Characters of the Steel Realms

Steel Realms

The Common Experience: Most Characters of the Steel Realms – including Commoners – have some knowledge of the larger world, legends, and history. Common tales serve to buoy the morale and instill awe, with local traditions the center point of focus and productivity for communities. There is a robust trade in stories and news from bards, skaalds, rangers, troubadours and travelers, many of whom are part of a World Watchers community. Few go no further than a few miles from where they are born, and rely on larger institutions and groups for political guidance and stability. There is no universal formal education system in the realms (though education & knowledge is valued); Bards and World Watchers spread common cultural elements through their purposeful efforts. Over time, species have found their niches or died off. A few were exterminated or went extinct. Some are currently being driven out. At several points, populations have been devastated (sometimes globally) by natural disasters and mystical events, and cooperation or tolerance begins anew…

Perspectives Based on Aptitudes

The Divine: [Pervasive Level of Establishment] The gods take an active role, and are the bastion against the Unholy Trio and Lich Lords. It is the most accessible means of transcending the fears and pressures of the dangerous world. The Godspeak Accord prevents the deities from direct confrontation and ruination of the world of Helca.

The Kinesthetic: [Aware Level of Establishment] This is the world and thought-space most live in.

The Occult: [Prevalent Level of Establishment] The average folk are aware of and fear the Occult – it is mysterious and dangerous and its practitioners suspect. It takes a brave soul to command such forces outside of alliance with a god, and they are to be feared.

The Psychogenic: [Hidden Level of Establishment] Witches and Warlocks are the name of such – Seers, and truth-tellers. Those capable of pure thought-magic were long ago run to the ground.

The Role of PC’s

With the right Character Stories anything may be possible – consult your Game Master!

PC’s are not inherently exceptional; they rise above their origins through their actions to become that. PC types are common in the sense that many from every place in the realms, in every walk of life seek and all genders to make a fortune for themselves – leaving friends, family, home and hearth… and most die. Most common folk will see them as the source of trouble and potential concern. Items of power, adventure, perilous travel, and violent encounters of the kind of thing most adventurers seek out are something commoners wish to avoid. In some places, ‘adventurers’ (PCs) are overcharged, under-served, and even ushered out of town by angry citizens hoping to prevent the delicate local balance of power from being upset. Some PC’s may have a Patron (a Lady or Lord, or Institution; see Factions of Power) which give them authority and respect to avoid such local animosity.

MAKING CHARACTERS:

PC Races

Official Primary PC Races of the Steel Realms

Others may be available at GM discretion.

There is not a super diversity of species; Interactions are almost all initially Unwelcome. Regardless of what is allowed, all characters are still subject to the stigmas and prejudices defined in the Species Relations. Humans ( ‘Faelen’) are the Dominant Species – roughly 75% of the humanoid population.

iVerse Race/Species d20 Race/Species Racial Expression Current Status/Availability
Celestine
2% of the population carry the ‘god-children’ blood		 Aasimar Divine 1
CHA +1
INT -1		 The ancient Celestine of Helca had many minor offspring. Most have been wiped out in their countless wars before the coming of the Blood of Saemon from their dying world. Once this happened, their numbers went into hiding. A few exists still, and the Celestine continue to breed true, albeit slowly and through uncaring indifference as they involve humans in their machinations. In The Saelish and Nakria the bloodline evinces itself still, sometimes randomly.

Dragon Born SAN -1
INT +1		 Extinct; All non standard newtlings were hunted down after the dragons returned to slumber. Any remaining live far away and in fear – quietly; In most places they would be killed on site for their extreme Otherness. There is serious (rightful) fear around this race as harbingers of dragon-kind.

Faet m’un Drow SAN -2 The drow have no direct correlation in the Steel Realms, other than the Faey, as well as the fallen ones that dwell in the underlight and persist by blood – Faet m’un. In their fall though, they typically become infertile. Madness consumes almost all of them eventually, and they will shun the light and heat of the sun – driven by the ritual in which they sunder their soul gems and pledge themselves to the shadows.

Ducateon
3% of the humanoid population		 Kinetic 1
STR +1
CON +1
CHA -1
INT -1		 Caste society of under earth dwellers.

Dwarf
2% of the population		 Dwarf Kinetic 1
STR +1
CHA -1		 “Dwarf” is a mix of Ducateon( caste) and a Human or half elf – they gather unto themselves in Enclaves. A Ducateon/Human mixed breed. Over time, pockets of these have bred true and produce Dwarf offspring.

Faerie races in the Steel Realms

Wyld Elves
3% of the humanoid population		 Wood Elf Kinetic 1
DEX +1
STR -1		 These Sylvan elves dwell in all the wild places…
Ynthian Elves
1% of the humanoid population		 High Elf Occult 1
INT +1
STR -1		 Ynthian elves only dwell in the forest of Ynth
Goliath Kinetic 1
STR +1
SAN -1		 Nearly Extinct; Goliath are the offspring of human and the ancient builder-giants of the south that are long extinct. Misunderstood and hunted to extinction except a few in the wyldes of the far north.

