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Fax
Aug 25, 2016 9:13:38 GMT -5
Post by Scott on Aug 25, 2016 9:13:38 GMT -5
Toss around some ideas to develop this town. Set in the middle of the Wild Coast on the coast, and on the edge of the forest, it seems like the perfect locale. Guild-held, I see it as basically neutral with a strong criminal element: thieves, assassins, pirates, slavers, smugglers, but they are not in the open with it. Probably a fair number of Displaced Thorin-like dwarves and gnomes from the Pomarj. A fair amount of elves and half-elves. Half-orcs would be common. Lots of mercenaries. High number of fighters and thieves. A few rangers. Clerics of what gods? Probably not a lot of magic, maybe one Striped Mage type. Or possibly practicing magic illegal. That was actually an idea I had for Elredd. What other ideas?
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Fax
Aug 25, 2016 11:24:11 GMT -5
Post by GRWelsh on Aug 25, 2016 11:24:11 GMT -5
My idea for Fax was to make it known for its gambling dens, and to place the rustic hostel of Olidammara in the Wild Coast just NW of Fax in the Welkwood. Sailor types and outcasts aplenty, but not a town where people can be openly evil. The guild or guilds are in control (LN) and keep the place pretty orderly, but down by the harbors it tends to be a bit rough. Fax, like the other coastal towns nearby, has trouble with the slavers/yellow-sailed reavers of the Woolly Bay (A series of modules). Also, the Gord books referenced halflings being from the Welkwood... So I was thinking they were near the NE edge of the eastern part of the Welkwood, and they might provide some local flavor.
Something else: isn't the Fax coat of arms similar to the Gygax family coat of arms? Or modeled after it? I was thinking something should be done with that, such as to give a back story behind why the town has that coat of arms and what the three red diamonds mean. Maybe it comes from a hero or town founder of the past, and/or a prominent family.
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Fax
Aug 25, 2016 12:24:42 GMT -5
Post by geneweigel on Aug 25, 2016 12:24:42 GMT -5
I stumbled on to something interesting about the "town of Fax" it might just have been the target for the "Living City project" that I mentioned was going to be for the Wild Coast in the Barbarous Coast thread. There is a line in NIGHT ARRANT (1987) that calls Fax a "city" in the introduction of Serten (Poztif) and Melf's henchman Biff when he flashes back to how he got to Greyhawk City: Anyway this mention's Melf's villa being located in Fax. I also got a mention of raiders on Fax in ARTIFACT OF EVIL (1986) Chapter 5 when they are in the town of Badwall: Note this is where "Elredd" is also a man (leader?) who assaults the Pomarj routinely.
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Fax
Aug 25, 2016 12:41:19 GMT -5
Post by GRWelsh on Aug 25, 2016 12:41:19 GMT -5
In the World of Greyhawk Folio (1980) and Guide (1983) the populations for the towns in the Wild Coast were given, and were all under 10,000. I believe 10,000 lives was EGG's lower limit of what was considered a 'city' in D&D but of course there could always be local nomenclature exceptions, similar to how Hommlet was called a village even though it was only hamlet-sized.
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Fax
Aug 25, 2016 13:09:10 GMT -5
Post by geneweigel on Aug 25, 2016 13:09:10 GMT -5
Yeah, Fax might have been expanded by an influx of people and development and it being the central Coast town it probably would have been the Living City.
Unfortunately there is nothing to garner for ideas from the post-Gygax/Mentzer take on the RPGA project that it became. I think that I joined the RPGA when the Living City already started (which was 1987) so I think 1989 but it might have been later. I remember the POLYHEDRON magazines being packed with info on it and being drudge boring Faerun shit. Thats one thing that I always wonder if Gygax had hammered D&D into shape then what would have happened to all these FR superfans? Would they have thrived in RUNEQUEST or something else?
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Fax
Aug 25, 2016 16:27:52 GMT -5
Post by Scott on Aug 25, 2016 16:27:52 GMT -5
I think that Fax's own corruption and the instability of its surroundings would prevent it from expanding.
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Fax
Aug 25, 2016 21:23:03 GMT -5
Post by Scott on Aug 25, 2016 21:23:03 GMT -5
So the coastal villages north and south of Fax have been sacked, and the town's fleet has probably been decimated. The woods due west I imagine are not too dangerous, and the roads north are passable. South it gets much more dangerous immediately. Any info on Badwall or Elredd? I've thought about making them pretty dangerous places, like a step above HIghport.
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Fax
Aug 25, 2016 21:57:37 GMT -5
Post by Scott on Aug 25, 2016 21:57:37 GMT -5
What about temples, churches, etc. With the Suel being the dominant racial strain in the area, and its location, I think making Xerbo the dominant religion in the town makes sense. Kord and Llerg might be popular with the mercenary types. Lydia, Phyton and Norebo might fit too from the Suel pantheon. Beory, Ehlonna, Obad-hai, Olidammara for those associated with the forest.
