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Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 30 Jun 2004 10:18 AM |
((Please take this information as commonly known for those that live in Midor or make a special effort to keep abreast of events in Midor.))
Viewpoints of the average Midoran citizen
The common citizen of Midor is very zealous. There is a common belief that the actions of the clergy, especially the increased executions, have been a boon for the cities security and spirit. Individually, the average citizen may express some concern with the harshness of Midoran punishment, but as a group, the Tribunal and the punishment system enjoys popular support.
It should be noted that the average citizen of Midor has a distrust of non-humans, but overall there is a tolerance for elves and dwarves. There is more tolerance towards halflings and gnomes, who are considered less of a threat (probably due to their diminutive size.)
Midoran Guard
The Midoran guard has a reputation for fairness, though at times they stray into the realm of heavy-handedness in their efforts to maintain the peace in Midor. Hatred towards elves amongst the guard has increased significantly in the past several months. There has been no effort to curb this hatred, rather, some would argue that the clergy have encouraged this newfound hatred.
Midoran merchants
Merchants in Midor are like merchants anywhere. They usually mask their personal views for the sake of making coin. It would be rare for a merchant in Midor to deny anyone his or her services unless the potential customer directly insulted the merchant, the church, or Midoran.
The Faithful of Midor
It should be noted that 98% of the citizens of Midor are members of Midoran's Church. Most consider themselves very pious (which isn't the same thing as arrogant, though one could draw that line)
((An OOC note: Personally, I enjoy seeing all kinds of RP, and that includes guards or citizens that are very racist and/or crude in their dealings with outsiders. One of the main points of this thread, however, is to reinforce the idea that the average person in Midor is not crude or ignorant, though crude and ignorant people do exist. They are very faithful, and that faith may override their natural good nature at times. A good example of this is the increase distrust and yes, even hatred of elves. This is driven from the Church, and at times people follow the Church blindly. Kind of like real life, actually.
So please take this post for what it is, some guideline information. It is not intended to tell anyone how to RP, nor do I want people thinking that hatred and racism doesn’t exist in Midor. Hopefully this simply adds more color to the picture.
Oh, and some feedback as to the usefulness of posts like this would be appreciated. I'd like to know if I should post more common knowledge comments, or if I am being redundant.))
Mykal |
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 30 Jun 2004 11:29 AM |
True Order of Midoran
All paladins and clerics of the True Order of Midoran, please PM me to recieve special information regarding common knowledge happenings in the Order. I need to take role call to see who is who out there.
Midoran Clergy
The Lord-Bishop Vidus Khian is obviously gaining power and influence in Midor. He has developed quite a following among the clergy, especially the young fire-brands that have been recently graduating from the Acadamy. The sermon's of these young priests (assuming any PC's actually go to church) speak out against the "evil that has infiltrated Midor" in the form of foriegn influences. Elves are particularly targeted by these young priests.
**side note: The Acadamy of Midoran is where all clergy and paladins are trained. They usually start at a very young age, but there are exceptions to this rule.
Law and Order in Midor
The order of law in Midor has changed significantly since Vidus Khain gained power. The Conclave, which was previously disbanded by White Bishiop Carmen Verit I (some say at the behest of then Lord-Bishop Vidus Khain) has been reinstated under the direct authority of the White Bishop. The Conclave still chooses it's members in secret, a process that is overseen in good faith by the White Bishop and High Paladin. White Bishop Vidus Khain retains full veto authority over all Conclave decisions.
The office of the High Paladin is now occupied by Jongras Uvanle, a recent convert to the holy order of the Righteous Swords. The role of moral protectors fo Midor is mostly shoudered by the Righteous Swords, who are considered superior officers to other paladins in the Order of Midoran.
Magic in Midor
Dark Arts (primarily considered necromancy, diviniation, and conjuring of "evil" creatures) is punishable by death.
All other magic is regulated by the Church. While the Church does not require people to register as magic users, all arcane casters not in league with the Church are overtly discriminated against. The Church encourages all magic users to acknowledge that Midoran is the source of their arcane ability.
There are a few magic users in Midor (as evidenced by the mage tower) and arcane magic is used by the Midoran military. There is no formal mage guild in Midor.
