Big Dread — Roleplayer Guild

HOUSE WARS AND BLOOD FEUDS IN OLD VENARA

I write this as my last will and testament. I fear for the fall of my own House. Long has our Noble House of Delorano stood. Weathered all storms and stood strong in the face of war and peace, yet, perched on the precipice of utter demise, I find myself. Our Old City's Patron, and my oldest friend, Eduardo Perfori lays dead in his crypt. Soon enough I shall join him, with the likes of all my descendants and Household. Illness took him, as it did my one true love and wife. Both of them have been lost to me for two years now. I can hardly bear to watch the golden sunrise over the Sapphire Sea. I see it's glittering waves and thinking only of the time we three spent, laughing, and drinking too much in the grand palace. Now, I have only the ravens and shadows to keep me company as I write this. 
	My friend died in the plague that swept our fair and old city of Venara, two years gone. So many died then, too many. It was like the hand of devastation swept over our people in jealousy for our glory. The dark gods looked on our golden sandstone buildings and spat ruin upon us. That was a dark time, yet, the shadow cast now makes those times look like a fine Summer's day. It was only after our dear Patron's death that the sharks began to circle our fair city. The blood they smelled, it was the blood of nobility, and promise. 
	In the months that followed the death of Eduardo, his family fell to ruin. It was not the hand of fate that laid them low, no, it was the hands of the forces that now seek my own head. They came from the shadows and slew his family. One by one they died. With no line of succession, the Gold Counsel was left to try and choose a new Patron. I did my best, can you fault me Talos? Do you not see all men's hearts? Do you not see my sincerity? My efforts were in vain. In under a year the Heads of the Great Houses began to die. Killed by the same foul cult that destroyed our Patron's family. I wonder now if the plague was even a natural occurrence. I have become paranoid in my old age, and, my position. I am the last of The Gold Counsel that still yet lives. I know this will not last long. I can hear the guards of my manor fighting. I do not need to look to know they are losing. The assassins that slew the other Counsel members are powerful, perhaps even Marked. 
	Once the assassinations began, the Counsel started to tear itself apart. Blood Feuds were declared. I have been the subject of many of these. I do not know if the people here to kill me now are part of the original plot, or, just one of the Great Houses that demand my death. It is the doom of the survivor to suffer the wrath of others' loss. I shall bear this burden with grace. I do not fear these killers. When they reach me I will have already sent this message out to my family in our city keep. I die and transfer all my holdings and means to them. What remains of it, that is. The raids on our plantations and shipping lanes have brought us near to ruin. 
	I beseech you, my children, my heirs, my Household, put an end to this chaos. Make peace with those you can, and, rally the Old City to you. Bring them back together before the gathering darkness consumes us all. This conspiracy runs deeply, my children. It stems from the Heart of Venara, and, beats its poison into our beloved city. Purge this impurity from our lands and subjects. Do not bow to the shadow that seeks to cast our golden city in darkness. I love you all. Know my heart and spirit is with you. Rise from this blow as I know you can. Let not the House of Delorano be lost to time. Let not the sickness that eats at Venara flourish. Seek Grace and Nobility. Stand tall and strong. Farewell, I shall see you all in the Afterworld.
	- Patriarch of House Delorano, Leon Delorano.

This is a time of turmoil for the grand city of Venara. Shadowy groups work in the background for unknown motives. The Great Houses tear at each other's throats, blaming each other for any perceived slight. House Delorano has become the scapegoat for many of these Houses and they seek to burn it to the ground. The Houses no longer respect the rules of the Blood Feuds and fight openly in the streets. Foes meet in duels and then dance the next night at grand balls, held where vendettas are supposed to be forgotten. Can the members of House Delorano stand against the tide of vengeance that seeks to wash over them all? Can they root out the conspiracy that seeks to undermine the very city of Venara itself? Or, will they become part of the shadow that will cast itself over the whole world? A game of intrigue, nobility, duels, and assassination awaits you, do you have the Grace and Cunning to play it? Sail with me to Venara, jewel of the continent of Taloreign, take back your great city for House Delorano!

Venara has stood for four thousand years. It has steadily grown and prospered. The city itself is a massive sprawl of stone buildings ranging in height from just a few floors in the packed slums to the towering manor-keeps of the Houses. Most of the buildings of the city are wall to wall, with a few alleys passing through the breaks in the builds. The best way to get around The Old City is to follow the main roads, packed with people and the stalls of merchants from all over Taloreign. The city itself spreads from one side of the large island the city is named after to the other, the dock districts butting up against the beaches and cliff walls that drop into the Sapphire Sea. There is an old saying in Venara, "If you ever find yourself lost, follow a stray cat and it shall show you the Old City's splendor."