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Fax
Aug 25, 2016 23:02:02 GMT -5
Post by geneweigel on Aug 25, 2016 23:02:02 GMT -5
I tried to get more on the other towns from the books. Narwell is dry just two passing mentions one is below under the Badwall references in ARTIFACT OF EVIL (1986).
ELREDD in ARTIFACT OF EVIL:
and also a tiny more on "Lord Elredd" than the quote that I posted up the thread already:
SAFETON in ARTIFACT OF EVIL:
SAFETON in COME ENDLESS DARKNESS:
Theres more mention of Safeton but its just retrospect of this.
BADWALL mostly spread out tidbits (also has brief mention of Narwell) in ARTIFACT OF EVIL:
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Fax
Aug 26, 2016 8:35:50 GMT -5
Post by Scott on Aug 26, 2016 8:35:50 GMT -5
Rob's write up for Jepton is good inspiration. There was a key, does anyone have a copy or link?
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Fax
Aug 26, 2016 12:50:22 GMT -5
Post by GRWelsh on Aug 26, 2016 12:50:22 GMT -5
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Fax
Aug 26, 2016 12:57:57 GMT -5
Post by geneweigel on Aug 26, 2016 12:57:57 GMT -5
I'm not sure if he ever finished it.On the Pied Piper Forum he's saying he's working on it. This auction site has no mention of any key done for the map but it does have the original Jepton drawing with "GW" in the lower left corner which I assume where he placed my alter ego:: thecollectorstrove.com/arc-rjk-ebay-auction-20050515/
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Fax
Aug 26, 2016 17:16:58 GMT -5
Post by GRWelsh on Aug 26, 2016 17:16:58 GMT -5
Other inspiration for Fax might be: Rob's adventures set in Verbobonc and Rauxes (WG8), and the general atmosphere of Nulb (T1-4), Restenford and Garrotten (L1 and L2), and the city of Sanctuary from THIEVES' WORLD (I don't have the gaming supplement, but I'm thinking of the books). The towns on Lendore Isle also have a heavy Suloise influence in culture and gods.
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Fax
Aug 26, 2016 18:46:57 GMT -5
Post by geneweigel on Aug 26, 2016 18:46:57 GMT -5
I did some research on the feel of the area:
Wild Coast Racial mix = Wild Coast - Sof (Predominant Suel then Oeridian then Flan)
Wild Coast Culture (based on language) = Common 90%, Oeridian 8%, Suel & Flan 1% each
All the central Flanaess gods (the ones on the list) are probably worshipped from all the mixed alignments (any alignment) with at least bare minimum with these being exceptionally noticeable in the Wild Coast Area (quotes from 83 boxed set):
Boccob: His followers are spread throughout the Flanaess.
Beory: Because of the plots of Iuz and various demons and evil elementals, 8t. Cuthbert has become actively aware of events (and has indirect assistance from Beory, who resists elemental destruction). The enmity between Iuz and St. Cuthbert may yet result in direct confrontation. This assumes that Beory is somewhat associated with the Cuthbert religion and therefore his region of worship. See Cuthbert.
Celestian: Celestian's habits and disposition usually keep him from close association and involvement with other gods. He has, in fact, but a small following amongst mankind. Those who involve themselves with the cosmos or the sky - scholars, astronomers, astrologers, navigators, dreamers - make up the bulk of the Cclestian faithful. His priests wander the land, emulating their deity whenever possible by actually traveling the reaches of space.
St. Cuthbert: While St. Cuthben has many large places of worship, wayside shrines and small. rude chapels are usual. His followers are found mainly in the Central Flanaess, around Greyhawk, the Wild Coast, Urnst, and Verbohonc. A great rivalry exists between those who follow St. Cuthbert and the followers of Pholtus (of the Blinding Light).
Ehlonna: The worship of Ehlonna is centered in the area from the Wild Coast to the Ulek fiefs, from the Kron Hills to the sea. Her clerics wear pale green robes. Temples of Ehlonna are always in sylvan settings, although small shrines are occasionally located in villages. Services of worship involve wooden and horn vessels, various herbs, and the playing of pipes and flutes.
Erythnul: Clerics of Erythnul dress in rust colored garments. Ceremonial robes are often white spattered with blood. Masks include stylized visages for each of Erythnul's five aspects. Most places of worship of Erythnul are hidden. Most towns and cities have a small cult of his followers amongst the denizens of the local thieves quarter. Many gnolls, bugbears, ogres and trolls worship this deity. Services include shrill reed instruments played in discord, gongs, and drums. Major rites include fire and a sacrifice.
Heironeous: There is great enmity between Heironeous and his brother, Hextor (q.v.), who chose a different course. Each seeks to destroy or thwart the other. Worshippers of Heironeous are found everywhere. but particularly where those who follow military professions or do heroic deeds aTe found is a chapel of this deity likely to be found. Clerics of Heironeous., are particularly warlike, always wearing chainmail. Their robes are dark blue with silver trim indicating their station. Places of worship of Heironeous usually are adorned with blue trappings. silver, and occasionally windows of colored glass depicting scenes of Heironeous triumphant. A copper statue of the deity. armed with a silver battle axe and covered in silver mail, with seven silver bolts radiating from behind his head, typically stands behind the altar.
