Category: Frosts of Alenostr: Setting Info

Alenostran Spiritualism

Whilst the pantheon under Fyor and Donaria is generally considered the main religion within Alenostr, it is not the only one, nor was this always the case. With beginnings from the early days of the old Orc Kingdoms, Spiritualism, that is the worship of the myriad spirits of the realm, has persisted and still sees a large number of adherents.

Spiritualism lacks the central order and congregations the churches imparts on its followers and so is observed in many different fashions. This includes sects who believe that the Gods are ‘merely’ Great Spirits, rather than deific entities. In the current age, the religion remains strong in the Northlands and Steppe, with smaller sects in Odagard and Falstad. In general, this means that Spiritual Clerics are far, far rarer than their more traditional counterparts, and many that would otherwise have the talent tend to become Druids, or else village shamen with very little in the way of Divine powers.

(Note: Many practices would bring to mind pagan and Wiccan practices, to cite real world examples.)

Despite the differences in observance, all sects honour the spirits of the lands, praying to them for guidance, protection and aid. This can be the Spirits of the Earth for bountiful crops or Spirits of the Winds for favourable winds. Generally, anything considered ‘natural’, from small stones to the moon and stars are considered to have associated spirits, and the older and larger such things are, the more powerful they are considered to be. (Great Mountains will generally have associated spirits, for example.)

Notably, the religion as it existed within the Orcish Kingdom remains strong in some areas. This version differed in that they would also elevate heroes and other influential individuals or groups to status after death, much in the way of Saints. Some of these are noted below.

– Gruumsh: A Great Orc Warrior King. Known as ‘The One Eye”, he came to power in a time of strife but led his people to victory and conquest over the Drow. He is worshipped as a great warrior spirit, and many Orcs and Halforcs call upon his spirit to guide them in battle.

– The Beshaba: Little is known about the origins of these trickster spirits, only that they are said to be the souls of a band of female Orc harlequin assassins. In modern times, they are the patrons of assassins, and are prayed to avoid misfortune or to invoke on those or deserve it.

Maescia’s Report on Vorigan

The Vampire known as Vorigan is believed to have been born from the body of the Vademorian Noble, Claude Von Reegan, after being sired by an unknown vampire.

Claude was born in the capital of Vademor, Kernindorf. He was the second son of Senator Reinyar Von Reegan and Aldona Von Reegan (nee Dereux).

With his elder brother, Abram, being tracked to follow their father’s footsteps as a senator to the king, Claude turned to the arcane, joining the College of Arcane and Mechanical Studies. He graduated within four years at the age of eighteen, enrolling as a state arcanist thereafter.

Claude spent the next 14 years as a state arcanist, providing research and advice to the senate, and serving two tours as a military attache in engagements against both raiding parties from the steppe and the Odagardian Army.

At 32, he resigned as a state arcanist and returned to his family home, where he continued to study the arcane. In this time, he published several papers on the relation between magic and creatures of the undead. Additionally, he became betrothed to Lady Genevra Heilstadt, daughter of a wealthy merchant.

Around the time of Von Reegan’s fortieth birthday, and string of brutal murders took place within the upper districts of Kernindorf, beginning with his own father, Reinyar. Investigations uncovered the murderer was a vampire, not long after revealing themselves to be called Vorigan. After this, Claude was known to have taken ill, and remained largely unseen long after the mourning period.

Attacks continued for a year, claiming the lives of a number of Vademorian officials and their staff. Von Reegan and his fiance, Genevra were presumed to be amongst the victims, although their bodies were never found.

Instances of Vorigan popped up around both Vademor and Odagard over the next fifty years. A number of individuals claimed to know the identity of the vampire, citing various names, but the relevant information came from a self-proclaimed vampire hunter, Jacken Bessi, who managed to track down and confront Vorigan. Though mortally wounded, Bessi insisted on his deathbed that Vorigan was in fact Von Reegan, having met the arcanist as a child.

This was the last known sighting of Vorigan, who disappeared from records some one hundred and fifty years ago.

Herbology

Whilst magic and clerical powers are widespread and generally vastly more effective, it has not prevented the use of Herbology, a branch of Alchemy which focuses purely on the use of plants to create various concoctions.

Alenostan flora is sturdy and fairly varied, and many plants have properties that are useful in brewing potions and salves. Several have even been noted to have benefited from locations of ambient magic, and though rare, allow the creation of more powerful brews.

There are a number of Herbology masters throughout Alenostr, and even a few basic texts for the aspiring brewer.

Player Knowledge

From Cressida Urdjadottir, the players have learned the main herbal ingredients of a Healing Salve.

Tara’zen

– A large mushroom that resembles a round shell. Often found in damp, dark environments. It’s spores have a light numbing effect.

Rastaren

-A pale yellow herb that appears much like the spines of a hedgehog. Has a slightly spicy aroma, and is known to help reduce scarring when applied to wounds.

Parac

– A fungal plant that grows on trees at high altitude. Dark green in colour, it resembles small domes of scales. Has minor infection prevention properties.

Nordra

– A small, fruit bearing tree, whose leaves when dried and crushed can be used to promote the clotting of blood. Can be found occasionally in forested areas. Nordra Berries are often used in the creation of wines.

Ceran

– A red, apple like fruit that grows on shrub-like bushes. Has a warm taste.

Arcasa Nut

A small reddish brown nut that can be collected from the pines of the Arcasa tree, a coniferous tree often found near flowing water.

A closer look at the Vale and Manheim.

A brief overview of locations PCs would likely hail from.

Title

Information on the deities of Alenostr.