Champions of Mythology - Setting

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Three regions dominate the continent in which this game will take place. These are styled after ancient Greece, Scandinavia, and Egypt respectively, but differ significantly enough so that I don't have to do so much research and I can make them my own. Here you will find a short description of each, but you can probably safely infer any missing details from real-world history. Additional information will be added as needed.

Gaios
A mountainous country with many islands, Gaios is named after the Titan of Nature, Gaia, who is said to have breathed life into the once-barren land. A novel system of government keeps any one man from absolute power, but it is nonetheless plagued with corruption and ineptitude. Its military includes the formidable Hoplites, masters of spear and shield, and is known throughout the land as an extremely dedicated force. However, the schemes of the petty Olympian gods forever turn the city-states of Gaios against one another, holding back an otherwise prosperous republic.

• Orichalpolis ^Expand  An undersea civilization far off the west coast of Gaios, Orichalpolis is no more than legend to most land-dwellers. Initially inhabited by Poseidon-worshipping humans, the large island-nation was named for the green metal Orichalcum found in great quantities in its mines, and seemingly nowhere else. Their walls were reinforced with the incredibly durable material, making their cities impregnable, and Orichalpolis became rich due to the great demand for its natural resource.
  
  However, a catastrophic event, likely caused by the gods, sunk the vast majority of the island below the sea in time immemorial. For a time, the Merfolk claimed these ruins, and rebuilt the nation's cities to a measure of their former glory undersea. Then, with the vanishing of Poseidon, the Merfolk's protector, the marauding Ichthian tribes were able to overcome their defenses, and the nation has fallen to ruin yet again.
  • Without the imports, the Orichalcum once sold in the past is extremely rare during these times.

Varlund
A loose collection of cold, northern nations. The people of Varlund live hard, short lives, and rely on raiding for their survival and prosperity. They have become masters of navigating the sea that separates them from their favored targets, and the dragon-headed Varic longboats have become a dreaded sight in countless foreign lands. Technically several separate kingdoms, each king's land is further divided into many holds, ruled by individual lords, or jarls, which swear fealty to him. This fragmentation leads to a restless land, and skill in warfare more than anything defines a man.

Horakht
Horakht was once a sprawling desert kingdom, made rich by the lifegiving waters of the river Kemmur. However, its size and wealth proved unwieldy, and centuries ago it found itself split in two across the natural horizontal border of the great river. The lower kingdom, taking its name from the river, broke away to form Kemmuria, and generations of jealous Pharaohs in the upper kingdom have never allowed the two halves to see peace. Horakht has only become more theocratic as time wears on, and with the sudden absence of its divine figureheads it threatens to collapse.

edited 1st Feb '15 5:23:52 PM by StygianEmperor

Flesh is a design flaw.

Below is a list of playable races. While it's pretty exhaustive, you may suggest a race not found on this list, or ask for a more complete description of one that is only briefly mentioned.

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Pantheon/Mythology: This is just a means of organizing the races more easily. Its only game effect is to determine the region from which your character hails. If adequate explanation is provided, you can choose a different region.

• Race
  • Description: A brief physical and cultural description of the race. You'll also find a suggestion for a worshipped Deity and favored weapon for many of the races, but you may ignore this if you wish as far as your character sheet goes.
    • Each race has a natural Power or Enhanced Ability for free. This is not meant as an incentive to pick the race, but as a means to free up a Power slot for something you should already have. Please pick your race by aesthetic, and not by how useful their powers seem. All races are assumed to have senses beyond that of humans to some degree.
    • Some races, especially Archons, are so tied to a concept that they have one Mastery chosen for them.