Venara is a place of contradiction in many cases. It has a single inherited title that functions like a king, called the Patron of Venara, or just, The Patron. This position is subject to the will of the Golden Counsel though. The Golden Counsel is the body of the government that makes and approves laws for the City of Venara and its surrounding territories. The Counsel is made up of the Heads of the ten most powerful Noble families in the city. These powers often compete with each other for position and wealth, occasionally a Blood Feud will be declared. A Blood Feud is a legal declaration of war between two Houses. During the time the Feud is active any violence perpetuated against or by the Feuding Houses is permuted. However, any damages that are caused to Venara as a whole are still punishable. This makes the Houses walk a thin line where violence can be undertaken to seize assets or avenge a slight, but, they can not harm other Houses or citizens in the process. A Blood Feud can be requested but it must be approved by a simple majority of the Counsel and not vetoed by the Patron. Once that is done the Houses receive a Right of Vendetta. If the other House's Right is seized or terms are reached, the Feud is ended.

Humans:
The most common group in Old Venara. They are what makes up the vast majority of the population. They are the chosen people of Talos and the ones chosen to inherit the world, or so the old legends say. They have a variety of looks, builds, and levels of skill. They are seen as entirely normal and this works both for them and against them. Humans are the shortest lived all the races in Taloreign and they make up for this with their ability to learn quickly and well. 

- Mechanical benefits: Humans have a +1 to any one skill they wish.

Talosian:
While humans may be the chosen people of Talos, the Talosians are those who can trace their bloodline back him directly. They are the least common race in all Taloreign. The Talosian are characterized by booming voices that match their massive size. Even the shortest Talosian stands at seven feet tall. They have extreme coloring in both eyes and hair, often having the two be opposites of each other, with completely white hair and dark black eyes being common. Talosians live naturally for around three hundred years, bearing the age like a human might transition from one phase of life to another. Talosians find breeding rather difficult. Not only does their size make breeding with a smaller race challenging but also their fertility is poor. When a Talosian becomes pregnant or impregnates another race there is also no guarantee that the child will be Talosian at all. It seems their age of power is waning. 

- Mechanical benefits: +2 Athleticism. -1 to Skulduggery. 

Elves:
The longest lived race on Taloreign, often living up to seven hundred years and staying rather vital throughout their entire lifespan. The elves of Taloreign are often considered almost mythical in nature. However, they once great kingdoms and powers have long since faded after Talos led the humans in the conquest six millennia ago. The elves are fair of skin and features, with thin lithe bodies. Often shorter than humans and lacking as much mass. The elves are renowned for their grace and wisdom, the later trait they have showed well by completely integrating in the human society. Maintaining only their religion as their tie to what culture they once had. 

-Mechanical Benefits: +2 Grace. -1 Athleticism. 

Umbrakin: 
Just as the Talosians are those who can trace their bloodline to Talos himself, the Umbrakin can trace theirs to the ancient enemy that once threatened all the world. Refereed to now only as the Umbra, this force of darkness was driven from the world long ago by Talos and his armies. The Umbrakin do not revel in their heritage, at least not in public, and many are looked down on for having the touch of the Umbra on them. Umbrakin have a look like they are human's on death's door. they often have sunken features and dull eyes and hair. They also breathe very little and have very slow heartbeats. Many houses keep a group of Umbrakin spies and assassins on hand because their minimal bodily functions make them ideal for infiltration. However, this same thing often makes them slow to move and difficult to look at. 

Mechanical Benefits: +2 skulduggery. -1 Grace.

Venara is a sub-tropical region set in the southern most tip of a large archipelago called His Holy Reach. The city and island that it sits on have no room for farming as the Old City has expanded from tip to tip. The surrounding small islands though grow a variety of valuable good like exotic spices and fine cottons. The climate is also a wonderful place to grow grapes for vineyards and Venaran wine is some of the finest in the world. There are only two seasons in venara, dry and wet. Often in the wet seasons the island is struck by massively powerful storms, but, the city has been guilt to withstand these storm surges and often only the dock districts and slums flood.

