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The glorious kingdoms of Humans, Asuras, and Peri have long been overtaken by the corrupted wasteland of the arid desert. Likewise with the ancient dens of Fenn and conclaves of Saurian clutches which littered the golden plains and low marshlands of the Age of Abundance. And pay no mind to the forgotten Giant Kingdoms, with their monumental cities and esoteric customs, home on the steppes and chalky cliffs overlooking the great sea. These vibrant cultures are now merely mysterious shadows of myth and legend, buried beneath the changing sands and hidden deep within the rocky peaks of Tarisia.
In their wake, new diverse and complex cultures have developed. Built on locale, religion, or mutual interest, more than ancestry or heritage. These cultures are outlined below, providing emotional and social context for characters, along with helping to define motivations, obligations, and allegiances in the savage sands.
Pick one at character creation, meeting all requirements, if applicable. Characters may acquire more during play at the GM’s discretion.
CITY-STATES
THE QUEEN’S CONVOY
Requirements: none
This hero was either born into, or became a part of, Astarte’s Convoy.
He is free to travel within the city of Astarte Ruk, but may not bring guests due to a fear of spies. They already have been, or can be, conscripted for Astarte’s ruthless war campaign at any time.
CUSTOMS
Broadly speaking, members of Astarte’s Convoy are regimented and orderly. Dining is done in large communal gatherings like soldiers in the mess hall, with elders or respected individuals given priority and preference. Deference is given to those of higher rank socially or militarily. Formal
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
- Conscript: this hero, or someone very close to them, served in Astarte’s legion. They may have their choice of one of the following gear upgrades to start: heavy chitin armor, obsidian war axe, or +2 on the next Supplies roll to acquire something not on this list.
- Branded: the reputation of the legion of Astarte proceeds you, and like all of her subjects, you bear The Queen’s Mark, a brand of her sigil on your forehead that identifies you as a member of her Convoy. Astarte isn’t exactly well liked across Tarisia. Suffer –2 on all Persuasion, Performance, or Psi rolls against those distrustful or unfamiliar with you, and –4 against anyone from Wrend.
CHILD OF THE CELESTIAL TWINS
Requirements: none
This hero worships the twin suns, and practices that particular religion as found in the temples of Wrend.
She is free to travel within the city of Wrend, and may even bring guests (whom she is responsible for).
CUSTOMS
Prays three times daily, suns-rise, suns-set, and daily zenith, by facing east and prostrating before their celestial glory. Fasts for the week that the suns cross each other in the sky.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
- Ritual Fasting: years of ritual practice have taught this hero how to endure hunger and thirst for extended periods of time. During the first week without food or water, she receives +2 to Supplies rolls to survive.
- Ritualist: A hero unable to properly practice their rituals and customs finds themselves guilt ridden and become Distracted until they are able to do so.
CULTS AND FAITHS
FIREHEART OF THE HEARTH
Requirements: Psion
Identified as a powerful welder of Psi as a child, this hero was raised in the hallowed halls of The Hearth in Tarkes as a Fireheart. Tasked with tending the sacred flame called The Heart at the center of the forge where Golems are created, Firehearts are trained from youth to hone their psionic abilities for manipulating fire. They can become powerful allies, or deadly adversaries.
CUSTOMS
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ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
- Firestarters: Masters of elemental fire, Firehearts are powerful pyrokinetics gaining a +2 bonus to Psi when manipulating fire. They can make fire psionically with a successful Psi roll.
- Servant of the Flame: Tasked with protecting the sacred flame, and subject to the machinations of the Artificers.
GUILDS AND HOUSES
FACELESS OF BEL
Requirements: Masked, Assassin
The character is one of Bel’s faceless. An Assassin of considerable…
CUSTOMS
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ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
- Name: Description