Olympian:

• Harpy ^Expand 
  • Harpies acted as archons for the god Hades, dragging the departed souls of the wicked to Tartarus with razor-sharp talons. They plagued the land, stealing food and trinkets from villages and travelers. With wings and two pairs of vicious talons, they were an aerial terror. Harpy flocks (or murders, as they were often referred) were led by the eldest among them; powerful storm-witches known as Hags. Other than Hades, harpies often worshipped Aeolus and Zeus.
    • Harpies have Flight as a free Power.
• Minotaur ^Expand 
  • A proud race of huge bull-people, minotaurs were known for their great strength and their intricate labyrinth dwellings. They lived in large clans underground, often claiming entire mountains as their territories. Their favored tactic in battle was simply charging on cloven hooves headlong into their foes, goring with fearsome horns. Failing that, a few swift chops of a Labrys axe would doubtless end the battle with haste. Some worship Aphrodite due to her role in their creation, but many look beyond the Olympian pantheon to the goddess Hathor.
    • Minotaurs may Charge through the most steadfast ranks, even braced lines of spearmen pose no danger.
• Gorgon ^Expand 
  • Snake-like humanoids, these reviled creatures had the upper body of a scaly human, but in place of legs they slithered on serpents' tails. Gorgon blood was said to be medicinal, or deadly-poisonous depending on the dosage, and with their sharp fangs they delivered a highly venomous bite. They often coated their swords and knives with this venom to more easily deliver it. The late Medusa and her sisters were the only gorgons known to have snakes for hair and a petrifying gaze, as such they were sometimes worshipped as minor goddesses. While most spurned her, some gorgons actually worshipped Athena for her part in their creation.
    • Gorgons' fangs are Venomous, and their Poison Blood has a variety of uses.
• Nymph ^Expand 
  • Archons of various gods, the voluptuous nymphs protected aspects of the land from man and monster alike. While dryads guarded the trees and forests, nereids watched over the sea. There were different varieties for every dwelling, but they all shared a love for nature, and often had great power over it. Lampades were one exception; these servants of Hecate wandered the underworld and overworld alike, causing madness in their victims with the witchlight of their torches. Maenads, meanwhile, were the lustful and decadent servants of Dionysus, god of wine. During their rituals, they would become mad with ecstasy, killing animals and humans alike with their bare hands in the drunken frenzy. Similarly, they could drive the weak-willed into states of mindless euphoria with their power over pleasure.
    • Dryads and other woodland nymphs have the power to cover their flesh in Barkskin, becoming tougher, and nearly invisible in woodlands.
    • Nereids and other water nymphs can assume a Water Form, vanishing in water or breaking from restraints. They cannot do this quickly, however, and any wounds they have suffered will remain when they retake their original form.
    • The light of Lampades' torches may cause Madness, confusing a target to strike his allies.
    • Maenads can Frenzy, becoming much stronger and faster at the cost of self-control.
    • Nymphs must take the Mastery that matches their guarded environment. Lampades must take the Spirit Mastery. Maenads must take the Mind Mastery.
• Mermaid/man ^Expand 
  • Poseidon ruled over vast aquatic kingdoms, far greater than any found on land. Fish-tailed Merfolk claimed these ocean depths, but occasionally ventured onto land with magically-sprouted legs. Fins and spines adorned their skin, making them stand out from humans even so transformed, but many a foolish sailor would still find himself smitten with their beauty. Sirens were merfolk that used their enchanting voices maliciously, singing songs that drove land-dwelling creatures wild or lulled them to sleep, usually to be dragged beneath the waves and viciously consumed. Most worshipped their progenitor, Poseidon.
    • Merfolk can sing a Siren's Song, manipulating a target of the opposite gender to do their bidding in a dreamlike trance.
• Satyr ^Expand 
  • Fur-covered goat-men with horns, hooves, and tails, satyrs served their god Pan in wild, intoxicated revelries. They were free-spirited, lustful, and musically talented in times of peace. But in times of war they equally excelled, especially with spears and hurled javelins. Their lack of self-control would sometimes lead to outright bloodlust in battle, making them unshakeable and deadly foes.
    • Satyrs can use an instrument to Charm a target, causing them to stop what they're doing and stare, entranced. Alternatively they can Inspire their allies to greater heights on the battlefield.
• Centaur ^Expand 
  • Matchless archers, centaurs dominated the open plains. They were known to be noble, but stern and unwelcoming of strangers. Their upper bodies resembled that of men and women with pointed ears, a thin layer of fur, and great manes of hair, while below the waist they had the entire body of a horse. Despite his faults, many centaurs worshipped Ixion, who was said to have created their race. Others revered Poseidon, the patron of horses.
    • Centaurs have the Speed and Endurance of a horse.
• Cyclops ^Expand 
  • Even taller than the great minotaurs at around eight feet, the giant cyclopes had influence in many of the gods' affairs. They were known as maneaters, and would most often go to war with massive clubs and maces. Their single large eye had great vision, but was a liability and could easily be ruined by a deft spear thrust. Cyclopes were masters at the forge, having crafted Poseidon's trident, Hades' helmet, and several other godly artifacts.
    • Cyclopes have Great Strength, surpassing even the giants.
• Arachnos ^Expand 
  • Children of Arachne, these insectoid aberrations were to spiders what centaurs were to horses. Spinning massive webs, these hated monsters would take over entire forests for their queen. Arachnos had eight legs and a set of sharp pedipalps, as well as tusk-like mandibles with which they would deliver their poisonous bite. They had two primary eyes like those of a human's, and a number of other vestigial ones. A terror in battle, they would use their webs to ambush and trap their enemies.
    • Arachnos have Venomous bites, and can spin Webs for a variety of purposes.