((That's it for now. I'll leave this thread open for comment for now, and eventually I'll consolidate these coments into a single, cleaner thread. Until then, feedback is still welcome.))
Mykal |
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 30 Jun 2004 11:46 AM |
Laws in Midor
Capital Crimes (1st Degree)
**Include Murder, heresy, practicing Dark Arts, worship of a dark god (Menarok, Syn, or Gukathul)
---Punishable by life in prison or death.
Capital Crimes (2nd Degree)
**Arson, Assault resulting in permanent injury, blasphemy, consorting with the dead (includes communication and channeling,) practicing unnatural arts (ie, shapechanging, talking to animals, etc), sedition, etc.
---Punishable by extended prison time and/or the removal of hands, feet, eyes, or ears depending on the severity of the crime.
Felonies (1st degree)
**Includes Assault with intend to kill, extortion, inciting faithlessness, preaching for false gods
---Punishable by lengthy prison time, loss of property and land, scourging and significant fines
Felonies (2nd degree)
**Includes Theft, violating contracts, defacing the Church (fairly vague law here,) inciting a riot, participating in a riot, disobeying a direct order from a lawful official (ie guard)
---Punishable by prison time, scourging, and significant fines.
Misdemeanor Crimes
**Includes disturbing the peace, all other crimes that could reasonably be considered minor.
---Punishable by a short stay in prison or a fine.
((I know players are creative, so this list does not include every crime on the books. Any unique crimes will be placed into one of these categories, assuming there is a trial) |
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 30 Jun 2004 01:10 PM |
((Here comes some information that, to be blunt, didn't exist until recently. However, I am pleased to implement this, as it helps to add depth to Midoran culture.))
More on Paladins
Officially, paladins are divided into three Divisions, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Templar Division. They serve as lieutenants in the Midoran military. A few paladins forgo official military duty, instead choosing to be knight-errant's of Midoran. Knight-errant wander the lands, bringing Midoran's justice to the oppressed, weak and innocent.
Unofficially, Paladins belong to either the Chapter of the Lion, the Chapter of the Eagle, or the Chapter of the Gryphon. All believe strongly in the Midoran virtue of Courage, a belief which all paladins profess. Few outside of the Order know the specific differences or unique rituals inherent in each Order.
The Chapter of the Lion
Preceptor: High-Captian Connee Salian
Description: Paladins belonging to the Chapter of the Lion attracts the true soldiers of the Order of Midoran. Paladins in this Chapter hone their bodies and minds for combat perfection. They do not actively seek combat, and in fact do what they can to avoid fighting. When forced, however, these paladins are fearless and skilled combatants. Decisive and deliberate, they are men and women that are quick to action. The greatsword is the weapon of choice for paladins in the Chapter of the Lion, however, they are encouraged to learn all they can in their martial pursuits.
Chapter of the Eagle
Preceptor: High-Captain Kadrian Donnel
Description: The Chapter of the Eagle attracts paladins that believe that peaceful resolution can occur in any conflict. Just because paladins in the Chapter of the Eagle value peace does not mean they are unwilling to fight. While not as skilled in combat arts as the Order of the Lion, these paladins can easily hold their own on the battlefield. When faced with a potentially hostile situation, however, these paladins will always try to find a non-violent solution first. They tend to be very slow to anger and normally stoic. Their only weapons of choice are the greatsword or the long sword.
Chapter of the Gryphon
Preceptor: High-Captain Corbin Slade
Description: Even those with scholarly interests at times become paladins of Midoran. Those that do find a home in the Chapter of the Gryphon. Members of this Chapter can be found more often in the La Sapienza of the Midoran library wearing robes then clad in armor on the training fields. The Chapter of the Gryphons is the smallest of the three chapters of paladins. Their preferred weapon is the long sword, however, combat is something they seldom participate in. |
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 30 Jun 2004 01:16 PM |
My thanks to Catcher for his good work.
Capitol: Midor
Government
Type: Theocracy
Head of State: White Bishiop and High Paladin (Highest ranking member of the clergy and the paladin order respectively).
Source of Power: Theocratic Fiat
Concentration of Power: The Two keep one another in check and balancen and collectively they have all say over things. In cases of disputes, being closer to Midoran, the Clergy have more sway to matter. Each is counselled by their own panel of advisors.
