed to land on one of the island-sized ships and enter it. Their report was devastating - the bei were dead.

Paliza accused Goma of some trickery, Calyasmir, Olyan and Faros erupted into violence and Teros declared a national holiday out of shock. The world was thrust into chaos, and from the madness a victor arose. Goma pulled a coup and managed to gain control of all thirteen ships. These ships would proceed to scourge the world with blue fire, changing the course of history.

[ic First Contact]The explosives hardly made a dent. Hour after mindless hour of drilling, hammering and planting explosives on the hatch had yielded what? Three feet of tunnel. As he approached the hole, Tonf sighed with frustration and looked toward Undin. â,¬Å"We're wasting our time here. This probably isn't even a door.â,¬Â

Undin, none too bright, but always looking for something smart to say walked over to the strange metal and replied in a low, Resan accent â,¬Å"Lookit tha mahrkings Tonf... thars a crack heah. Whut kind o' whall has a crack?â,¬Â

â,¬Å"A Bei wall, you dunce! Have you ever seen metal this hard? I'm telling you, we're freezing up here for nothing!â,¬Â The freezing part was true. The pair of demolition experts were three miles above sea level and a howling wind made the 10 degree air seem like a storm of knives.

â,¬Å"Evun if its noht a door, we still gotta keep wurking. You know whut thuh commandur will do if we come back wit nuthing.â,¬Â

By the time Undin finished, Tonf was already getting another pack of explosives from the plane. â,¬Å"Of course I know, you twit. Now help me with these!â,¬Â

The next three explosions did little, but slowly the two made some progress. After another hour of futile work, Tonf suggested using the drill again. After moving it into position, he stopped. He heard a groan come from the hole. Without warning, there was a large snap as water shot forth from the gap with geyser force, knocking the drill down and sending it flying out over the ocean, a long drop ahead of it. Panicking, Tonf leapt away from the stream and plastered himself against the wall of the alien craft. Across the mad, white rush he could see Undin cowering in fear. With his fur overcoat he looked like a giant sheep and despite the deadly gush of fluid, he began to laugh and whoop. They had done it!

By the time the last of the greenish water poured from the gap, Tonf had already made it to the radio box on their transport plane and back. Apparently they weren't the first to breach the hull. That killed his excitement a bit, but not enough to keep the devilish grin off of his face.
   The hole in the ship was barely large enough to crawl through, though the pressure from within had apparently opened it up all the way through. A peak inside revealed a shadowed room, and when at the plane he managed to pick up two flashlights. Still grinning from ear to ear, he hunkered down and made his way into the inky depths, ever before explored by man.

As soon as he was inside the grin disappeared. This was no treasure chamber. By the lone light of his flashlight, he could see a long hallway shaped like a giant tube, fifteen feet in diameter. Even the footing was difficult, as floor wasn't level. Metallic walls loomed around, like those on the outside of the craft, and  an of inches of water remained on the floor. From deep within the mighty ship he could hear a low pulsing noise that reminded him of the sad cries of some dying animal.

When Undin poked his head in, Tonf quickly helped him up for he was glad of the company. Together, they looked around in wonder and fear and proceeded down the hall. The two of them came to an intersection after about a hundred meters and then another and another. The ship was a labyrinth and the two men had become explorers on a lost world. Time ceased to have meaning in the dark, as they soon left the comforting light of their entrance to proceed deeper into the ship.

Ever present was the now-overwhelming pulse of noise. The sound now seemed to Tonf as a kind of warning, that this was not their place. It began with a slow hissing and mounted into a deep â,¬Å"aaaaaaaaâ,¬Â until finally ending abruptly with an â,¬Å"arâ,¬Â noise. In all the â,¬Å"sssssaaaaaaaaarâ,¬Â was horrible to listen to, much as the ship was generally horrible to be in. Under the oppressive shadows and the incessant pulse, Tonf wandered in silence. Undin gave no such courtesy and constantly whisper his worried thoughts in the gloom. Tonf was just about to tell the idiot to be quiet when his light beam fell upon a crumpled shape resting on the floor of the hall.

Undin suddenly became very still and Tonf crept slowly toward the lumpy mass. It was quite large, about as big as a few sacks of grain piled on the floor and as he came closer, he could see the shape was a milky white. His boot met the lump with a squish, and the wrinkled, pasty material gave way, like a water balloon.

â,¬Å"Tonf, I think we shud leave...â,¬Â Undin sounded frightened and could barely be heard over the warning pulse. Tonf felt sick. This wasn't a labyrinth. This was a tomb.[/ic]

The Species
The bei were not human. Though they were never seen while living and very few have ever seen a body, it is clear that they were not human. While the world reeled, Goma's soldiers cut their way into the ships the bei had left. On the inside was another world. Water, thick with salts and algae-like animals filled the floating fortresses. The scientists whom had been selected to help wept as holes were drilled and the fluid poured slowly from the crafts like a thin blood. Inside were smooth, metallic corridors, huge vents that emanated heat and absolutely no lights. Generators were quickly brought into the slimy tube-mazes that made up the innards of the ships and the first bodies were discovered. Like pale maggots, grown huge and wrinkled, the corpses of hundreds of bei were found and quickly disposed of. Only twenty-odd number of specimens remained for scientific examination by the end.