Asgardian:

• Elf ^Expand 
  • Slender, beautiful humanoids, the elves enjoyed heightened senses and long lifespans, but their low birthrates kept them from ever expanding their ancient kingdoms too far. Most were free-spirited folk, but they were also haughty, xenophobic, cautious individuals, who largely saw the other races as pitiably short-lived. With entire centuries to practice the arcane arts, the elves had the most advanced sorcery in the land. They primarily worshipped Freyr. Humans would classify the various elven cultures into one of three categories:
    • High Elves: The most common (and fairest) sort, their fabled cities and towns were built with polished white stone, expertly weaving nature and masonry. Their armies were comprised of steadfast warriors, skilled beyond measure and better equipped than any other mortal force. Their arcane knowledge was freely shared among their kind, forging an almost utopian society to the envy of the other races.
    • Wood Elves: Hidden among the forests, Wood Elves were a nomadic people that had barely any contact with the other races. However, they gladly communed with nature; even wild animals would respond to their call. Their archery was unparalleled, and it was said their legendary Rangers could only ever be seen if they chose to be. If their enemies managed to get past that first line of defense, the enchanting Blade Dancers would cut them apart with grace.
    • Dark Elves: Dark hair and pale skin characterized these elves, which were known to be the only culture of their race to engage in slavery. And indeed, Dark Elven civilization was the most similar to that of humanity, with large, urban sprawls and a wide divide between the rich and poor. They were especially fond of underhanded tactics in warfare, employing assassins to kill their enemies' leaders and cripple armies. When pressed, they made great use of crossbows and wicked polearms.
    • Elves are extremely Graceful, with near-perfect balance, and can dodge blows almost preternaturally.
• Dwarf ^Expand 
  • Proud, stocky, and stubborn described this ancient race. Orderly and traditionalistic, it was shameful for a male dwarf to not wear a beard, oaths were never broken, and a strong work ethic permeated their culture. Their cities were built primarily below ground, and could be unbelievably vast. Their mines brought in enough precious metal to make their entire society live like kings, and their smiths put the other races to shame. Their warriors were steadfast, wielding heavy axes and hammers alongside impenetrable shields. The dwarves primarily worshipped Thor, though many looked beyond the Aesir and found common ground with Hephaestus.
    • Dwarves are Unyielding in battle, and cannot be moved physically or mentally once they set their intent to guard a place.
• Giant ^Expand 
  • Averaging just under eight feet tall, the Giants were understandably compared to the gods in many legends. While they were often thought to be the aggressors in their many conflicts, in truth the gods wronged them on just as many occasions. Possessed of great strength and long lives, a few were even deified themselves. Depending on their magical characteristics, the giants were categorized as one of three types:
    • Frost Giants: Perhaps the most well known are the frost giants, whose progenitor Ymir may have led to the world's creation. They hailed from the frigid tundras of Jotunheim, and could coat their skin in a layer of chilling ice that protected them from harm. They primarily worshipped the huntress Skadi.
    • Frost Giants must take the Frost Mastery.