Advisory Layer: The Conclave can be considered the legislative branch of the Midoran government. It has the ability to approve or repeal Midoran laws. It is subject to veto by both the White Bishop and the High Paladin. Membership of the Conclave is secret and is said to contain everything from high lords to homeless beggars. Known member are: The White Bishop, two Lord-Bishops, the High Paladin, two High-Captians. The Conclave has recently been reconstituted by order of White Bishop Vidus Khain. Khain retains sole veto authority in the reconsituted Conclave.
Source of Power: Theocratic decree and Military command
Enforcement Layer: The paladins of the Order of Midoran are responsible for protecting Midor and carrying out all military decisions. With the disolussion of the Conclave, the clergy has taken a direct role in the day to day operations of the city.
Cohesion: The government is very cohesive due to the belief that governmental decisions are the direct will of Midoran.
Population
Total: Approximatly 150,000 including the surrounding areas and Paws. (based on estimate from last major census.)
Area Distribution: Concentrated around Midor and road to Brandibuck and the Paws area.
Ethnic Distribution: 90% Human, 3% Dwarvish, 2% Gnomish, 2% Halfling, 2% Half-Elf, 1% Other
Technology Level: Upper Middle Ages.
Arcane Magic Level: Few mages live in the population of Midor. They practice only with the approval of the Church. Wizards are not required to join the church. Some magic, refered to by the Church as the “Dark Arts,” is prohibited. These schools of magic include Necromancy, Divination, and some forms of Conjuring.
Divine Magic Level: Medium-High (With a strong Lawful church but no Druidic tradition.)
Varied Arcane spell casters are treated with mistrust and ill-will (apart from those who managed to talk-con others, one way or another, into thinking his/her crafts are of divine origins). Intolerance for arcane spell casters is deliberatly promoted by the Church, as as full acceptance would undermine the Church's status. In general wizards in good standing with the Church are thought of as scholars. and are more highly regarded than sorcerers.
Social Alignment: Lawful Good/Lawful Neutral.
Social Structure: Theocracy: The city of Midor has a small but growing “middle class” but most are peasants in the service of the church or nobility. Areas surrounding Midor, including Paws, are ruled by various noblemen under the protection of the Order of Midoran.
Religious Distribution: ~ 98% Midoran, 2% Other.
Economics
Agriculture: Advanced technology but growing season is short due to elevation and more erratic weather pattern. Production of meat animals is actually probably easier. Think the area of Montana/Wyoming in the US. Overall a good agricultural base.
Hunting/Fishing: Hunting is a fairly good business around Midor. Furs are, of course, valuable. Fishing is a bit more problematic. There are rivers around but the quick falloff from the Heaven's Spine in the sea means little shelf so there's no shallows for Ocean fishing.
Forestry: The trees are plentiful out away from the city, but they're more likely evergreens with a number of Maple and Aspen. With few Elves and Druids, Midor probably harvests more aggressively to make up for the lack of quality.
Mining: Some ore and other metals, but most ore received through trade with dwarves.
Crafts (Manufactured Goods): A Lawful society with a stable government and longer winters would all suggest a strong industrial base.
Commerce: Like the Crafts section, Midor offers a fertile field for Commerce but limited avenues to success. There is a well establishedmerchant trade within Midor itself and a set of merchants who work with the sea trade to Port Royale.
Culture
Religion: Centered around the faith of Midoran. Followers of Midoran are extremely devout, leaving little room for other belief systems.
Social Stratification: Midor has significant spaces between social strata are great. At the top of the social structure is the noblemen and clergy. Nobles of Midor have little real power, as most of the power is centered in the Church and the Order of Midoran. Nobles can serve on the Conclave, which affords them a modicim of power. Clergy ranking Bishoip and higher are virtual nobles in their own right. They wield actual power through their Church status.
A small but growing middle class is appearing in Midor as a result of an increase in industrialization technology. The middle-class wields little political power, however, their growing economic influence concerns the Church.
Peasants are at the bottom of Midoran society. While not necessarily serfdom, their lack of economic power and lack of education leaves most with no choice other then manual labor. Peasants in Midor are, as a general rule, treated well, though discipline is harsh for those that disobey or disrespect their betters.