The bei were found to be roughly tetrahedral. Four â,¬Å"armsâ,¬Â extended from a central mass, each an equal distance away from the others. If streched out, each side was, on average, six to seven feet in length. On the end of each limb were three digits, each opposite of the other two, probably granting the bei a weaker grip, but a more dexterous hand, assuming that they were even â,¬Å"hands.â,¬Â The skin of the creatures was universally a cream-white, hairless, extremely wrinkly and composed of segments smaller than scales but larger than human skin. When dissected, enormous amounts of tissue resembling nerves was found all over, as well as weak, but finely tuned muscles. Whoever the bei were, it is consensus that they had a very good sense of touch and the ability to move their skin in delicate ways.

Evidence suggests that the bei swam mostly, for flaps of webbed skin were found joining the fingers of each hand and three of the legs (thus, one limb is un-webbed and was dubbed the â,¬Å"topâ,¬Â). These flaps of skin, though smaller than that of the bat from earth, were large enough to have aided in pushing through the murky depths. Of eyes, none could be found, though orifices could be found on the four portions of the main bulk leading to both digestive tracts and gill-like organs. Unfortunately, it could not be determined whether the bei were oxygen based, like fish.

At the heart of the bei body was an organ that resembled a brain much larger that that of the human. Though their bodies were slightly more massive than those of humans, the brain to body ratio was found to be almost twice ours. Although a few of the best doctors were granted access to the few bodies recovered, understanding the internal processes of the aliens was never truly achieved.

Materials and Aesthetics
Bei, being blind, have no notion of color. Objects crafted by these advanced beings never have labels or colors, but in several cases, braille-like text can be found on objects or walls.

Most bei creations are made with a special substance that shares characteristics of plant, animal and metal. This substance, dubbed â,¬Å"biometal,â,¬Â is largely composed of microorganisms (called biomites) that have metallic bodies. They excrete a weak acid (too weak to damage human skin) and are thought to feed on the salts produced when it touches stone or metal. When heated, they expand and move rapidly, becoming much more corrosive and will grow quickly if introduced to â,¬Å"food.â,¬Â If no heat is present, they shrink and enter a dormant state, where they can live for unknown periods of time. When chilled, their shells also lock together, forming a tight weave that makes up most biometal. On the outside, biometal looks like a dull, water-stained silver. It has a rough, sand-like, texture, though bei creations are usually polished and smooth.

The only other major substance of note is an advanced polymer which is used in thick, rubbery, non-permeable fabric. This fabric is used as a divider of rooms, to create balloon-cushions and also a containment for the acid produced by biometal.

Bei'Sar
Anyone could tell you what the greatest and most horrible gift the bei brought from the heavens - their ships. The Bei'Sar, as the ships have been dubbed due to the sound that pulsed through them when they were first entered, resemble titanic floating islands of biometal. Each is identical to its siblings, a generally pod-shaped mass covered with long, biometal "spines." The spines are all around fifty feet long and stiff, reaching from the belly and back of the craft. Around the girth of each ship is an indentation roughly one-hundred feet tall that holds an enormous docking bay. On the front of each ship are two massive railguns resembling bizarre mandibles. These guns are the Bei'Sar's primary plasma cannons, weapons of amazing power. In total, each 'Sar is roughly three miles long. No engines have been found, and it is still unclear how the ships move and hover.

Inside, the Bei'Sar are a labyrinth of rounded passages. Originally lightless and filled with water, the innards were replaced by The Empire soon after they mobilized the craft. Wooden flooring (usually planks) has been layed down and ladders added to vertical spaces. Light now comes from long stretches of fluorescent tubing, giving the metallic tubes a harsh glow. Despite efforts to explore and map the 'Sar, there are still huge areas that have never seen human life, perhaps holding treasures from beyond.

At the rear of each 'Sar is a "command room;" a hall with several computer terminals and enough open space to manage the monstrosity. Though each Bei'Sar is technically identical to the others, each ship was given a Commodore when they were captured and the various ships have had internal changes to suit their masters.

Though the original bei computers had an abstract hologram (see below) output and a freakishly complex touch-pressure input device, a few imperial geniuses managed to translate the input and map it to a keyboard as well as change the hologram output to something more recognizable to humans. Though the bei computers have the ability to communicate with one-another (as well as with Bei'Zeeg), it is still unknown how they do so, thus most ship-ship communication is done via hologram and there are speakers hidden within the ship's walls, but communication from ship to ground is much more difficult.

Though massive and powerful, Bei'Sar can only move at around 500 miles per hour and even then only with sufficient momentum. The bei may have descended from the stars, but there have been no successful attempts at reaching orbit since they died.

Bei'Sar are powered by a plasma core which resembles a small sun, it is located in the heart of the craft and powers an electrical current which in turn powers the weapons, shields and other systems.

The "spines" of the 'Sar are actually pylons used to create and maintain the ship's force-field. Though there has never been a "power outage," sustained use of the force-field (especially against plasma weaponry) can cause a decrease in ship buoyancy.

At this point, only 12 Bei'Sar exist on Rilos, all in the hands of the empire. Rumors have been spreading of a new craft that the empire is shaping that combines bei and human technology.

Plasma
The new energy, sustainable fusion, was brought to Rilos from the stars, it's more common name is plasma, though the two are actually separate. Like a miniature sun, plasma reactors harnessed unimaginable energies so great that the heart of a single ship could heat and power an entire city. Unfortunately, this gift was not meant as a blessing, it seems, for Rilos ap Shadras has been unwilling to disable a single 'Sar for the benefit of humankind. Instead, plasma weaponry was handed to them, the sword that would break the world.