Venarans are a very fashion conscious people. they have often been the leaders for fashion in the rest of Taloreign. The current fashion revolves around color. Putting together outfits with as much color as possible, often using alternating panels of bright colors if the cost is bearable. The style of clothing is very distinct as well. Venara is a place of heat and moist air, therefor, many men prefer breathable garments of silk and light cottons with broad hats keep the sun out of their eyes, and all the better to put a colorful feather in. The women of Venara are often scoffed by the main-landers for their love of revealing gowns and their tendency to wear pants when not at official functions. Venarans on the other hand find that wearing stuffy gowns all the time to be stifling and highly impractical.

Melee Weapons:
Side-Sword: Sometimes just refereed to as a sword, or, the Venaran Sword. the side-sword is a combination of a blade that is effective for both cutting and thrusting with a complex hand guard. The blade is nearly always double edged and many nobles spend great deals of money ornamenting these fine swords. 

Rapier: A new weapon to the world. Its place has been firmly set as a powerful hand weapon for the nobility. This long thrust focused sword sports a complex guard and greater reach than the side-word it has evolved from. These weapons are not yet seeing full adoption though due to their length and the Venarans' attachment to the side-sword.

Stiletto: The favorite fighting knife of the Venarans. A long and thin blade perfect for punching through the thick coats of nobles walking down the wrong alley. These blades are very poor at cutting but boast an immense penetration ability. 

Other: Many other weapons exist in Venara, but, are less common do to their lack of portability or association with brutish behavior. Longswords, axes, halberds, and bucklers are often used by mercenaries or bodyguards not concerned with fashion though and are still effective. 

Ranged Weapons:
The wheel Lock Firearm: The prized achievement of Venaran engineering. These weapons have spelled the death of the bow and hail a new age of gunpowder and lead. There are three main variants of the wheel lock; the pistol, musket, and the scattergun. The pistol is a heavy handle of wood with a short metal barrel along the top of it. The wheel lock mechanism sits just over where the shooter holds it. The musket is the main tool of the Venaran military. it is a muzzle loaded length of steel and wood that stands the height of a man. These weapons fire a large projectile that can tear limbs of foes free of their body. Often when the shooter fires the first shot they will plug the barrel with a bayonet and fight with the musket like a heavy spear. Lastly, the scattergun, favored by street gangs and marines alike. This weapon is shorter than the musket and has a much wider barrel that flares out at the end. These firearms range from simple tools for those who need them to marvelous display pieces put together by master gunsmiths.

Bows:
While not nearly as common as they once were, the bow still sees some use in Venaran society. It is often cheaper to have a bow rather than a gun, but, there are few uses for such weapons in the crowded streets of Venara unless you intend to kill someone silently. These weapons are often kept as reminders of the past and find use amoung some of the most devious killers in the Old City.

Crossbows: Even less common than the bow now that the advent of guns has taken Venara. The crossbow is still used by some who value its historical value or who just enjoy the virtues of the weapon. However, those who use them are often viewed as eccentric at best and foolish at worst. 

Armor:
Armor has become less and less common in the streets and militarizes of Venara. Gun have made most armors less than effective. The most common types of armor seen in Venara is by far the buff jacket. The buff jacket is a thick coat or jacket, often stylish, that is reinforced with heavy weave cloth and leather at the vital points. Breastplates are also common for soldier and guards. It makes them easily identifiable and offers protection from blades and clubs around the vitals of the wearer.

The Religions of Venara are four fold. While many people in the Old City just think of these religions as old fables designed to guide the actions mankind, there are many still who believe strongly still. The largest of the four religions is The Talosian Church. The Church, as it is normally called, teaches the tenants of social service and the preservation of laws and society. Many skeptics refer to The Church as just a simple social control system that demands people to accept their station in life and work to further the goals of the social order. The Church denies this though. Instead countering with the histories that show Talos supported their ideas and that those who serve well will be used for their skill in the Afterworld, where they will serve Talos directly and receive great rewards for deft service.  The second largest religion of the four is Trearian, the faith in The Three Sisters. This faith is upheld by many elves who wish to remember their now nearly erased culture. The Trearans focus on taking steps to improve their own lives by acts of wisdom and ambition. However, the faith directly condemns the actions that many take with Trearan as their shield. the Three Sisters command not to harm others if it can be avoided, even if that means you must improve your own position in another way. To succeed in life while doing no harm is the ultimate goal of true Trearans. Those who follow The Umbra are few and far between. The Umbra does not speak to its followers and has no tenants to offer them. These cults often just seek the downfall of the current social order and it has been used a symbol by many anarchist groups. The Old Drakes also do not function as a true faith. Instead The Draconians often just hold up the power and skill of the lone dead dragons as something to emulate and seek power and wealth where they can. This faith is often favored by many mercenary groups and thieves.