Institutions: The primary institution in Midor is, of course, the church of Midoran. The Church’s auspicious are vast, including various charities, intense religious education programs (youth and adult), economic development programs, and work training programs.
Social Inclinations: Midoran’s are very justice oriented. They have absolute faith that the infalliable judgment of the Church, because to them, the church is Midoran’s word on Vives. Good and evil are black and white concepts for the average Midoran. Midoran’s accept that harsh discipline and strict laws are necessary to maintain proper social order |
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 12 Nov 2004 07:44 PM |
| *Smile* |
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 28 Jan 2005 06:16 PM |
*BUMP*
((I know it is alot to read, but anyone who wants to know more about Midor [paladins, I am talking to you] should take a gander.
-Mykal)) |
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 02 Feb 2005 05:11 PM |
-Some quick Midoran common knowlege updates-
*Lord-Bishop Vidus Khain is alive and well, but he has not been seen in public for several months. He still communicates to the faithful of Midoran through letters to the Church. It is rumored that he is ill, but there is no evidence of that. His letters have continued to promote his agenda of Midoran protectionism, including calls on the Midoran people to be "Pure of heart, pure of mind, and pure of body. Midor," he writes, "must never fall victim to the darkness which threatens our very walls each day. The impurity of the unfaithful, and especially of the lost that follow false gods, still is eating away at the foundation of our grand city." He continues on, urging the people to "Not give in to the false prophets of the elven gods, or the poison words of the heretics. Midor's strength is in it's faithfulness. Never forget that."*
*High Captain Phillippe Jongras has been traveling extensively recently. No one knows where he has been going.*
*Blanche La Belle, priestess of Midor, is considered dead by most people (both Midoran's and non-Midorans)*
*The paladins of the Order know of that Blanche La Belle has been deemed the White Maiden of Midor. They also know that she is still alive, but they are very close lipped on the subject.*
*The Church of Midoran has recently rejected yet another request to lift the ban on archeological digs in and around the city, much to the frustration of the Midoran Archeological Society.*
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Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 29 Aug 2005 02:29 AM |
Recent History: Terror in Midor
Bloody Rampage in Midor [19 May 04]
((If you're playing a Midoran, you would DEFINITELY know about this event. Thanks to Coruva for pointing me to the thread.)) |
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 01 Sep 2005 08:42 PM |
((quick question, would it be common knowledge that Vandle is wanted dead or alive by Midor? Would they have put up wanted posters and the like?
-V)) |
I'm The Cult of Personality. |
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 01 Sep 2005 08:48 PM |
((Good point! I knew I missed something.))
Enemies of Midor
Wanted in Midor |
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 04 Sep 2005 02:34 AM |
Recent History: Dissension in the Holy City
To All True Servants and Followers of Midoran! [03 Jul 2004]
Rumblings of rebellion and dissent. Still relevant today, especially considering current events. |
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 06 Sep 2005 08:34 AM |
Paladins vs Clerics
Being a paladin or cleric of Midoran is an either/or situation: either you're one, or you're the other.
Midoran's clergy and paladins undergo years of intensive training at the Isle of Midoran. They have separate orders led by the White Bishop and High Paladin respectively. The splitting of the orders is said to encompass Justice and Courage, and Justice and Temperance in the bodies of his worshippers – yet symbolizing the fact that none other than Him can fully understand all three. It's also thought that the tradition dates back to the Salvation of Aristi and the founders of the two orders.
((For this reason, Paladins and Clerics of Midoran should stay pure-classed. It simply makes no sense to combine the two classes with anything else, especially each other.)) |
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 07 Sep 2005 01:56 PM |
A clarification -
some multiclasses with Paladin do make sense - divine champion (aka, the missnamed champion of torm), and fighter.
Midoran Clerics can multiclass to other classes that make sense - mage, but not druid, Sorcerer, Divine champion and a few others.
Midoran Paladins cannot become Midoran Clerics and vica versa.
A Paladin can become a cleric in another faith, but they must renounce their paladinhood (and lose their powers) first.
Any questions, send a message to all DMs and we will answer.
