An Overview
Ambassador Gradan of Yasg is a startling figure at first sight. His dark hair is swept up into tight swirling curls that form two foot long horns sweeping back from his head. Small metallic sharp ridges seem to grow from his forehead, gleaming gold and silver, but these are in fact pasted to a reddish makeup that gleams on his whole face. On his cheeks and around his lips are diamond and triangular patterns, and a glittery substance is in the makeup itself. Robes of scarlet and black swirl around his body like smoke.
In this manner do Yasg aristocracy identify themselves with dragons and the dragon-descended. Whether in war, at court or in some arbour romancing someone they dress in such a fashion as to suggest that all are descendants of dragons.
And yet no true dragons have been seen in Yasg in ages.
The Yasg Empires principal population is made up of humans, but also includes lizardfolk, kobolds, tasloi (jungle goblins) various forms of intelligent ape. The nonhuman races are variously lower class citizens, barbarians or slaves, but never aristocracy. It may seem odd for a folk who revere draconic ancestry to scorn kobolds and lizardfolk, but these were traditionally the slaves of dragons, and thus are of their possible or supposed descendants.
In the last two centuries the Yasg Empire conquered most of known civilization, apart from the Great Kingdom of the Celts, the Republic of New Edom, the principalities of the elves and dwarves and 'black kingdoms' of Forifey, Baroda, Songala and Vanth. By sheer presence and tradition roads are maintained, trade bustles and order prevails.
There are always rumblings and potential disorder; here a barbaric hill tribe threatens a region's safe trade routes, there a pirate fleet tries to blockade a coastline. Ultimately these squabbles are dealt with. The Imperial Dragon, it is said, sometimes moves slowly but it moves inexorably.
However there may be the beginnings of cracks in the facade. The Emperor is dying. Ancient, nearly a mummy in his enchanted bandages and surrounded by incense and chanting, he lies sequestered in the Temple of Imperial Ancestry, his kin virtually held prisoner in the capital, all desperately intriguing. Grieving in the midst of his mysterious illness for the death of his eldest son, his right hand and most devoted servant, he seems to be in constant consultation (between physician and healers' visits) with astrologers, priests and scholars over who would be the next best choice to rule the Empire after his death.
And in the East there are rumors of war, tales of great battles between New Edomites and Celts, and of dragons taking wing in the skies.
Would you like critiquing here, or in another thread?
Keep it coming. I like the image this is painting. Tell me more.
Various forms of intelligent ape, eh? That caught my attention.
I'm wondering, are they simply "awakened" versions of primates we are familiar with, or are they something else altogether?
The image of Ambassador Gradan is an evocative and intriguing one; are their different breeds/colours of dragon, and if so, how do people associate with the various kinds?
ohh, hadn't noticed this one...for some reason, I find the idea of a united elven and dwarfen nation intriguing, and if they got as much flavor as the great empire, then this could be one hack of a world.
and a campaign set right after or shortly before the death of the emperor can lead to so many nifty things for a DM to throw the players through.
It's okay to post here, though there is a URL for my other threads discussion above.
QuoteVarious forms of intelligent ape, eh? That caught my attention.
I'm wondering, are they simply "awakened" versions of primates we are familiar with, or are they something else altogether?
The image of Ambassador Gradan is an evocative and intriguing one; are their different breeds/colours of dragon, and if so, how do people associate with the various kinds?
1. Intelligent apes. While there are 'awakened' apes there are three primary apelike races.
The first are the ghuls; these are of low but cunning intelligence and only their lack of advanced social structure prevents them being a real menace in the forested hills they come from. They can be trained if taken young to be very effective scouts, however their true nature is voraciously omnivorous and violent, this can never be forgotten by those who command them. Use of magic would be recommended by any slave dealer to control them. ghuls resemble reddish-brown furred gorillas who tend to be a little less top heavy than normal gorillas, and thus more readily able to walk upright. They make primitive tools and weapons of their own but will readily use more sophisticated hand weapons. Their use of missile weapons is always a little clumsy and they are at -2 to use them.