    • Mountain Giants: The strongest of the giants lived in the towering mountains of Jotunheim, where their power over the earth let them carve out elaborate cavernous homes. They would change their skin to stone to turn blades and arrows, or to blend into their environment. They often worshipped the wise Mimir.
    • Mountain Giants must take the Earth Mastery.
    • Fire giants: The Sons of Muspell, the fire giants were prophesied to bring an end to the world at Ragnarok. They come from Muspelheim, a realm of inferno, and could command this fire at will. They would ignite themselves to fend off attackers, or just to terrify onlookers. Known as destroyers, they terrified the other races. They most often followed Surtr, their leader, but frequently worshipped Loki, known sometimes as a god of fire, and always as a bringer of chaos.
    • Fire Giants must take the Fire Mastery.
    • Giants have Elemental Armor reflecting their type, as noted in their individual descriptions.
• Einherjar ^Expand 
  • Archons of Odin, the Einherjar were the fallen warriors who were chosen to drink mead and battle for eternity in Valhalla. Their eons of training made them incomparable warriors, practically gods of war in their own right. They were about half-a-foot taller than their mortal forms, with decorative horned helms and burning eyes. The mere sight of them on the battlefield could inspire an army.
    • With the blowing of their war horn, Einherjar can Inspire their allies to great feats in battle, or Demoralize their foes.
    • Einherjar must take the Warfare Mastery.
• Valkyrie ^Expand 
  • True angels of death, the Valkyries would determine which of the fallen were worthy of Valhalla. Originally they rode the terrifying giant wolves of the Fenris brood, but other divine animals would carry these archons between the worlds of gods and men. Horses, mountain cats, and bears were some examples of their holy mounts, though they may have ridden Olympian Pegasi and even Gryphons. When called to do battle themselves, they would reverse death to heal their allies in one moment and impale an enemy on their spears in the next.
    • Valkyries may summon a mighty Flying Mount, though this considerable ability comes at the cost of one chosen Power.
    • Valkyries must take the Spirit Mastery.
• Troll ^Expand 
  • Trolls made for the subject of many a tale told to frighten children, where they would hunt and eat humans who strayed into their territories. They were tall and somewhat lanky, standing at about seven feet, with pointed faces, long noses, and tusks protruding from their mouths. They were a tribal folk, led by shamans, and were said to be able to regenerate from any wound short of decapitation. Their skin color was dependant on their environment; while hairier mountain trolls were gray or white, forest trolls were a dark green, giving both races excellent camouflage. They would often toy with their prey for hours, human or otherwise, before embedding a thrown axe or spear into their hearts.
    • Trolls Regenerate at incredible speeds, though lost limbs will still cripple them for days. However, they may be reattached if found before rot sets in. If a troll is decapitated or its heart is destroyed, it still dies.

Pharaonic:

• Beastman: ^Expand 
  • The Pharaonic pantheon had many gods with animal characteristics, and so they often made their servants in much the same image. These archons would occasionally be stripped of their divinity and banished to the mortal realm for sins and crimes against their patrons, real or percieved. The resulting "Beastmen" made up the majority of the intelligent nonhuman creatures of the Kemmur river and its surrounding desert. There were several notable races that fit this category, but this is far from an exhaustive list:
    