All Bei'Sar are equipped with two plasma cannons. Unlike plasma engines, cannons do not create fusion reactions (and thus, Rilos has at least been spared the horrors of nuclear weaponry). Instead, energy is siphoned off of the engine to superheat hollow spheres of an unknown metal to the point where the gas inside becomes plasma and the sphere itself becomes a bright blue. It is unclear as to what metal these spheres are made from, or how they can resist such high temperatures, but the sections of ship where they are held are nearly as heavily armored as the core.

Once a sphere (dubbed "plasma bomb") is ready, it is loaded into a giant railgun (the "plasma cannon"), where magnetic fields stabilize it and fire it at supersonic speeds, creating a sonic boom. The bomb will eventually hit a heavy target and the metal will collapse in on itself as the plasma inside punches through the shell. The resulting effect is similar to a giant fragmentation grenade made of liquid fire.

Zeraz Paen (True Sword))
When the bei came to Rilos, they greeted the nations of the world with a gift of five swords for each ruler. These swords were fashioned in the styles of the respective nations and came in a variety of shapes and sizes. Though the pods in which the weapons were delivered were treated with suspicion, most nations were pleased with the gift. All weapons were perfectly balanced and made from a curious metal (biometal) that could hold an edge against nearly any attack. The best was yet to come, however, as nanotech circuits were discovered inside each weapon. Switches were found on the hilts, able to be turned on and off with the swiftest of motions, and when activated the weapons would hum strangely. What was soon found is that each blade held a miniature force-field generator, powered by an unknown energy. When activated, weak fields were cast out of the blade in a "V" shape. Though too insubstantial to block objects, this invisible trench could siphon objects toward the blade. At first, weapon masters scoffed at such a feature, claiming that it would impede hand-to-hand combat (and it did), but the true discovery was that the field was strong enough to allow the blade's wielder to deflect projectiles, even bullets. While not perfect, these blades were soon heralded as a wonderful gift, able to make a master swordsman useful on the battlefield.

All too soon however, the emperor gazed down at the rest of the world and laughed behind his alien armada. All of the true swords that were found were confiscated and it became illegal to own one in the empire without a license. Even Paliza, in paranoia, outlawed the ownership of Zeraz Paen, and thus what few blades escaped the imperial eye found their way to the black market, private collectors and master swordsmen who cared not for the laws of others.

Bei'Zeeg
Though all Bei'Sar wield two deadly cannons, they hold a powerful secondary weapon, the Bei'Zeeg. Bei'Zeeg are personal, one-being crafts that resemble fighter planes, at least in concept. Bei'Zeeg are held in the docking bay located around the width of a Bei'Sar.

Bei'Zeeg are biometal crafts around twenty feet long. Each contains a plasma engine capable of propulsion and like the 'Sar, Bei'Zeeg lack any visible "engines." Unlike the 'Sar, however, 'Zeeg cannot hover, and must instead move at all times or fall. Maximum 'Zeeg speeds have been clocked at roughly 15 thousand miles an hour, but at only 1000 miles away from the 'Sar a 'Zeeg will begin to malfunction for unknown reasons. Imperial scientists have put in hundreds of hours into researching this phenomenon, but the internal workings of the ships are far beyond modern understanding.

From the outside, a 'Zeeg looks a bit like a giant biometal crystal. They have eight equal sides, one with clamps for docking, and the opposite with a single railgun. Unlike a plasma canon, 'Zeeg railguns fire mundane bullets rapidly, able to pierce thick armor and even deal minor damage to a 'Sar.

Lastly, 'Zeeg are able to move through bei forcefields. This means that even when defending, the 'Sar can launch fighters. Also, should a 'Sar fall into non-imperial hands, 'Zeeg would be able to bypass the defenses of other enemy ships.  

Force-field

Hologram

For hundreds of years, warfare was the domain of the swordsman. An elite warrior caste existed with the sole purpose of knowing war. Roughly one hundred years before first contact, gunpowder became easily manufacturable. This allowed the re-invention of firearms, but like on earth, the technology was fairly pathetic for a long time. After about fifty years, however, they became good enough (And cheap enough) that it became more effective to hire large blocks of gunmen rather than spending years training swordsmen. Goma was one of the first nations to make this change, switching into an entirely musket and bayonet armed force. The rest of the world soon followed suit, and the once proud swordsmen soon found that they were being replaced by green troops with skill-less, unreliable weaponry. Many warriors banded together and rose up, demanding that firearms be destroyed, as they were tainting the â,¬Å"nobleâ,¬Â art of war. Several unique riots occurred, but in the end the swordsmen lost. Many were driven underground or into the wild, and for each that gave up their swords for peace, another vowed to uphold the ways of old.

Though the gun may have beaten the sword, firearm tech remains fairly primitive, with the machine gun being a recent (but deadly) advent. Most soldiers are armed with semi-auto rifles and bayonets around the craftsmanship of WW1 earth weapons. The automobile was invented before the firearm and because of this, mechanized infantry are one of the leading forces in war. Artillery and aircraft are present, though naval war is rare. Radio technology is becoming popular, though most veterans prefer land-lines for fear of being intercepted.