The second are the waldura, who are more docile and easygoing, are almost entirely a captive species. They are sad faced creatures with long grey fur, mostly used as slave creatures to work in orchards and for the crudest work in carpentry and construction that requires a lack of fear of heights. They are not very good in house servants as they are not good at finer work. Waldura have been known to turn on people but tend to be for the most part good if melancholy labourers. They are actually treated well for slaves in that harsh treatment can make them pine and die. Being fed good hearty food and given clear firm instructions is what they require.
Mangadai are really neanderthal like creatures whose resemblance to humans is dismissed by most Yasgs; they are often thought of as a foul cross between human and ghul. For the most part they are retiring primitives who stay in out of the way places, avoiding regular civilization. It is thought by some more thoughtful sages that they represent a form of humanity before the dragon lords helped awaken humanity further.
2. I haven't really changed the main dragon types--basically the old D&D 'chromantic' and 'metallic' dragons and 'gem' dragons representing the main dragon types. Since dragons are very rare creatures these actually represent clans or families of dragons, albeit very widespread in territory. However most normal people don't really know anything about moral affiliations based on appearance, they are just in awe of such extraordinary beings.
So for instance since dragons had magically bred with their awakened servants in some cases, Ambassador Gradan's colours represent his ancestry. This would be recorded in carefully kept records, which he and the marshal of the nobility would keep copies of, telling which particular dragons he claimed descent from. For instance he might claim descent from both a red dragon called Carnathron the Terrible and a black dragon called Uvirithrax the Cunning, and would eagerly study his history and geneaology to claim their traits. In these aristocrats there would be at least traces of dragon blood, though in most cases it would be no more than to give them a bonus or two in their attributes.
Quoteohh, hadn't noticed this one...for some reason, I find the idea of a united elven and dwarfen nation intriguing, and if they got as much flavor as the great empire, then this could be one hack of a world.
and a campaign set right after or shortly before the death of the emperor can lead to so many nifty things for a DM to throw the players through.
The Principalities of the Dwarves and Elves are mostly united out of necessity in dealing with hordes of goblinoids; they may even unite with the Republic of New Edom. In the actual campaign I'm running the war councils have representation of all three races. In addition to this smaller nations such as locathah, merfolk and lizardolk have aligned with them. This is basically a number of small countries that are increasingly united in military and economic purpose.
I'm back said Tom Swiftly...
The Yasg atmosphere always reminds me of China. Ancient and proud, it seems to view the comings and goings of other nations from above, patient in their security.
After all, they are the Chosen of the Dragon...
Speaking of Dragons, you'd think I'd have mentioned this earlier. A few years (okay, maybe more) I switched things around with my dragons. I kept the familar color and metal codes, but I set it up so that dragons are all borne grey, and in their first fifty years, as they grow a personality, their hue gradually grows more apparent. So instead of a having a black gragon give birth to a clutch of black dragons, the mama black won't know what she's got. She takes care of all of them, and as some start to show a hue, she might kick some out. (in Celtricia, the ancient Sauroid wars make it almost unthnkable for a dragon to kill another dragon in anything but ritual combat). But I thought you might like that , having so much draconic lore in your merry New Edom...
I do have to ask, are the drgons avoiding the Yag now? Did some Yasg offend them, or are the Dragons offended by the human pretensions?
(stupid work...sorry I've ben so nutsy)
Good to see you back! I know you've been very busy.
Consider your idea TOTALLY STOLEN. I love it very much! Of course it has to be a mystery--my pcs have never seen a wyrmling yet. Are there any further details you use?
The tale of why dragons are so rare in this world, particularly in Yasg, will be told in a 'secret history' post I will present ideally soon.
In the ancient city of Culhar, the day has begun. Fisherman by this time are already out to sea, triangular sails flashing white in the sun. Overlooking the harbour, two tall towers whose tops are shaped like the mouths of roaring dragons peer out over the waters. At night they are lit up with magical flames that guide incoming ships. They are also lit up when fog rolls over the region.