Obad-Hai: The Shalm loves nature and wilderness. He is a patron of druids and a friend to those who dwell in harmony with their natural surroundings. Because of Obad-hai's particular neutrality, a rivalry and antipathy exists between this deity and Ehlonna of the forests. Thus, the majority of the Shalm's followers are male, those of Ehlonna, female.
Olidammara: There are few chapels dedicatad to Olidammara. They always are located in large towns or cities. Shrines are not uncommon in urban centers and rural areas. There are supposedly two rustic hostels located in the central Flanaess area - one in the Wild Coast, another in the Kron Hills region. Clerics of Olidammara are not uncommon at either.
Pholtus: The priesthood of Pholtus is most active in urban districts. see Cuthbert for reference to their rivalry suggesting Cuthbert's urban districts have the competing Pholtus religion nearby.
Procan: Oceans, Seas, Salt
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Fax
Aug 27, 2016 15:31:18 GMT -5
Post by GRWelsh on Aug 27, 2016 15:31:18 GMT -5
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Fax
Aug 28, 2016 23:41:05 GMT -5
Post by grodog on Aug 28, 2016 23:41:05 GMT -5
I have 3 pages of maps for Jepton/Barbarous Coast area, but no key: - page 1 is identical to the hand-drawn map you linked to Gary, but it's done fully in colored pencils, pen, and yellow highlighter - page 2 is the Jepton + Environs map (also done in colored pencil on graph paper) - page 3 is a larger zoomed-out regional map, with a single sheet of graph paper divided into 9 areas, with the center one being the 2nd page map above (and it has a 2002 copyright date on it, FWIW)
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Fax
Aug 29, 2016 8:57:08 GMT -5
Post by geneweigel on Aug 29, 2016 8:57:08 GMT -5
I made a generic descriptive key for Jepton:
1 Out of Town Building on Northway Farther Out 2 Out of Town Building on Northway Closer 3 Out of Town Building on Beggar's Way 4 Out of Town Building on Raven Way 5NW+ Wall Tower Raven Way Road 5NW* Wall Tower NorthWay Road 5E Wall Tower Dockside 5N Wall Tower Inland Side 5P Wall Tower Road Splits South 5S Wall Tower Inland Side 5S Wall Tower Dockside 5SW Wall Tower SW Road 6N Northest Inn w/stable 6E Southeast Inn Dockside South 6W Northest Inn w/ stable 6S Southwest Inn 7 Large Midtown Tower or Temple 8 Cemetary 9A Northside West Open market 9B Northside East Open Market 10 Large Midtown Building 11 Large Midtown Building 12 Large Midtown Building 13 Midtown Building 14 Large Midtown Building 15 Large Midtown Building 16 Large Midtown Building 17 Midtown Building 18 Midtown Building 19 Midtown Building 20 Midtown Building 21 Midtown Building 22 Midtown Building 23 Midtown Building 24 Midtown Building 25 Midtown Building 26 Midtown Building 27 Midtown Building 28 Midtown Building 29 Midtown Building 30 Midtown Building 31 Midtown Building 32 Midtown Building 33 Midtown Building 34 Midtown Building 35 Midtown Building 36 Large Midtown Building 37 Midtown Building 38 Midtown Building 39 Midtown Building 40 Midtown Building 41 Southside Building 42 Southside Building 43 Southside Building 44 Southside Building 45 Southside Building 46 Southside Building 47 Southside Building 48 Southside Building 49 Hill Building 50 Large Hill Building 51 Large Hill Building 52 Large Hill Building 53 Hill Building 54 Large Hill Building 55 Largge Hill Building 56 Large Hill Building 57 Large Hill Building - temple or tower 58 Hill Building 59 Large Hill Building 60 Large Hill Building 61 Large Hill Building 62 Southside Building 63 Southside Building 64 Southside Building 65 Southside Building 66 Dockside Building 67 Dockside Building 68 Dockside Building 69 Dockside Building 70 Dockside Building 71 Dockside Building 72 Dockside Building 73 Dockside Building 74 Dockside Building 75 Northside Building 76 Northside Building 77 Northside Building 78 NorthsideBuilding 79 Northside Building 80 Northside Building 81 Northside Building 82 Dockside Building 83 Dockside Building 84 Dockside Building 85 Dockside Building 86 Dockside Building 87 Dockside Buildings with Pool (Baths?) 88 Dockside Building 89 Dockside Building 90 Dockside Building 91 Dockside Building 92 Large Dockside Building 93 Dockside Building 94 Dockside Building 95 Large Dockside Building 96 Large Dockside Building 97 Dockside Building 98 Dockside Building 99 Dockside Building 100 South Docks 100A North Docks
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Fax
Aug 29, 2016 11:31:43 GMT -5
Post by geneweigel on Aug 29, 2016 11:31:43 GMT -5
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