The land of Allon is very much England in the 1400’s. The time of the bastard sword and the armored knight. Of course this is a fantasy game, so if you want to be a rapier wielding dandy, go ahead even though the rapier doesn’t become the style for a few hundred years. Magic is uncommon, as are monsters and ghosts. Any encounter with the supernatural should be as dramatic as possible. Machine’s back story is a good use of this idea, without giving anything away he doesn’t want me to, he meets a creature so powerful that it ‘marks’ him permanently.
Other fantasy standards that will be involved will be humanoid monsters. Beastmen, orcs, goblins, whatever you want to call them. They exist and are kept from invading the kingdom by a large wall far to the north. However, in the past few years activity from the north has lessened, so many have forgotten the threat that these creatures represent.
The capital city is called Nehwon, based on a combination of London and Lankhmar (if you’re familiar with it). A large sprawling city of smoke and violence. Street brawls turn into mass knife fights everyday and most of the town guard is too lazy or too corrupt to care. A very powerful thieves guild runs good portions of the city, and even though everyone knows they exist, most feel like there isn’t much that can be done about it.
Nehwon is ruled by King James II, a man in his seventies that came into power after his father, King Richard II, died almost forty years ago. The enitre family line is been in debate ever since Richard I, known as the Usurper, took the throne from old King Charles, almost 100 years ago; and many still believe that the kingdom should go back to Charles’s desendences.
Other political threats come from over seas, Castion and Marmo. Castion is a very religious country that has been attempting to spread itself beyond it’s borders for some time now. The Vaticine Church of the Prophets is the most power organization in the world. King Brerel rules Castion; but the church rules the King. Every major country has temples to the church, it’s agents are there to weaken the political strength so that Castion can take over.
Marmo is a land of fine wine and rolling hills. And one of the strongest military forces ever. The Marmo navy can be found all over the Outer Sea. Their ships are faster and more maneuverable, without losing their firepower. King Piriam, know as the Darkwolf, covets the riches and power he will obtain with each country he takes over. Rumor has it that he is even willing to seek out help from Abyssal lords, if he has to.
More to come later……