Most of those up early are slaves. In Culhar, one can readily tell slaves by simple or nonexistant clothing. Kobolds need none save identification marks which are either made with indelible paint or by identification discs they must carry everywhere--free or slaves. These little reptilian creatures scuttle to and fro, ignored by most free people, as they wheel little carts, carry sacks or baskets, scrub paving stones or sweep dirt paved streets. For the most part these are public slaves. Officially they cannot be harmed; unofficially irritated citizens may kick them out of the way or cuff them in annoyance. Kobolds are considered to be lazy, cowardly creatures that need a little roughness and tyranny to keep them working. It's a known fact that in their natural state they are murderous thieving wretches. They are slavishly loyal for some reason to the dragonblood aristocracy, and glumly accept their lot in life as some form of punishment for some ancient deed they never refer to save by mournful riddles.
The waldura slaves are being fed their morning rations of mashed fruit and various edible leaves. They need to be fed around five times a day. Docile and passive, they wait in sets of warehouses near the wharfs. These have within them a number of platforms and spokes in walls, ropes and ladders so that they can feel more comfortable. Their keepers have affection for them--unlike kobolds they are after all rather attractive animals, and the keepers insist that they are happier than they would be in the jungle.
The human slaves are mostly house servants or a form of indentured apprentice. In the already rising heat of Culhar most wear either simple tunics or nothing at all depending on their work, only their identification tattoos or identity discs (worn in a leather thong around the neck) making it clear who they are. There is no real nudity taboo in Yasg; however clothes here as almost no where else makes the man. To have no dragon marks at all, nor craft marks nor handsome sandals or other clothing marks a person outside a bathouse as a slave or lowly servant. Most of the human slaves are busy sweeping inner courtyards, lighting up kitchen fires, cleaning utensils, writing accounts, dealing with the children of merchants or the rich, preparing the day for those they serve.
The city guards change shifts. Culhar is a very lawful city but there are still crimes, many done by night and some connived at by the wealthy and powerful. Men in helmets fashioned to look like the spikes and horns of dragons, with green cloaks and carrying partisans and short swords march quietly to their posts. A few bodies must be fished from the harbour; a robbed house is being investigated even as a priest of the Five blesses it against further incursions.
In a number of small shrines around the city, time is being noted by priests and priestesses whose sole duty is to count the hours of the day and announce them periodically. This is done in time with a water clock at the Great Temple of Tiamat the Progenitrix. The Temporal Priesthood is solely focused on astronomy, astrology and horology, and has done this act faithfully for the last four hundred and thirty years.
To the wealthy, to the merchant class, the day is barely beginning. They will wake up to breakfast made, house cleaned, streets swept, the whole day ready for business, courtship, leisure and intrigue.
Here something is revealed few foreigners automatically know. A wealthy noble rises, and assumes rightfully that his relaxed body will be bathed,depilated, towelled brisky and perfumed. He will be robed according to the weather, which is normally hot enough to merit only a loinwrap and a robe of linen. His elaborate horned hairstyle is one of a set of wigs, which is placed on his smooth scalp. Yasgs love this appearance but disdain natural hair as semi-human. His ornate nails are sheaths placed over his own, which are kept short and smooth. It takes an hour to paint his face properly; the most wealthy and powerful keep proper makeup artists and haidressers for this purpose.
Before he sets out to do any form of activity he consults either a local shrine or if important enough his own astrologer-priest. The fortunes are cast for particular activities. Ideally this has also been done months in advance. Once he feels secure enough in his destiny he is ready to start the day...
Do the Yasgies have things which identify them with dragons besides weird hair and colors? Such as, for example, do they worship dragon gods, or have dragon steeds? Do they have dragonblooded powers? Does the emperor sleep on beds of treasure?
Or maybe they sacrifice prisoners to pits of snakes?
(actually the name always makes me think yuan-ti)
Are there actual half-dragons in New Edom (or whatever the name for the whole world is)?
LV, cool idea with the mutable dragon colors.
The Draconic Nature of the Empire
The Yasgs use dragon like or reptilian creatures as mounts; they use dragonnels as a form of air cavalry and aristocratic mount; they use ornithomimus (ostrich like dinosaurs) as light mounts or to pull chariots; they keep felldrakes (bipedal dragon like creatures) as scouts and guards.
Also, the Yasgs may actually have draconic traits. These would partly depend on the kind of draconic heritage they claimed. Examples would include: element resistance (to appropriate element type, ie acid, fire, electricity) superior will (resistance to spells like charm or suggestion) spell bonus, draconic physical trait (very rare, but possible--having for instance claws, scaley skin, small wings, tail, dragon like eyes, etc), hoard inheritance (a possible rare item or items) and that sort of thing. Note: one doesn't have to be an aristocrat to have these traits though it is more likely. However a family could have fallen from grace generations ago and some traits retained.