Amongst this crude technology is the strangeness of future tech. Cybernetics and robotics are both present on the battlefield, as are advanced armors and medicines. Because of the long period of advanced sword warfare, armor became quite advanced by the time firearms became a deadly force. With simple modifications, light, protective jackets could be lined with anti-piercing weave and stop the crude projectiles. Though front-line soldiers are rarely given such luxuries, elite troops (like the imperial super-warriors) are often armored in light, but strong suits. Robots, such as the ar-dok, are a bit more rare, but not uncommon on the Palizan border. Most robotic weapons lack advanced targeting skills, but make up for it with heavy armor and the ability to wield multiple machineguns without need for a crew. Ambush tactics using snowcloaks are quite common in the north (Rasa Retan and Tengitu). Bombs and grenades are also a common weapon in war (Calyasmir and Faros being specialists), often being more deadly than a squad of practiced riflemen.

Lastly, cybernetics, a field dominated by imperial (Gomanian) scientists, is a powerful tool on the battlefield. Cybernetic limbs, eyes and other body parts are often given to veterans, allowing soldiers to fight for longer. The imperial super-soldiers often cut off their left arm and have it replaced with a cybernetic replacement so that they might use the hydraulic strength to deadly ends in combat. Cybernetic parts can also be specialized for battlefield use, such as fake eyes with night-vision or infrared.

[note Temperature Key]All degrees are in Fahrenheit.
Arctic: 10Ã,° and below all year
Cold: -30Ã,° in winter, 35Ã,° in summer
Temperate: 0Ã,° in winter, 60Ã,° in summer
Warm: 60-70Ã,° all year

Note that in the southern hemisphere seasons are reversed.[/note]
Vesa
Climate: Temprate

Rasa Retan
Climate: Cold

Old Goma
Climate: Temperate (Arctic to Warm)

Hyris
Climate: Warm

Hyris was once the mighty thorn in Goma's side. Now it is no more, as it was conquered in a series of devastating blows by Goma just after first contact. After being conquered, Goma killed off all ranking officials and declared the land part of Goma. Hyris is probably the location with the most oppressive laws. It is illegal by pain of death to show support for anyone but the empire and even mentioning the word Hyris can get up to a year in prison. Hyris feels now like an awkward silence, where nobody dares talk or move, lest they draw attention. Hyris was located on the coast between Pelik and Masha.

Masha
Climate: Warm to Temperate

Pelik
Climate: Warm

Aezan
Climate: Warm

Teros
Climate: Warm to Temperate

Paliza
Climate: Temperate to Cold
Exports: Fruit, Robotics, Iron
Imports: Gold, Luxury Goods

Paliza is a land of gentile foothills and mountains, located just below the equator. Cold tides from the south chill the coasts enough to bring snow occasionally. Palizans are proud of their unique flora, for unlike most of Rilos which is covered in bramble and pine, Paliza is blessed with an assortment of wild deciduous trees. The national tree is the oak and the national crop is the apple. Paliza is widely known as the supplier of the best apples, worldwide. Another national resource is the iron deposits located in the more mountainous regions of Paliza. The iron supply has been a wonderful source of income over the years, and even now, during the war, merchants occasionally brave the border to trade iron.

On a more human note, the people of Paliza are often gentle and well-educated. As one of the wealthiest nations, Paliza established some of the first universities and elementary schools. The upper class of Paliza is proportionately large, and it is said that in the Nation of the Sun (Paliza), anyone can become rich with enough hard work.

Most of this changed, however, with the rise of Rilos ap Shadras. Constant pressure on the borders has drawn Paliza into a emaciated, paranoid shell of it's former glory. With a large percentage of the population drawn off to fight, the economy has plummeted and fear of political terrorists and spies has put a severe cramp on all manner of civil liberties. Citizens of Paliza must have a government license to own a lethal weapon, and none are allowed in public outside of police or military hands.

Tengitu
Climate: Arctic to Cold
Exports: Rare Metals

Tengitu is a nation that shouldn't exist. The ice sheets that cover the islands never melt and barely anything lives or grows there. None the less, huge deposits of rare metals (mostly gold and tin) have been found in the rock, making it profitable to place self-contained ice stations up in the bleak wilds. Around the time of the sword uprisings, many former warriors moved to what was once a portion of Paran in hopes of forging a new home for the old ways. Together, the ice-stations were overcome and Paran lacked the military force to siege fortresses held by master warriors. Instead, the government gave Tengitu full status as a nation and the remaining warriors of the world found a new haven for a time. But after the bei died Rilos ap Shadras soon saw the tengitu islands as easy sources of wealth and made an example of the old warriors by bombing a single station and scaring the remaining leaders into submission. Tengitu is now a land of glaciers inhabited only by the few swordsmen who escaped the imperial clutches and the lone ice-stations manned by disgruntled workers.

Paran
Climate: Cold
Exports: Foodstuffs
Imports: Weapons

The birthplace of Aeprell Sunahara, Paran has always been a land of outlaws and poverty. Though the descovery of the Tengitu resources helped them for some time, the warrior's coup stopped them from gaining much. Most of the island chain has been ruled by various gangs, and supported by poor farmers.

Faros
Climate: Cold to Temperate

Calyasmir
Climate: Temperate to Warm

Olyan
Climate: Temperate

Rakata
Climate: Temperate

Sentinos Kala
Climate: Cold

Antarctic Teritories
Climate: Arctic to Cold

Wastelands of rock and ice, the antarctic continent was never terraformed and thus cannot support life without a large portion of dirt being shipped over the ocean. None have seen it profitable to do so, though the empire did claim the land, for whatever reason.