Skraeling
1% of the humanoid population		 Gnome CHA +1
INT -1		 Gnomes never existed; Skraeling are the strange diminutive folk of field and grass. Always laughing, possessing a child-like wonderment which, as reality chips away at it, causes them to age and wither. These creatures are different culturally [mechanically nearly the same] but they never live underground, only in the outdoors.

Grollen
2% of the population		 Gnoll CHA -1
INT -1
CON +2		 Grollen; The dog-men, powerful and chaotic warriors. There may be a few Grollen mix breed, but they do not generally exist beyond a single generation. They have given up their evil ways in service to the moon goddess.

Half-Elf
2% of the humanoid population		 Half-Elf SAN -1 Half-Elf (mixed Faerie) – their alien angular features, odd coloration’s and temper make them pariahs in most places. They generally stick together in their own large communities. An edgy mixed breed that make good loners due to their volatile temperament. Some of the best scouts into the Darklands are of this stock.

Half-Ork Half-Ork SAN -1 Half-Ork (mixed blood Ork); hated worse than half elves for their violence, stench, and abrasive personalities. They generally stick together in their own small households or as wards of faiths or individuals owing a debt. When the Orrish are raiding, more half-orks result. Generally not accepted in many places, tolerated at best. These hulking mixed breed is the only one that can stand toe-to-toe in raw power against a Grollen. Goods and Services are often more expensive for them, and they may be outright forbidden, shunned or attacked where they go – depending on the place.

Halfling
2% of the humanoid population		 Halfling SAN -1 Lightfoot Halfling (3 tribes across the realms) A Skraeling/Human mixed breed. Over time, pockets of these have bred true and produce Halfling offspring.

Sangire Dhampir -1 SAN Because the Lich Lords of Dundaria have total control of undead (through The Cold Embrace) these cannot be a PC race.

Kobold CHA -1 Their meager population and affliction of the Sun-Bane make them exceptionally rare.

Tiefling SAN -1 Never existed (feral or not); Extreme Otherness – they would never be accepted.

Merovin exist in few small families north of the borderlands, most are organized by tribe in Nakria.

Class/Pathway

D20 Base Class iVerse Pathway Steel Realms Perspective
Barbarian Wyldling Steel Realms Barbarians are limited by race & place
Bard Bard Steel Realms Bards are vary by race & place
A [true] Bard is a sacred calling and Bound by Duty to the High King and to the world itself as World Watchers. Bards serve as heralds, news gatherers and bringers, dispute settlers, legal advocates for the common folk and entertainers. They have their Academies at the Hall of Heroes, Malorian Collegia (Bardic School/Tradition).
Cleric Cleric Steel Realms Clerics vary by race & place
Druid Druid Steel Realms Druids are limited by race; Druid is a calling and is Bound by Duty.
Only the Order of Davros learns to be the Circle of the Moon. More…
Fighter Warrior Limited by race & place
Monk Aesthetic Limited by race & place
There is no Monk available for PCs except the simple (1st level) teachings of The Bronzemen or the Ghosts of Conscience of Aerna. Only the Orrish train in the Way of the Shadow, though a renegade Half Orc could work.
Paladin Paladin Steel Realms Paladins are limited by race & place; The Paladin uses Wisdom, not Charisma and their magical abilities are Divine in nature (they must choose a deity).
Ranger Ranger Steel Realms Rangers are limited by race & place Unearthed Arcana rules
A Ranger is a sacred calling and Bound by Duty…
Rogue Rogue Steel Realms Rogues are limited by race & place
Sorcerer Sorcerer Steel Realms Sorcerers are Not Available
These art are long lost to the realms and their ways mostly forgotten.
Warlock Warlock Limited by race & place
Warlocks are Bound by Duty to their Patron and owe them everything.
Wizard Magus Steel Realms Wizards are limited by race & place

 /  Key Historical Events/Places

Education: Most folk are not taught the events of the Full Campaign Reference… a few famous and local events are all most people know.

  • Recent Battles: The Deep Pranin, Raelin’s Fall, Crimson Crosstop
  • The Return of the Rosewood Vase
  • The Gwinnish Invasion of Tarmysia
  • Storm Times

The Time of Celestine Wars: CY > Before the “modern” age, there was the time of Nakria. Tribes of shapeshifters dominated the warmer southern lands, and the celestials led them in constant war against each other. It is said there was a reason for it all, but it ended with the coming of Saemon’s Blood.

The Coming of the Blood of Saemon: CY > From a terrible place of war came The Blood of Saemon – a myriad of races and peoples that were fleeing destruction and marched through the Bloodgate to arrive in Helca. The Orrish pursued them, and an endless battle costing millions of lives took place in The Valley of Sighs.

The Unholy Trio’s War: CY > Pursuing The Blood of Saemon, came the trinity of darkness. The Bloodgate barred them, so they came on a piece of their world, through the void of empty space, to hunt down Saemon’s Blood in their anger. The Interloper – a broken off piece of their world floats now in the sky as a third moon of Helca – is their refuge and vantage point. They have sworn to destroy all life which does not follow them.