Draconic as a language is used as a court language.
Finally, the main worship is really of dragon ancestors. There are a number of deities that are fashionable due to their acquisition along with the conquest of other nations, and Tiamat is revered in particular (though from a distance and most respectfully--the way you'd worship a volcano) but it is really the genealogies that Yasgs claim descent from that matters.
Here a word about culture: as with say the Mongols the Yasgs hold that whether one is a prince or a mere lancer or scholar that being a 'Yasg' is to be superior or at least equal (though possibly with great politeness) to nobility in 'lesser' cultures. The Yasgs actually form a minority of people in their great empire, which includes a dozen or more other nationalities subordinate to them.
[blockquote=Tybalt]Here something is revealed few foreigners automatically know. A wealthy noble rises, and assumes rightfully that his relaxed body will be bathed,depilated, towelled brisky and perfumed. He will be robed according to the weather, which is normally hot enough to merit only a loinwrap and a robe of linen. His elaborate horned hairstyle is one of a set of wigs, which is placed on his smooth scalp. Yasgs love this appearance but disdain natural hair as semi-human. His ornate nails are sheaths placed over his own, which are kept short and smooth. It takes an hour to paint his face properly; the most wealthy and powerful keep proper makeup artists and haidressers for this purpose. [/blockquote]
I can't help but think of those nobles in the fleet that came to New Edom, 'roughing it'.
Do the schools of combat (or perhaps the very Art of War itself) stem also from a draconic imprint?
Also, in the ancient Sauroid Empire of Celtricia, dragons of color were not seen as purely evil always, but were representing parts of the 'wheel of persoanility' that made up the Chroma Sauroids. Green and Yellow dragons represented the harsh and imperious nature of a major domo, brown and black dragons the cunning and corrosive nature of the master intriguer, Blue and Red respectively the aggressive and calculating generals and strategists, etc.
It sounds like the Yasgs see the the Nature of a Dragon as above themselves and that the venality or 'evil' of a dragon is less important than the fact it is a dragon in the first place. How do the Yasgs see the different types of dragons?
[blockquote=Tybalt the Unquenchable]Finally, the main worship is really of dragon ancestors. There are a number of deities that are fashionable due to their acquisition along with the conquest of other nations, and Tiamat is revered in particular (though from a distance and most respectfully--the way you'd worship a volcano) but it is really the genealogies that Yasgs claim descent from that matters. [/blockquote]
and this worship, i'd imagine is tied very closely to social class. Are their historical Dragon saints, or ancient Yasg nobility that are venerated because of relationships with Dragons?
Along with LV's saint idea, you might have dragon relics.
E.g. "this is the true scale geldodrexus the flameking," now an emblem of the house of (insert noble house).
LV, you brought back yellow dragons? I don't recall those being in 3e, did you stat them yourself, or have they been in some more recent book?
Yasgs see dragons less as 'alignments' and more as strengths and weaknesses. I'm going to put together a chart on that, that's a helpful thought. As an example though when my players deal with Yasgs they find that their blue dragon companion, Marlee, is seen as an emblem of strategic warfare and cunning.
Yasg Architecture and Culture
Even though there are few great dragons in the world, cities that are properly Yasg in origin (Culhar, for instance) are constructed with them in mind. Domes are preferred to vaulted pointed roofs because in ancient times dragons enjoyed draping their forms over these rocklike structures. Furthermore certain towers are made with great broad platforms on them--just in case any dragons wanted to rest on them. Between the tall palaces and homes of the mighty there are delicate swaying walkways. It is a sign that one has been raised in such places by the agility with which one walks on these lattice-like paths in the air--or that one is an able thief. For the rich of Culhar there is no need to even go to the streets if one doesn't choose to--a series of tall platforms under a great soaring series of domes made of deceptively delicate looking wood and stonework exists to shop in, called the Floating Market. it is inaccessible from below save through great ironwood doors that only a particular guild has the keys to. Naturally it is a game and a goal to the more enterprising ordinary citizens to get into it.