Magic is something only the Gods can give. to gain their favor you must undergo and often painful and mentally damaging arcane ritual. Despite the power it provides, The Marked often hide their status to avoid being socially ostracized and retribution from rival gods' followers. Nearly all noble Houses keep one or two Marked in their employ at all times just for their usefulness. These Marked are often loyal servants or members of the main family itself to make sure they have ample reason to keep their Marked nature hidden. Most gods only offer their Marks to those of their chosen race, however humans can be Marked by any god and the spirits of the Ancient Drakes do not care what race they mark. Each god's Mark is placed on the body in a different place and is a different symbol. The Marks are described below.

-Mark of Talos: The Mark of Talos is offered to humans and Talosians. The symbol is a glowing white brand 										                           over the heart and is the symbol of the Eye, for Talos watches all. 
 The Mark of Talos is the Mark of vigor. All those Marked have strength beyond their normal means and heal quickly. The Marked gets +3 to Athleticism and heals all accumulated wounds in a single day.

	-Mark of The Three Sisters: The Elven goddesses are the three sisters. Past, Present, and Future. They Mark elves and humans with their wisdom and insight. The Mark of The Three Sisters is  centered between the shoulder blades of the Marked and is a symbol of two hands clasping the wrist of a third. The Marked seems wise to things they could not know an unnaturally skilled at decision making. The Marked has +2 to Acumen and can sense the surface thoughts of those they are conversing with. 

	-Mark of The Umbra: The Umbra is a force that lies in captivity by the hands of Talos. it seeks to undermine what now stands and Marks those Umbrakin and humans that seek it out. It gives its power to them in exchange for its whispers in their heads to destroy the systems of control that keep society moving. The Mark is a fanged and snarling set of teeth on the right back of the right hand of The Marked. The Marked gains the ability to push or pull objects with arcane power. this pull or push is invisible and based onThe Marked's weight. If the Marked tries to push an object that is heavier than they are, they are repulsed instead. If they pull a heavier object that is heavier they are pulled to it instead. This push or pull functions at full force at all times, it can not be reduced in force. No object that is made of organic matter can be effected, nor anything in the body of another. 

	-The Mark of The Old Drakes: The Old Drakes are a strange thing indeed. The ancient dragons that have long since left this world still have echos in it. Their Mark is how they effect the world still. Offering their power to any who would seek them out. The symbol is different for each dragon that Marks its chosen. The Marked is blessed with the talents of the Old Drakes which can take some very odd forms, and, is never quite the same from Marked to Marked.

- Athleticism: To run, jump, lift, move, and tumble. It is how physically powerful and well trained your character is. It is used for most physical actions.

- Archery: The ancient and noble use of the bow. While these weapons have almost fallen entirely out of use in Venara, some still practice its use and prefer its silence. This covers the use of all bows from longbows to composite. 

- Brawling: Fighting in its most basic form. Whether it's the use of a stiletto in an alleyway, or, the broken portion of chair leg in a ball room, Brawling is how well your character fights with their bare hands and any type of less noble weapon. Knives, rifle butts, and clubs all fall under this category.

- Grace: The controlled and intentional movements of a dance or the careful and small actions taken by the hands and fingers. Grace is how well your character can conduct themselves, and, avoid giving offense. This covers all courtly activities from dancing to pleasant conversation. 

- Gunnery: The age of the bow has passed, behold the wheel lock firearm. These powerful tools come in pistols, rifles, and scatter guns. Marksmanship is your skill at caring for and using your firearms, no matter what kind. 

- Dueling: The virtuous art of the sword. Rapiers and Side-swords are the fashion of the day and the use of these elegant tools in the hands of a master is nothing short of majestic. Dueling is the training and use of the swords of Venara, as well as anything that is similar enough, like canes. 

- Soldiery: Not all men fight with their hands or with noble swords. there must always be those willing to fight with the weapons of war. This is the use of all things not covered by brawling and dueling. Spears, axes, crossbows, and halberds. 

- Skulduggery: So many things can not be done in the light of day. Skulduggery is the art of stealth and thievery. To creep in the night around back alleys or to lift the favorite snuff box from a belt pouch, light feet and light fingers are the trademark of skulduggery. 