The Wyld Awakening: CY > The world of Helca gave birth to the gods of the natural order. A mighty host of beast, plant, and elemental powers awakened in what would become known as The Fertile Crescent, and marched to end the tidal wave of death the Unholy Trio was unleashing. The combined Wyld and Celestine forces stopped their advancement, but the land was dying from the overwhelming evil of Everdark’s hate.

The Ascension of the Lightbringers: CY > Three beings of Light to match the dark trinity, were beseeched and so came the Lightbringers. The earth trembled and grew corrupt as the gods and great spirits fought for no gain. The Godspeak Accord was formed, and the gods limited their war to speaking to their followers and not direct engagement. The population had been decimated, and it was almost too late.

The Coming of the Cold: CY 5600 The rise of the Lich Lords marked the end of a long period of peace. The Fall of Dundaria – The Winter Host of the Lich Lords steals the power of Djerduth the god of death and conquers the north.

The Balance of the Gray: CY > The Tear Gift

The Sundering (of nations and faith): CY 5000 Fall of the southern lands and Sea King empire. To stop the tide of demonic creatures of the Lords of Darkness, the powers of the realms causes a great chasm to open from the sea to the mountains in the south. The coasts of the realms are shaken and many of the Sea Kings cities and settlements fall into the sea, bringing death and ruin to their empire in a day.

The Fall of the First Kingdoms (East): CY 6200 Sun Bane (the ___ Star Dimming)

The Slow Sunset: CY >

  Laws of the Land

Education: Most folk know the basics of the spirit of the law through word of mouth and a few formal proceedings they may have witnessed. Only in places with formal education is it specifically taught. There is no universal formal education system in the realms to teach laws. The Law of the High King exist and generally governs all interactions with institutions and people – its basics are common knowledge; This is often adjudicated by members of the World Watchers.

  Factions of Power

PC’s may not be familiar with all of the factions, but some are known across the entire breadth of the realms well, while others are known only to those of related class or backgrounds.

The Gods – A Violent Past: On Helca, in the time of celestials and the early days in the fights against the gods of darkness, the gods walked the earth and directly interceded for their followers and minions. This caused great ruination and magic that warped nature. This was going to lead to nothing but a heap of ashes, assuming there was a victor. The Godspeak Accord took the gods off the battlefield directly, though they can easily be invoked (and countered) for small magics by any follower with enough Conviction. In Umbak they have a saying that “a man not friendly with the gods is a man who should not marry” (implying he will be dead soon!). All divine powers take a direct interest in followers and their actions, in as much as they have the ability to affect the prominence and power of the faith. Followers will be expected to actively work against enemies of the faith and usually be vocal in local affairs representing the faith.

Perspective on Power

  • Life is not fair; beings will do whatever it takes to advance their own cause at the expense of others and commoners are caught in between.
  • The average person just wants to live and has no agenda – they leave politics and war to their liege/ruler and faith.
  • The common person is superstitious, untraveled, illiterate, and uninformed – and kept that way by forces conspiring to control or conquer them.

Patronage

Most PC’s must find the protection and enter into the service of a Patron. Patrons take an active role in the direction of the actions and development of characters. A patron WILL (its a question of when, not if) demand service and an accounting of their servants/bannermen/followers/brethren.

  • Secular: Secular patrons cannot take away any powers or knowledge once given.
  • Mystic: Characters learning magic from a source other than the divine have a debt to be paid typically; the knowledge was given or taught because the character believed in common goals and directions the patron pursued. They were given their powers to further these.

The Great Foes

Orrish Menace: It’s been 4 decades or so since any major incursions by the Orks and Goblins into the Steel Realms. In that time, The Deeping, Hungerdouse, the raids of rape, fire and blood have been pushed into distant memory. The machinations of human politics have filled the gap – stability and prosperity as far a distant memory as the evils of the dark. It’s hard to impress the evils of the long darks upon those who didn’t live through it. Not knowing when the night may erupt with a foulness that takes all life – family, flock, and crop. A taste in the back of your throat so vile sometimes you could not eat for days. Violence was something known to all, and peace but a moment’s respite. Then came the Long Summer, a summer that lasted a half year. The Curtain of Darkness retreated, just a little bit. And after, the Lands of Darkness grew quieter. Sure, there were battles in the passes where they were always fought, but the tunneling under the lands of light and night raids beyond the Curtain of Night have gradually vanished.

Undead Menace: No matter light or dark, the hunger the undead have for the living never ceases. The Lich Lords took the Death God’s power and encased the ancient kingdom of Dundaria in snow and ice. Ever since they have been trying to extend it. Additionally, their minions stalk across the land – literal eyes and ears of their masters, finding times and places to slaughter entire hamlets and settlements and spread fear, violence, and the stench on undeath wide and far.

More Character Materials

Realm's Aptitude Powers: Divine, Occult, and Psychic