Another dragon influenced feature of Culhar is the tall flags on rather wirey poles that seem to surround every fortress and key wall area. This is not mere decoration, though they make a brave and gallant sight. The real reason is that it makes it hard for flying creatures to land on them.
The Great Temple of Tiamat Primogenitrix is a series of tall and beautiful domes, glittering with gold and lapis-lazuli to suggest dragon scales. A curious feature are the sand gardens, kept very clean and bright with white and silver sand. Just in case (hopefully) dragons should want to rest and clean themselves there. Sacrifices of animal flesh and blood deliberately send scents of cooking meat over the city at ritual times to be enticing.
The Aristocracy of Yasg ride only ornithomimus drawn chariots or dragonnels. Horses are considered rather lower class and disgusting animals, fit only for mercenaries and peddlers. (or barbarians who don't know any better)
The pace of life among the Yasg is stately. They disdain to hurry; hurrying is for lesser creatures. They try to emulate the majestic and primal founders of the Empire, and this is no more clear than in their long range of thought. A Yasg may seem to take forever to make a decision, but once it is made it can be a plot far reaching enough to startle an elf. Unfortunately this can also make them seem at times aloof and callous to other folk. However at this time the Yasg Empire is still a huge portion of human civilization. They feel that it is they who are normal, the others who are ignorant savages.
Because of this attitude Yasgs tend to regard foreigners with more leniency than their own subject peoples, who they feel ought to emulate them. As with all things, they are draconic in their perspectives on insubordination and rebellion--they are to be crushed, but judiciously so as to set an example. It is this along with their legendary reputation as the heirs of the dragons that helps keep their subject states and provinces in line more than armies.
The Yasg Military
The Yasg Army consists of 4 armies, each roughly 10,000 strong, that are mostly divided into various garrisons of cities and foritifications. Each army is commanded by a Sardar, though the Sardar's position is at this time largely hereditary and sometimes almost purely ceremonial. For instance the Imperial First Army, mostly occupying the peaceful and orderly central provinces, has not been called up formally in almost eighty years. The Sardar, Prince Andelon, is far more concerned with courtly duties than with running the army.
The only commander-in-chief of the armies is the Emperor himself. However a series of deputies, ministers and controllers and so on do the actual various work of organizing things.
The actual roster of the army is filled largely by the following:
1. Actual Yasgs, who form a sort of cadre. These tend to mostly be Yasg commoners who form pairs of Ornithomimus drawn chariot teams. This is a rather old fashioned form of warfare and most of the provincial units have adapted long ago to riding the beasts. These form the smallest number of troops as well.
2. Former nomadic tribes mounted on horses or giant lizards (depending on the area and climate) who form the largest number of cavalry. They are fairly well organized and tend to be fanatically loyal but also unecessarily brutal. They are usually kept in border garrisons away from the regular populace.
3. Nonhuman troops such as lizardfolk, mostly used as infantry masses.
4. Local units. These range from being highly professional warriors of various kinds to peasant levies.
The Imperial Navy is slowly being formed into a proper national force. Formerly it was simply a collection of various city state fleets, the Emperor's personal fleet, and so on, brought together in time of war and expected to patrol local interests as necessary. It is the Emperor's intention to make it all entirely dependant upon his own authority. However as he is very ill and it is inconvenient to plan this it is coming along very slowly. Furthermore the subject city states, provinces and principalties are slow to agree to do this, realizing (rightly) that they are giving up what little independance remains to them.
Yasg Magic
Magic in the wizardly sense is almost exclusively in New Edom. In Yasg there are three forms of magic: priestly (the most common) alchemy (the magic of artificers) and psionics (called Witchery in Celtic and New Edom, it is called Dragonmind in Yasg)
Priestly magic involves pacts in Yasg. Not all priests and priestesses have them, indeed most do not. To actually make a pact is not a thing to do lightly. It is easy enough to have a priestly career, get a good education, gain the benefits of belonging to either a local deity's cult. For most Yasgs respect to one's ancestors and the occasional appeal to whatever local or imported gods might be of service is sufficient. Worship of Tiamat Primogenitrix is more about respect and honour than about actual benefit--Tiamat is considered too magnificent to really be concerned with mortals. For those clerics who want power though, a pact is necessary. This is almost too varied to be described here, but I'll give an example.