• • Jackalman/Anubite ^Expand Most well known were the Jackalmen, common raiders and scavengers that descended from proud servants of the god of mummification and death. Their rigid training at the feet of the war gods in the art of wielding two blades at once was passed down through the generations, making them exceedingly dangerous and aggressive fighters. They were known to be able to leap a dozen feet in the air with their digitigrade legs, bypassing city walls, earning them a reputation as fearsome marauders.
    • Jackalmen have a Leap Attack, bypassing most defenses and scattering foes.
  • Manscorpion/Serkite ^Expand Like the Olympian Arachnos, these monsters had the upper body of a chitonous humanoid, but below the waist was the entire body of a gigantic scorpion, claws and all. Usually sand-colored, Scorpionfolk would lie in wait just below the dunes for their victims to pass by, and suddenly burst from the ground and lay waste to their disoriented pray. Their huge claws were inescapable, and their tails carried enough venom to ensure agonizing paralysis to anyone stung. In addition they could carry human weapons in the upper limbs of their torso, making them unpredictable in even a stand-up fight.
    • Manscorpions' stinging tails are Venomous, and their impressive Pincers can be used as shields or for nigh-inescapable holds.
  • Falconman/Aarakocra ^Expand Descended from disgraced archons of Ra, Horus, and several other falcon and hawk-headed gods, these creatures were possessed of a vengeful nature, and sought justice even after their dishonor. They were winged, allowing them to soar the skies and use their incredible eyesight to spot wrongdoing from afar. They would then swoop in, tearing with fearsome talons or striking with spears any transgressors they perceived. While many beastmen abandoned their original gods, the Falconmen mostly continued to worship Horus and Ra faithfully.
    • Falconmen have the ability of Flight.
  • Crocodilian/Petsuchos ^Expand Second only to the Manscorpions, the Crocodile-folk were a candidate for the largest and most frightening of the beastmen. They terrorized the farmers along the Kemmur river, striking from the dark waters without warning and pulling men under before messily devouring them. They seemed to only become larger and more powerful with age, and hulking, magic-wielding leaders known as Overseers dominated their loose tribes. On land they were slow and plodding, their colossal scaly forms absorbing sunlight before returning to their aquatic environment.
    • A Crocodilian's Jaws can easily tear men limb-from-limb.
      
  • Other ^Expand Thoth, Sekhmet, Anhur, Wepwawet, Hathor, Geb, Khepri, and Set all spawned notable beast-races of their own, to name only a few.

Nonspecific:

• Human ^Expand 
  • Humanity outnumbered nearly every other race. They varied considerably by region, but almost all of them lost faith in the years following the gods' disappearance. While most of them worshipped the Dysian Pantheon during this time, a few humans rejected the foreign gods and were largely treated as pariahs by their kind. Compared to the other races, humanity was seen to have dull senses and short lives, but they proved expansionistic and industrious, building populous cities across the continent.
    • While they have no obvious strengths, humans that go against the grain and still serve the Old Gods seem to have sheer Luck on their sides.
• Golem ^Expand 
  • Mages across the lands worked their sorceries to give life to the inanimate. Golems were frequently, but certainly not always humanoid constructs that were created to protect an important area, or simply magic soldiers made from materials that would easily deflect swords and arrows. The most notable were the Automata, mechanical men of bronze that resembled armor-clad centurions. They could stand still to appear as statues, only to descend upon trespassers when their backs were turned. The shades of the dead occasionally inhabited golems, giving them true intelligence, much to the chagrin of their creators.
    • Golems are Nonliving constructs, making them tough and able to ignore the many inconveniences of biology.
• Undead ^Expand 
  • A dark twist upon the art of golem creation was the best-known form of Necromancy, in which a sorcerer so inclined would forgo crafting a suitable body and simply reanimate a corpse. This was not usually tolerated, save for the desert tombs of the ancient Pharaohs, in which mummified servants were created to protect the dead king's vast treasures. Several noted intelligent examples include:
    • Greater Mummy: Trusted court sorcerers or the Pharaohs themselves would sometimes prepare their tombs, coffins, or wrappings with complicated spells to bring the king back to life. For good or ill, they walked the earth again as a mummified lich.
    • Draugr: A revenant of the north, the Draugr were preserved corpses reanimated (usually) by sheer will of their deceased spirits. They weren't necessarily evil, often feeling as though their life's work was simply unfinished, and might have even returned to the slumber of death willingly should their goals be accomplished.
    • Others: Liches weren't specific to the Pharaohs, and several necromancers across the realm tried to extend their lives in such a way with mixed success. Death knights, powerful skeletal warriors animated for various purposes, also had a will of their own and could break free of the shackles of a weak-willed enchanter.
    • The undead are Nonliving, obviously, making them immune to pain and the other nuisances of life.
    • Additionally, if a lich is killed, it can simply possess another corpse after a short time. However, a lich must protect its Phylactery - the object which houses its soul. If it is destroyed, the lich finally meets the afterlife. Even worse, perhaps, if the phylactery is in another's possession, the lich must follow the holder's every order.
    • Liches must take the Spirit Mastery.
• Werebeast ^Expand 
  • Lycanthropy was a curse that was said to have originated from a wrathful Zeus. Others point to Fenrir and Wepwawet, immortals that may have bestowed it not as a curse, but as a gift upon their faithful. Werewolves benefitted from enhanced senses and regeneration in both their human and animal forms, though a blow with a silvered weapon would greatly slow their healing. They also suffered from animalistic instincts and could act erratically without a strong will. Werebears, or Arktanthropes shared many of the same characteristics, possibly receiving their gifts from Odin or Zeus as well.
    • Werebeasts have considerable Regeneration, especially in beast form, but attacks from silver weapons will negate it. When they Shapeshift, they become faster and stronger, but lose the benefits of all equipment. This is a slow and painful process, and returning to human form leaves them fatigued.
• Lizardman ^Expand 
  • Lizardfolk were a carnivorous race that stood seven feet tall, and had tails about half that length. Their subspecies were specifically adapted to their individual environments, but nearly all lived in primitive, savage tribes. They perfected ambush tactics by blending into their environments, and used traps to great effect in order to bring down wily game – including the odd human. While they mostly used simple spears and axes, they had the speed, strength, and guile to overcome a better-equipped warrior. Lizardmen occasionally worshipped Sobek, or a god that ruled their particular environment.
    • Lizardfolk are extraordinarily Agile.
• Ichthian ^Expand 
  • While the merfolk dominated much of the sea, the amphibious Ichthians were an ever-present threat to their kingdoms. Raiders from the deep, these hideous creatures would attack both their undersea cities and seaside human villages alike with harpoons and barbed nets. Fins, spines, and sharp teeth physically characterized these monsters, who had scaly skin in a variety of shades - though primarily greens and blues. Highly adaptable, they also thrived in freshwater environments such as lakes and lagoons, and a rare few were terrifying albino cave-dwellers. Many Ichthians worshipped the legendary monsters Scylla and Charybdis, and more than a few worshipped the forgotten Titan, Oceanus. Some who resided in the warmer oceans to the south prayed to Nu, the Pharaonic god of the abyss.
    • Ichthians have a Sonic Screech that can temporarily stun their foes.

edited 28th Jan '15 9:59:24 AM by StygianEmperor

Flesh is a design flaw.

Here you will find a list of the available Masteries. While this list is modeled heavily from Titan Quest, you are not confined to the limits of that game.

Many options for powers are described within each Mastery, but the lists are far from comprehensive. No active or passive power is assumed with any given Mastery – you must explicitly fill a Power slot with it to gain its effects.

Note how some powers can be easily manifest from several different Masteries. The concepts of Nature, Spirit, and even Defense could be easily stretched to provide a very similar Healing spell, for example.

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• Warfare: Your prowess on the battlefield is unsurpassed. ^Expand You may be extraordinarily strong, swing with a berserker's rage, command with the mind of a master tactician, or appeal to spirits of warriors long past to aid you. Or perhaps you simply have decades of experience and battle is second nature to you. Masters of this path usually fight up-close, but archers that prefer the theatre of war to the hunt are found here as well.

• Defense: Nothing seems to kill you. ^Expand You fight behind an unbreakable shield or in an unstoppable suit of armor, or you protect the men at your side with holy wards, keeping them standing in the face of blows that should be fatal. You may even use your shield as your primary weapon, charging through your cowardly enemies and casually knocking them aside. Some rare Masters of this path in fact wear little armor, preferring to stay nimble. After all, is it not better to avoid the enemy's strike entirely?