[ic=Map][spoiler=Map](http://static.flickr.com/122/310842688_02f2f85984_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=310842688&size=l)[/spoiler]
All yellow(ish) areas are part of Rilos ap Shadras.[/ic]

Rilos is a world of political and social struggles, where there are villains there must be heroes and where there are heroes and villains there are stories to be told. Rilos is a world about humanity, it is thus important that a realistic approach is used when building on it. Without realism the illusion breaks, people turn into dolls and death becomes trivial.

Death is to life what shadows are to light. Death puts life into contrast and so Rilos is a setting about life through the usage of death. When choosing a rules system, consider how death is handled and whether it feels real.

Roleplaying in Rilos is about why we fight and what is worth fighting for. All warriors die in the end, it's what is done while alive that makes the difference. Each character in Rilos should have goals and things they hold dear, those who do not are not truly alive.

Though Rilos is fantasy, it uses the fantastic to show the real. Whichever system or group you play with, the above points are taken into account. Roleplaying in Rilos is a way of understanding the warrior through becoming the warrior. Why do you fight? For others? For self? For freedom? For the greater good? When children lie bleeding and all that is around you is in ruins, is it really worth it?

Archetypes

The Soldier
*The Swordsman
*The Commander
*The Mercenary
*The Rebel
*The Street Rat
*The Scientist
*The Expert

Example Names:

Melee Weapons
  Bows

Firearms

Grenades and other Explosives

Armor
  Shields

Standard Gear

Medical Equipment

Drugs

Vehicles

Robots

Cybernetics

Eyes

Arms

Legs

Organs

Plates/Other

Reserved for the 11th of February.

Reserved for the 18th of February.

Reserved for the 25th of February.

Reserved for the 4th of March.

Reserved for the 11th of March.

Reserved for the 18th of March.

Reserved for the 25th of March.

Saturday BUMP!  :blah:

Saturday BUMP 2!  :blah:

Sunday (No more Saturdays) BUMP 3!  :blah:

So, there is a clearly evil empire, a police state with good folk in it, and a group of rebels who fight the evil empire, but seem to be good folk (and probably have reservations agaisnt the "good" police state).

What sort of play do you have in mind? What do the players do (play their characters is often sufficient, but other options exist), what do the characters do, and why is this setting good for that sort of play?

Woohoo! First comment! ^_^

Quote from: ThanuirWhat sort of play do you have in mind? What do the players do (play their characters is often sufficient, but other options exist), what do the characters do, and why is this setting good for that sort of play?

I'm glad you asked this. My posts so far (with the exception of #1) have been about world affairs. But this was intended to be a game setting, so where are the hooks and archetypes?

This setting, as I said in the first post, is intended to be war drama. This means that the life of a soldier, the impact of war and the morality of war will all be themes. It also has serious space drama elements, especially if play occurs on the floating battleships (read: spaceships).

Players will, in my mind, be actors. The combat of the setting reminds me heavily of star wars, something that just happened to slip in. :\ A good GM/DM will provide the stage and send the cues for an improv play. That's one of the reasons I took out game mechanics. Though stats can be added later, by removing them I feel the setting will attract more roleplayers and fewer minmaxers. Unlike some settings, combat is not something that should be "won" as much as "experienced."

Characters will most likely be rebels. I've written the morality in such a way that fighting the empire is the interesting thing to do. (Who wants to be evil in an evil dominant world?)
If you'll look at the Ulosash post, you'll see minor references to "veterans" as the freedom fighter's elite soldiers. This is a very heavy-handed suggestion for player rolls. I imagine the stereotypical "party" to be a group of highly accomplished Ulosash who are sent on missions to disable imperial bases and commandeer Bei ships. (Stereotypical roles would probably be Palizan Scientist, Ex-Imperial Spy, Hulking Gunner, Commander/Pilot)

I see a lot of potential for dramatic roleplaying in this environment. Death (NPC mainly, but player too) would (clearly) be a major element of the games, but not overly so. Just enough to make the players expect it and react to it. The high-fantasy in a sci-fi setting will energize the tension, mystery and excitement to epic levels (hopefully). And the removal of constant moral questioning and game mechanics (though they can be added later) will help facilitate fast, fluid gameplay. Of course, all of these depend on a good GM/DM, but what setting doesn't?

I will, in later posts, put more emphasis on individual players, rather than world events. Thanks for the comments,
 - Rael

So, target players are the immersive ones? In my experience, immersive players tend to grow out of mission-based play as they get in tune with the setting and their character acquires personal goals. I'd build some sort of in-setting trigger to allow the PCs to become influential people in the rebellion, if they are inclined towards it.
No idea on how to implement that.
Also, IME, most immersive groups want a simple fall-back system. Something as simple as "roll d6, high results are good and low ones bad" may work. There is no need to write one, as they are dead easy to implement on spot.

I trust that you will be elaborating on technology a bit at some point.

Quote from: ThanuirAlso, IME, most immersive groups want a simple fall-back system. Something as simple as "roll d6, high results are good and low ones bad" may work. There is no need to write one, as they are dead easy to implement on spot.

I trust that you will be elaborating on technology a bit at some point.[/quote]Of course. ;) Right after geography. Expect tech stuff to show up around mid November. Any specific questions I'd be happy to answer whenever.