The New Edomite goddess Ishtar is very popular in some parts of Yasg. A pact with Ishtar requires the prospective cleric to perform animal sacrifices on particular days and in exchange for particular invocations and prayers; requires that the cleric be clean in body and person before entering a temple; requires a tithe of goods; requires that the cleric learn the arts of war, lovemaking, ritual invocation and basic healing. In exchange for this the domain spells of war, love and divination are granted. The cleric also gains access to temple teachings.
Can a cleric have more than one pact? It depends on the relationship between the gods in question and whether or not they contradict. It is unusual and potentially dangerous to do this though.
For clerics in Yasg spell progression is typical of the D&D type--it is emblematic of them having to prove themselves in their devotion.
Alchemy can enable a magic-user to do very powerful spells indeed. The problem is that it requires a lot of preparation and the rituals involved can risk the very sanity of the alchemist. Most spend a great deal of time making sure they have necessary components and have learned particular rituals. Ideally the low level to moderate spells require less preparation while the more powerful require more. The benefit of course is that for instance spells that would be impossible for a low level wizard or cleric are definitely available to alchemists, but might be very potential dangerous.
Furthermore, the more powerful spells are important secrets. A high ranking alchemist is not likely to share his secrets with a mere apprentice. Theoretically though an apprentice could steal them, but then might lack the resources to have a sufficiently equipped lab for example, or the experience necessary to make sure the spell worked.
Essentially the rules for this work as follows.
1. Skills. Skills such as brewing, blacksmithing, herbalism and so on go into making alchemical things. Particular spells may require crafted items--the alchemist either has to do this himself or have it done by someone he can rely on.
2. Experience. This gradually adds a percentage chance of success for different stages of a spell, and simply reflects the alchemists nerve and sense of practice in carrying out such operations.
3. Knowledge. This is not so much related to the skills as to more arcane understanding of the ultimate ends of rituals and workings, and ultimately tells how much the alchemist actually knows about the spells in question. Here in a sense an alchemist can be a risk taker. He gets a certain amount of knowledge points per level, and can put them into any spell. Any. However higher level ones require more points. The points are reflected in a percentage reflecting the degree of understanding of the spell.
For example: Tenius is a young alchemist, just achieving 2nd level. Let's say he's gained 10 points. He wants to do the spell simulacrum, which is a 7th level spell. It requires 50 spell points to know it fully. He decides to try for it anyway. With only 10 points though he has a 20% knowledge of the spell. At only 2nd level he only has a 2% bonus chance of any spell working as it is, so he has a 22% chance of success. Furthermore, he also has a 20% chance to know important lore about the spell. One thing he doesn't know (having failed his roll) is that the simulacrum can actually go mad and try to kill him if he doesn't do the spell properly...
Dragonmind
Certain of the Yasg are descended from Gem dragons and other dragons with psionic ability. While 'true' dragon types exist in various parts of the world in dwindling numbers Gem dragons are almost extinct. Ages ago these wise and less martial creatures found their wisdom folly as they became duped by the Yuan-Ti, the serpent folk, into giving them Psionic power through breeding. By this means the Yuan-Ti almost took over the empire but were purged along with the Gem dragons.
What remains are a number of secret societies practicing Dragonmind, the art of Psionics. Almost certainly most Psionics in the world are one way or another descended of the original Yasgs who bred with Gem dragons. The bloodlines attempt to be pure but examples even of recent ones being wiped out exist. (for instance in the Celtic/Yasg city of Deva)
Dragonminds therefore tend in their secrecy either to have remote monasteries, secretive gathering places or pretexts for existence such as cults. Since there are many cults in Yasg one more rarely arouses suspicion. Most of them pretend to be priests or alchemists to avoid detection.
The ironic thing of course is that even some aristocrats are Dragonminds.
The following are types of characters most commonly available.
1. Dragonmind Disciples. These actually have recorded disciplines of ancient (and long dead) draconic patrons and follow them almost rigidly. They tend to be very good at what they do, which is principally telepathy, but they are very wary of trying to learn anything else. They tend to be extremely strong willed and intelligent.