• Hunting: You are the ultimate predator. ^Expand The twang of a loosed arrow or the spin of a throwing axe is the last thing your enemies hear. Your senses are far better trained than others of your race, and you know your prey's every weakness. If the tables should turn, however, you know you can outrun anyone - and lead them straight into a waiting trap. Master hunters typically prefer taking their prey out from afar, but the more visceral types may get in close with spear or claw.

• Rogue: The shadows are your ally. ^Expand You prefer fights where you have every advantage; the enemy's guard is down, their back is turned, and you've just blinded them with a smoke bomb. That's when you strike. You may bend darkness to your will, or maybe you're just very good at hiding in plain sight. A dagger coated with poison is this Master's best friend, though just as many strike from range where retaliation is less likely.

• Fire/Sun: There will be nothing left but ash. ^Expand Enough cleansing fire can solve any problem, and you, well; you've got more than enough. Tossing fireballs, wielding flaming swords, and scorching your enemy's lungs with smoke are your go-to tactics, and you won't even break a sweat doing it. Other Masters of this path may instead utilize the power of the holy sun, blasting with searing beams and plasma, and leaving the forces of darkness utterly blind.

• Frost/Water: Ice runs in your veins. ^Expand Even the most hotheaded berserker will stop dead in his tracks when you unleash the bitter chill of the north upon him. Ice bolts and freezing rays deliver frostbite from a distance, or you may surround yourself in sub-zero temperatures to slow anyone who gets too close. Masters of the frost path may indeed forgo the cold entirely, however, preferring to drown their enemies in tidal waves or even scald with superheated geysers.

• Earth: The world trembles before you. ^Expand You always give your enemies a proper burial, and they're often still alive to enjoy it. You can snare your enemies in deep mud, suck them under the ground with quicksand, or impale them on stalagmites. You can even will lava to erupt from your fingertips, and reinforce your skin with stone. Earth Masters may engage up close with weapons forged of rare metals, or allow mighty Elementals to do it for them.

• Storm: Death from above. ^Expand The wind picks up, and thunder rumbles overhead. The grounded fools who dare oppose you will be unable to drop their weapons from paralyzed hands when felled by your bolts of lightning. Tornados will send them soaring to their doom should they survive all the flying debris. And there you will find yourself, hovering gracefully in the heart of the swirling storm. Such Masters rarely see melee combat, preferring to stay well out of harm's reach in the sky; but some find great joy in doling out holy justice with an electrically charged maul.

• Nature: Ruler of the animal kingdom. ^Expand You know you are never alone when beasts and plants alike respond to your call. You entangle the defilers of your grove in barbed vines, holding them still while packs of wolves make a meal of them. You also regenerate much faster than normal, and you can deliver this healing onto others. Druids and other Masters of nature often protect their forests or their allies from behind a bramble wall, but when the foe needs to be dealt with personally, they can shift into a horrific Chimera, combining the best aspects of several predators.

• Spirit: Death is no obstacle. ^Expand You analyze every corpse you make, for each has much potential. You might raise it as a shambling zombie, or tear out the bones for an agile skeleton warrior. Or you might just take the best pieces, adding them to your grotesque flesh golem. Maybe you forgo the corporeal entirely and summon wraiths to terrify the living. Not all Masters of this path are Necromancers, however, as spirit includes both death and life. Healers often utilize such magic, as well as conjurers who can bring a semblance of life to the inanimate by crafting golems.

• Mind: Every will can be broken. ^Expand A trickster at heart, you delight in sowing confusion and terror. Creating phantom soldiers to distract the enemy is one option, but why not place the illusion in their midst, causing them to strike at one another? You might pull your victim into a trap with a siren's song, or scare them away under the guise of a vicious demon. Masters of the mind are not always so devious, however, and some use their power to boost morale in their allies, or calm down raging enemies to make peace.

edited 24th Jan '15 10:00:04 PM by StygianEmperor

Flesh is a design flaw.