So, Raelifin, great puveyor of race wisdom, when do we get to see what races exist in Rilos ap Fol?  I'm gonna take a wild guess and say elves are not among them. ;) And of course, if non-human races exist, then they will undoubtedly be different from the norm.

Wow, I'm surprised I didn't mention the human-only nature of Rilos. Thanks for the question! ^_^

I added an FAQ in the first post.

[note Current Mood: Dead](http://www.thecbg.org/e107_files/public/1164939939_9_FT22019_dead.png)[/note]
Well, I think my schedule has fallen to pieces. I'll try to get something up and running, but at this point I'm just relying on my own focus to compensate. One distraction and I may be out of here.

I thought that since the setting of the week is down, I'd offer a little incentive to review Rilos (not that one is supposed to be needed on the CBG, or that mine is cool in the least). Anyone who feels that they've contributed to the world can go ahead and slap a Rilos ap Shadras Icon wherever they want. I'd put it in my sig as a little badge to wear with pride, but whatever. I'd ask that people please link to Rilos with the image, though I'm not really going to care. My main goal with this is to get several settings to do this so that dedicated reviewers get a nice little collection of badges to show off.

Here is the icon: (http://static.flickr.com/108/310757676_dae14948ef_o.png) (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?16221.0)
Code:  [spoiler][url=http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?16221.0][img]http://static.flickr.com/108/310757676_dae14948ef_o.png[/img][/url][/spoiler]

If you have a request for a different icon, let me know. I'd prefer that they all be the same, but I'm interested in input.

Oh, and content BUMP! :blah: Check out the map!

Well, I read through all of it.  It wasn't as long as I had thought.  It looks like you have a good start, but reality has gotten in the way of your ambitious schedule of weekly updates.  I have that problem.  Though perhaps if I set a regular schedule like that it would help me.

You definitely seem to do well on organization.

As for Rilos itself:
You create a setting that is sci-fi, not fantasy, from my perspective, despite some fantasy elements like swords.  You get points for diverging from the norm (fantasy), and even from the norms of sci-fi.  The Bei sound interesting, and I'd be curious to hear theories on why they fell.

Or perhaps a DM could make discovering that the focus of a campaign.

You want to encourage grand drama, which really appeals to me.  I agree with your decision to keep it mechanics free.

To be honest, I think having fixed and final duration makes it feel a little limited.  I see a setting as something never quite finished, something that must continually evolve.  Saying, well I'll just abandon this in Feb. would be depressing if I planned to run a game using this setting.

Timeline
I admit this was a little confusing.  You say the Einstein was on a 2000-year journey, but it reached its destination in in 421 years?

Also, are you assuming humans have faster than light technology but then lost it.  The Milky Way has a span of about 100,000 light years, so crossing the galaxy, even at the speed of light, would take a lot more than 2000 years.

You also say it is now the year 3100?  So it has been roughly 500 years since the Einstein landed on Rilos?  Decent overall explanation for why technology was lost.  You mention it with getting bogged down with details.

Map
That's really cool, albeit hard to visualize.  Perhaps I will try printing it at some point.  I cannot imagine how you must put it together, though.  I would have a hard time visualizing the image in a way that could be broken like that.  I shared your problem when trying to map an entire world which was a globe.

Planet
How large is this planet?  Smaller than Earth?  It seems the world has a population of less than 2 billion, so unless the planet is small, or else there are major countries you have not mentioned, it feels like a world sparsely populated.

Do you assume vast areas of the planet are still uninhabitable?

Rilos ap Shadras
I admit, I prefer moral ambiguity in my settings.  But I appreciate the reasons you mentioned in a later post for setting up clear moral boundries.  I suppose there is some appeal to the straight-foward evil empire.  But I feel it could benefit from more redeeming depth, at least on the surface.  The Yaros-nan Boor can be the really heinous part.

I be curious to hear exactly what technologies the Empire has.  For example, if they have plasma cannons, why are people using swords?  Why would the Bei invent indestructable swords if they could blast their enemies with long-range weapons?  Is like Dune, with force shields, or something?

I find it amusing that the Empire has a goal of being loved.  It seems more like an Empire that wants to rule by fear than consent.

Paliza
You've got an interesting history, here, as well as a nation that are the "good guys," but still with enough problems to be interesting.  I don't really have any suggestions at this time, I think this is well done.

Sunahran Ulosash
So this group is led by a 16-year-old girl?  Again, the timeline is a little confusing.  How many years have passed since the fall of the Bei (it sounds like 1).  Interesting group, and the obvious choice for players.

Yarnos-Nan-Boor
More details, here, would be nice.  This sounds like the real big-bad enemy, so I respect the desire to keep it secretive, but from the DM persepective, you want to know more.

Overall
An interesting project; refreshingly different from the norm.  Good luck with it.

First of all, let me thank you for the in-depth review! Have a cookie, good ser.  :yumm:

Quote from: Phoenix KnightTimeline
I admit this was a little confusing.  You say the Einstein was on a 2000-year journey, but it reached its destination in in 421 years?