- Paul |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
--
"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
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<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 08 Sep 2005 05:48 PM |
| How much of what happened to the Fire Knives is common knowledge? Or information about them and their acts in Midor? |
Fury Hokkunen, Elven Rogue
Freya, Human Fighter |
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 08 Sep 2005 06:18 PM |
I'd say that the Justification of the Fire Knives is definitely common knowledge, no doubt highly publicised by the RS as one of the decisive actions that the RS has taken to safeguard the civilian population from lawless criminals.
Information that most PCs would know is covered in the linked thread (2nd post, in OOC brackets). |
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 08 Sep 2005 07:31 PM |
| Perfect, thanks. Freya spent some time in the Library of Midor trying to find information about the Fire Knives, I wasn't sure how much she would discover. |
Fury Hokkunen, Elven Rogue
Freya, Human Fighter |
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 08 Sep 2005 09:07 PM |
((Information on the fireknives in the Midor Library? PM me and tell me what you are trying to do and how you are doing it
- Paul)) |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
--
"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
--
<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 02 Oct 2005 09:30 AM |
Tales from Players
From the Journal of the Last Son [15 Oct 04, Byron]
Schism [5 Jul 05, Fictrix & Bolgryn]
Letters Undelivered [13 Sep 05, Fictrix]
Academy Facts: Trials of Faith
Both priests and paladins undergo a series of rigorous trials of faith as part of their training at the Midoran Academy.
The final test that paladins undergo is to perform a Lay On Hands, as it is a sign that Midoran approves of them becoming a paladin and has granted them the ability to become a divine warrior. Divine champions also undergo this test.
The initiates are taken to Midor Infirmary by a priest, who assesses them in this final test. |
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 05 Nov 2005 08:42 PM |
The Righteous Swords
* Very little is actually known about The Righteous Swords.
* The term "Righteous Sword" refers collectively to Righteous Sword Mystics, Enforcers, Knights and Inquisitors.
* The above list is roughly in order of least important to most important.
* Paladins and Righteous Swords outrank all members of the regular army and are considered senior officers (equivalent to, say, air officer ranks in an Air Force as opposed to normal officer ranks). Paladins and Righteous Swords are equal in rank... though Righteous Swords are slightly more equal.
* They came from nowhere. When Vidus became the White Bishop, they simply appeared when he revealed their presence. No one knows where they came from.
* Righteous Swords are all NPCs. There are no PC Righteous Swords. There are no PC ex-Righteous Swords.
* The exception to the rule is any Paladin who accepted Vidus' offer to Paladins to quit the Paladin Order and join the Righteous Sword Knights (eg. Sir Percival Sanner). |
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 05 Nov 2005 08:57 PM |
Status of The Paladin Order
* The Paladin Order has steadily dwindled in numbers and reputation over the past year or two.
* By the time The Battle of the Plains took place, the great majority of Paladins had deserted Midor to join the rebel army. Very few remained in Midor; therefore when the Midoran army marched against the rebels, the army was mostly comprised of Righteous Swords, with a handful of Paladins in their ranks.
* Now The Paladin Order is almost up to full strength again, many of the wayward Paladins having returned after Midoran made his appearance on the Battle of the Plains. Nearly the entire rebel army deserted to re-join Midoran in that fateful battle.
* The handful that did not go back to Midoran are either dead, scattered and disillusioned, or still stand firmly by The White Maiden. The dead number somewhere in the 2-300s. The scattered are approximately 60. Those who still stand by Blanche number fewer than 10. ((These numbers are not common knowledge, and are known only to survivors on the rebel side))
Status of Rebel Paladins
* Any PC who abandons Midoran and ceases to be a Midoran Paladin can no longer use their spells or powers. From the moment they renounce Midoran, that is it. Zip. Zilch. No powers.
* Is there an alternative form of redemption? FOIG.
* Regardless of what you may have been told, to regain these powers again some other way will require RP and DM intervention. You cannot instantly convert. There will be a period where you have nothing. Whether you remain powerless depends on your RP. |
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Re: Common knowledge from Midor
Posted: 07 Nov 2005 07:06 PM |
Status of Rebel Paladins
* Clarification: you cannot regain your powers without DM intervention. Don't use them.
* Regardless of what the heretic rebels will tell you, the only new (level 1) paladins that can be made at the moment are still Midoran Paladins. Same goes for multiclassing to paladin (ie you don't have paladin levels at the moment, but ever since meeting the rebels, you've wanted to take them): consult the DM team first. |
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