2. Dragonmind Warriors. This is probably the most 'aristocratic' class type. These are essentially Psionic Warriors who simply seem to most people to be very lucky, very clever, very able warriors and leaders. In reality they use psionics to enhance what they do. A strong party of these led by Prince Duragon, a contender for recognition as Heir, believe they can revitalize the Empire and make a great show of strength.
3. Dragonmind Monastics. These tend to focus more on healing and spirituality. They believe that the clerics of the Empire are either focused too intensely on localized cults or else too much worship the elemental fury of Tiamat to really be concerned with the evil that is present in the world. In remote monasteries they train and plan for excursions they make to fight demons and their cults. There are few of these--it requires a strong determination and willingness to sacrifice much to learn all their abilities. (essentially becoming a psionic monk)
4. Witches. These conform to the idea of Witchbreed in the rest of the world; they are strange people who have bizarre powers that they might use for good or ill depending on how they feel about it, often having little idea of where they come from, save perhaps as a family gift. In some places they are revered, in others hated. Their chief advantage is that they have a wild ability to learn different powers easily, as any training they have had has been obvious necessity rather than ritual or tradition.
5. The Dragonheirs. These are those very rare folk who might have actually been in contact with a psionic dragon or someone of sufficient dragonblood to have similar powers. They tend to be limited to the types of powers available to that dragon type but are powerful within that range. Moreover they are likelier to have access to lore concerning dragons, ancient history and other matters.
The cleric/pact thing is cool. It's a way I once imagined divine powers working for my setting, before moving entirely away from that sort of thing. And even still, I've been tempted to use it for some future setting.
I like the Dragonmind-psionics thing, and I'm curious to hear the details on it. It's interesting that wizardly magic is not practiced by the Yasg (especially given how D&D often connects sorcerers/arcane magic with dragons).
Updated dragonmind stuff.
As an ooc aside my pcs journeyed to Yasg for the first time in the game. And for the first time they realized that the Yasgs they met were not peculiar--the Eastern Viceregal Court (the regional court they visited) has the same characteristics. I quite enjoyed the face of one of the players as he realized "They think they ARE descended from dragons!"
No feeling quite like getting a positive, immersed response from the PCs.
[blockquote=Mr T]Just in case (hopefully) dragons should want to rest and clean themselves there. Sacrifices of animal flesh and blood deliberately send scents of cooking meat over the city at ritual times to be enticing.
The Aristocracy of Yasg ride only ornithomimus drawn chariots or dragonnels. Horses are considered rather lower class and disgusting animals, fit only for mercenaries and peddlers. (or barbarians who don't know any better) [/blockquote] Hut non dragons have been seen in centuries here,correct?
By the way, consider the blood and cooked meat scents stolen. I have to use this for the Temple of the Wild Hunt (Geryon)...it will fit right into the running battles between the them and the rival Temple of the Wilderness (Verbren) across the street...
I can somehow see the literature of the YASgs as being greatly varied. This is a culture based on slow ease and careful deliberation...so I am imagining a huge amount of written works, and of forms going in and out of popularity.
I'm having trouble with the worshipm of Ishtar amongst the dragon-folk of Yasg. I understand that most empires assimilate a lot, but with a whole culture based on based on Dragonkind, I have trouble seeing the Tiamat priesthood needing to put up with it...but I am sure you will make it clear.
Love the Secret Societies of the DragonMind. I can see the Dragonheirs having a very different view of the world, with the appearance of dragons in New Edom...
The Yasg Empire is not all "Yasg". There are a number of subject states--whether feudal kingdoms or city states--that are subservient but not necessarily assimilated entirely. Furthermore there are Yasgs who are a little tired of the constant pose of being "draconic". So worship of gods like Ishtar is a form of defiance in a way. Correctly you assume that the Temple of Tiamat would frown on this, and you are right. Unfortunately officially the Empire doesn't forbid any religious worship that doesn't outright defy Imperial authority. The relationship between the two temples is...tense.
This makes Mereka's dealings with the Yasgs rather interesting.
Incidentally yes, no dragons have been seen in Yasg in quite a while, though there are rumors of them in wilder parts, for instance deepest jungles or deserts. However searches have revealed little.