You also say it is now the year 3100?  So it has been roughly 500 years since the Einstein landed on Rilos?  Decent overall explanation for why technology was lost.  You mention it with getting bogged down with details.[/quote]Early 22nd Century (Lets say 2101):[/b] Einstein-12 leaves earth for a distant star.
2522: Einstein-12 lands on Rilos. Einstein's design meant that the ship was never meant to fly again. Solar sails were destructed to provide extra material.
2652: Terraforming is complete and the inhabitants of the city of Einstein are able to breathe and walk around on the cold world without special gear.
2710: Einstein's power gives out, life support, memory banks, everything. The massive city is largely abandoned, as the artificial sun can no longer support the crops within. Most life stays within a few hundred miles of the landing site. Life resembles a mix of the dark ages and modern day. The dominant weapon is the wreckage spear.
2800: Einstein is a lifeless hulk, most of it's hull has been recycled and re-shaped. Civilization has traveled outward, expanding into states and cultures. Recent re-discoveries include steel mining, textiles and creation of synthetic paper. Swords become the dominant weapon.
2900: Einstein is nothing more than ruin, even the deepest computer banks are unsalvageable. World navigation becomes possible with the invention of the automobile, and what little differences in language that arose during the dark time was obliterated. Swords remain the height of warfare tech, though their craftsmanship increases greatly.
3000: Airplanes are the newest development, along with phone lines, steel-frame buildings and firearms.
3050: Computers have recently been developed, but instead of focusing on communications (internet), work is done in robotics and artificial intelligence.
3100: Bei arrive. Modern day.

Quote from: Phoenix KnightPlanet
How large is this planet?  Smaller than Earth?  It seems the world has a population of less than 2 billion, so unless the planet is small, or else there are major countries you have not mentioned, it feels like a world sparsely populated.

Do you assume vast areas of the planet are still uninhabitable?

I be curious to hear exactly what technologies the Empire has.  For example, if they have plasma cannons, why are people using swords?  Why would the Bei invent indestructible swords if they could blast their enemies with long-range weapons?  Is like Dune, with force shields, or something?[/quote]Paliza
You've got an interesting history, here, as well as a nation that are the "good guys," but still with enough problems to be interesting.  I don't really have any suggestions at this time, I think this is well done.[/quote]Yarnos-Nan-Boor
More details, here, would be nice.  This sounds like the real big-bad enemy, so I respect the desire to keep it secretive, but from the DM perspective, you want to know more.[/quote]Overall
An interesting project; refreshingly different from the norm.  Good luck with it.
[/quote]http://www.thecbg.org/e107_files/public/1164939939_9_FT22019_happy.png[/img]

Content BUMP!  :blah:

Now, to decide whether to finish Rilian Tech or move on to the Bei...

Quote from: RaelifinAgriculture: Futuristic
Rilos is home to many genetically enhanced farm animals, modified and bred for docility and fertility. Woolly pigs, sheep, chickens and goats are the primary food animals, their shaggy coats, feathers and fat protecting them from the chill. Cattle and horses are not present on Rilos, nor have they ever been.

Entertainment: Historic
Rilos is a hard word. For generations, its people have fought against blizzards, famine, wild dogs and one another. Entertainment has been pushed aside again and again in favor of more practical pursuits, and no real progress has ever been made in the field for half a century. What few entertainers wander the rocky world use jokes, plays and oral tales to lift the spirits of the people.[/quote]
What about music?  It would have been easy to transport, and could preserve unique traditions.

Quote from: RaelifinAgriculture: Futuristic
Rilos is home to many genetically enhanced farm animals, modified and bred for docility and fertility. Woolly pigs, sheep, chickens and goats are the primary food animals, their shaggy coats, feathers and fat protecting them from the chill. Cattle and horses are not present on Rilos, nor have they ever been.

Uh, I meant
*Wooly Pigs ~ Fur + Fat
*Sheep ~ Fur + Fat
*Goats ~ Fur + Minor Fat
*Chickens ~ Feathers + Fat

Though I must admit that wooly chickens would be kinda cool.

Quote from: PhoenixKnightOn a related topic, why would a colony capable of terraforming choose such a harsh planet?

Entertainment: Historic
Rilos is a hard word. For generations, its people have fought against blizzards, famine, wild dogs and one another. Entertainment has been pushed aside again and again in favor of more practical pursuits, and no real progress has ever been made in the field for half a century. What few entertainers wander the rocky world use jokes, plays and oral tales to lift the spirits of the people.[/quote]
Damn, I knew I left something out. I'll add a reference to it and cover it more when I detail culture.

Content BUMP!  :blah:
I'm still 3 posts behind. >_>

Hey, I didn't even know you had been updating (the problem with doing the reserve-edit) technique.  In fact, I had been about to ask you if you were going to do more updates.  So I'm glad you bumped it.

I'll read what you've done since my last review in the next day or so.

Stealth updates ftw! I've been trying to make up lost ground with a flurry of unfinished posts. I'm feeling pretty inspired though, so expect more updates soon. (I think I'll get into the people/characters and move away from world overview.)

Alright, I've outlined the next four posts. At this point I have some room to spare and I'm concerned I've overlooked some facet of the world. I may do a post on language, but I'd like to ask all readers is there anything I haven't outlined that you'd like to see?

Alright, well it's time to review what's new since the last review.

It says you changed Rilos ap Shadros, though it looks pretty minor, unless I've missed something.

Still missing Bei'ran.  I'd like to see this, just cause the idea of a computer malfunction as an entity is interesting.  So don't forget about it... ;)

Quote from: RaelifinThe oceans of Rilos are a failure. Undetected masses of sulfur in the icy asteroid used to terraform Rilos made an ocean of death, and in fact, the colonists named them the Dead Seas. The various breeds of fish taken on Einstein could not survive in the vast, deadly waters, nor would they provide drinkable water without purification. Fish on Rilos are a delacacy, raised and bred in specialized farms for the tastes of the wealthy. Evaporation thankfully purifies water, so streams and lakes remain drinkable.