- Acumen: Judgement and decision making. In particular the ability to administrate and select the right team for the job. Acumen comes into play when a task is delegated or when working with the finances of a business venture and crafting contracts. It can also be used to make the law work for you when it ought not.  

- Reputation: The essence of all nobility and thugs alike. the ability to cultivate and use your renown to your advantage is indeed a worthy skill. Reputation is used when you want to impress, intimidate, or make an impression on someone, for good or ill.

The Dark Side thrummed in anticipation. There was blood, fear, anger, death, and suffering to feed it. The events that were to unfold rippled backward into the minds of all those who would dare open their ears to it. The screams of dying men filled Silas' mind. The music a crescendo to the pulsing of the Force in him. His breaths quickened. The moment before a battle was like the lingering touch of a lover just before the first time they made love. It was patient ecstasy. It was a promise of fulfillment and an end to need. Silas' lips pulled into a grin at the sight of a Twi'lek's dying face. He had never seen that man before. He did not know his tale or what his dreams were. He only knew that he would kill him. The massive Sith could feel the Twi'lek's dismay ripple to him from the future. It was water and wine to a man dying of thirst. 

Silas turned his attention to the men around him. He stood nearly a head taller than each and every one of them. Many of them were powerful and skilled, but, none had his prodigious size. He loomed like a shadow over the faces of men, and yet, could vanish from them just as quickly. He rather enjoyed the strange powers he possessed. Many times the stories were told about small men and women using their guile and stealth to evade and defeat their foes. Silas enjoyed both ends of the spectrum. He could seem to vanish in plain sight and reappear when it was most terrible for his foes. When he chose to be seen, he was a tower of fear and menace. Both of his companions were slight of build, yet still powerful, and, the contrast with him was amusing. He looked over at them as they crossed his mind. They both were holding hands, as they always did before a battle. They feared what they had become. why should they not? Their lives had all been stolen and then they were taught to turn aside all laws and limits. Their master of course was the exception to that tenant. Weakness. Silas hated that the three of them were used and tossed aside like tools. They were worth far more than just murdering children. 

The ship shook again, the anti-air towers were operational. Just like his dream had warned. They could do little to the ship though. It was only an annoyance. Silas' enhanced senses picked up the twist of the nozzle on Maegr's atomizer. Silas frowned. It was his biggest failure. Both his and Arianna's. They had failed to keep those drugs from being a part of Maegr's life. They had tried to help as much as they could. Arianna did not have Silas' gift of stealth though, she was caught. He could not save her from the torment their master had inflicted. The Sith's hand tensed, his gloves stretching in protest of the tightness. The Sith seized his hatred for his master. He inhaled it as his placed the blast mask over his dark skinned face. The mask let out a hiss as it attached to the lining around his face. He grasped the hood of his dark gray officer's coat and pulled it up over his very short hair, attaching it to the mask as well so it would not fall. He rolled his large shoulders and felt his mouth pull into a spiteful grin as the hatch opened revealing their victims. 

Silas landed with his two companions, saber springing to life in his massive hand. His visor picked out nearly thirty targets in the surrounding area. The data was forwarded to the pilot of the Ravenbeak and in a few seconds the soldiers were laid to waste in a haze of ship board weapons fire. Silas looked around, letting his visor and enhanced sight pick out any other threats. His visor marked each of the defense towers and he sent the information and target data to the storm troopers. They were professionals, and, skilled soldiers they did not need him to command them to do what needed to be done. He would just keep an open channel with them and continue to feed them tactical data. Silas began to walk toward the front entrance of the temple, cloaked from detection in the Force. 

As he neared the door it was quickly thrown open by three soldiers. Each of them held a thermal detonator, ready to throw. They looked over silas and to his companions. He raised his hand, catching the three grenades just before they left the men's hands. The balls hovered in mid air for no reason as far as the men could tell. Each one of them stared, dumbfounded by the hovering explosives. Their confusion was cut brutally short by the detonators exploding and reducing the men and most of the doorway to smoke and vapor. Silas turned from the door looking at his two friends. Behind his mask he was grinning, eyes wild. On the outside he was a faceless thing in a gray uniform, emotionless. His deep voice radiated out of the mask with a robotic quality, "Did you see the looks on their faces!?" he punctuated the statement with a short burst of laughter, then made an explosion sound with his lips before turning back to the blown open door.

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