One thing being featured in my game at present is the pcs being encouraged to go on a quest on the behalf of one of the factions vying for recognition as heir to the throne. Apparently a group of rebels have captured an important relic from a holy city in the desert. And apparently the rebels have something they claim is a dragon that is their champion.
[blockquote=Tybalt]The Yasg Empire is not all "Yasg". There are a number of subject states--whether feudal kingdoms or city states--that are subservient but not necessarily assimilated entirely. Furthermore there are Yasgs who are a little tired of the constant pose of being "draconic". So worship of gods like Ishtar is a form of defiance in a way. Correctly you assume that the Temple of Tiamat would frown on this, and you are right. Unfortunately officially the Empire doesn't forbid any religious worship that doesn't outright defy Imperial authority. The relationship between the two temples is...tense.
This makes Mereka's dealings with the Yasgs rather interesting.[/blockquote]
That's the stuff!!! Yay, factions!!!
What are some of the differences between the Yasgian church of Tiamat and other parishes? And the same question should be asked about Ishtar's worship...local saints? Heroes? Differences in organization or ritual?
The Temple of Tiamat Primogenitrix is totally different in intentions, rites and liturgy et al from say the Secret Temple of Tiamat in eastern Goblinland or the Temple of the Five in Celtica.
While the Secret Temple has been formed with the political aim of aligning with the draconic in order to unite goblinland, and the Temple of the Five exists to purify and dominate Celtica the Temple of Tiamat Primogenitrix exists out of genuine reverence. The Yasg priests laugh quietly and politely and out of sight of the other two factions of the Temple, believing it foolish to try to bargain with a force of primal power. Instead they worship and admire and seek to understand the qualities that created dragons in the first place. While it is a powerful and extraordinary and intelligent force, what mortal could comprehend such might? Witness how the Temple of the Five has not managed to do anything more than create another faction in Celtica--chaos! How the Secret Temple has managed little more than to create a stronger tribe of Hobgoblins among many--chaos! And thus does the Primogenitrix render all helpless before her!
Of course there is the matter of the En family of gods.
If any one being might be the key to understanding Tiamat, it would be Ishtar. Ishtar who stole godly gifts from her own divine father through seduction.
Ishtar is worshipped in a frankly more extravagant fashion in Yasg than in New Edom. In New Edom she is the patron of arts that the Yasgs were masters of millenia ago. Therefore the main things they are fascinated by are her wisdom, her seductive powers and as a consort to kings. It is in fact some of the subject kings who have invited her temples into their cities and seek through the orgiastic rites to somehow gain the strength to at least measure greater in power than before in the eyes of the Empire.
Xusus Tydult-Eieui Gum~uxt.
(White OMwo~ for Work sucks and then you die, roughly translated)
Now, onto more important things.
[blockquote=Tybalt Unquenchable]Ishtar is worshipped in a frankly more extravagant fashion in Yasg than in New Edom. In New Edom she is the patron of arts that the Yasgs were masters of millenia ago. Therefore the main things they are fascinated by are her wisdom, her seductive powers and as a consort to kings. It is in fact some of the subject kings who have invited her temples into their cities and seek through the orgiastic rites to somehow gain the strength to at least measure greater in power than before in the eyes of the Empire[/blockquote]
Somehow, I feel like the Yasg's are more extravagant about almost everything...
This, as I know you know, is just great. The human orientation, and misunderstanding, of deity worship is so important for the versimilatude. How does Mereka feel about this? Does she feel like the Yasgs are debasing the relationship or is it a learning experience? Are you leading her in any way? And has she met any helpful priests of Tiamat yet?
Now, the chaos worshippers are interesting. Somehwow, I always feel liek those who sow chaos have the easist jobs...
Mereka is a little confused--she expected to find fellow worshippers and instead found a distortion of worship beyond the mere ignorance that she's already encountered in New Edom. Both she and Kallyn were disconcerted by the level of decadence associated with Ishtar's worship as well--love and sensuality are one thing (for instance Hierodule Priestesses are one thing--they embody the goddess herself) orgies are another altogether.
On the other hand Mereka is optimistic par excellence--nothing phases her for long, even if the thing trying to phase her ultimately ends up being smashed up by her mace or dismissed back to the nether plane it came from.