Rilian Technology[/b]
It looks like you've updated some of this.  It's good to have these details, though I don't really have any suggestions on it.

QuoteAutomobiles can only go so far without a charge, though this is usually 200 miles or so, and there are a few charging stations in metropolitan areas.

The Bei[/b]
This looks new.

Quote...floating ships descended from the sky like celestial whales

Gifts of the Bei[/b]

QuoteThe Bei'Sar, as the ships have been dubbed due to the sound that pulsed through them when they were first entered,

Bei'Sar can move at around 500 miles per hour, with sufficient momentum. The bei may have descended from the stars, but there have been no successful attempts at reaching orbit since they died.[/quote]At this point, only 12 Bei'Sar exist on Rilos, all in the hands of the empire. Rumors have been spreading of a new craft that the empire is shaping that combines bei and human technology.[/quote]people[/i] react quickly enough to block bullets, if they have a sword that can do so.  I guess, maybe, if they saw someone pointing a gun at them and reacted ahead of time...I assume you don't have them blocking automatic fire?

Uh...Props from naming something "Bei'Zeeg."


Rilian War
I don't think that guns are "skill-less," just that they require a different kind of skill.

I like the robotics/cyernetics stuff.  Kind of edgey scary future stuff.  A cyber arm should also make guns more effective, since it can comp recoil.

Roleplaying in Rilos ap Fol
Good to have such a chapter, especially if you intend people to run games in Rilos.

QuoteRoleplaying in Rilos is about why to fight and what is worth fighting for.

Overall[/b]
The information on the Bei and technology really brings the Rilos ap Shadros into clearer focus - their nature, their terrible power.

In terms of other posts, you might detail religion, philosophy, and so forth.  A hard-pressed people is likely to rely a great deal on this.  Forgive me if you did cover this earlier; it has been a while since I had seen it, since I had not realized you had been updating.

Keep out the good work.

Awesome! Thanks for the review, I'll cover it in detail soon.

In other Rilos news, I got some photos of the globe up in The World section! Check 'em out. (Note: Not all of them have north pointing up)

Quote from: Phoenix KnightThis is either new, or I'd forgotten it.  I like the name for the seas; I assume it is an intentional reference to the Dea Sea?  A link back to their original homeworld?

Quote from: Phoenix KnightIt's nice to see the story of contact finally explained.  It's short and to the point, but evocative.  However, perhaps a first-hand account of one of the Goma explorers would be even more powerful?  The interior ship description is very good.

Quote from: Phoenix KnightYou mention that there have been no successful attempts to break orbit.  Is this the reason?

Excellent that you have an explanation for use of swords on the battlefield.  But...a question?  How do the people react quickly enough to block bullets, if they have a sword that can do so.  I guess, maybe, if they saw someone pointing a gun at them and reacted ahead of time...I assume you don't have them blocking automatic fire?[/quote]I don't think that guns are "skill-less," just that they require a different kind of skill.[/quote]

Quote from: PhoenixIn terms of other posts, you might detail religion, philosophy, and so forth.  A hard-pressed people is likely to rely a great deal on this.

Shoot, I thought I posted that. Thanks for noticing. I don't really want to get into religion in this setting, because that's not the focus. I did want to write a bit on it though.

Once again, thank you for the review. All works need polish to truly shine, and I'm very happy that you point out scuff marks as often as you do. :) Changes noted above will probably show up this weekend.

So I've see you've added archetypes, but no details.  Is this literally intended to be archetypes (not classes)?  Like ideas for players characters that are not exhaustive?

Have you run games in this setting?  Would you use TRoS for them if you did?

If you are looking for cybernetics ideas, I recommend Shadowrun (one of my favorites after TRoS).

Quote from: Phoenix KnightSo I've see you've added archetypes, but no details.  Is this literally intended to be archetypes (not classes)?  Like ideas for players characters that are not exhaustive?

Have you run games in this setting?  Would you use TRoS for them if you did?

If you are looking for cybernetics ideas, I recommend Shadowrun (one of my favorites after TRoS).

Hehe. Yay for dropping a project and goofing off! ^_^

I'm not going to come up with a list of classes because I feel that is a form of crunch. An archetype is just a more fluid, human and system independent word. So yes, it's not exhaustive but rather a guideline for the types of characters to expect. (I didn't include "farmer" for example)

I have never run a game in this system. Though I've only done any roleplaying twice in the past six months. I feel that TRoS, while an amazingly fresh and interesting system, would need serious changes for Rilos. Specifically, I'd mod ranged attacks so that they matched the melee form more closely and I'd probably tweak a few stats (toughness, mainly). TRoS is also awfully tied to the medieval time period, so there's a lot of work to be done there. I've never played Shadowrun, but I think that it could be good. GURPS would probably be the easiest, having a very modular structure. However, when compared to all these, I'd probably still end up using a modified TRoS (I do love it so).

Yeah SR would fit quite naturally to your type of setting, since it is a mix of fantasy and cyber punk.  I actually did a mofification of TRoS for my sci fi game, which eventually got discontinued.  But it can be done.  The rules in Flower of Battle are much better for, well lots of things, including ranged weapons.  From their it was easy enough to make ranged weapons more useable, since a projectile weapon could be used faster if you don't have to draw/pull an arrow and so forth.