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Kingdoms - Mesasis
Detailed information for Mesasis is not yet available. You could always make a suggestion to Tom.
Climate: Temperate
Known As: Mesians
Primary Lang: Common
Capitol City: Wodel
Population: 70,000
Ruler: King Yngval of Wodel
People:
The people of Mesasis are as cheerful a band of theives and cutthroats as ever you'll find anywhere.
Brief History:
The Mesians don't talk much about where they came from originally. What is known is they landed near the Iron Shores and began quietly carving a kingdom out of the previously desolate lands. They don't always field the most experienced or the best armies, but they always seem to find a way to win.
Culture:
Mesians have great respect for quick wits and a skilled tongue. They are, generally, the least honest people in all of Aredel. They would never lie about something important (at least not to them), but any other lie is fair game. They are masters of deception and illusions of all sorts.
Ruling Structure:
Yngval rules the land as best he can, but it is not easy for he and his barons both understand that it is their job to hide as much of their wealth (and that of their people) from him as they can. He is a shrewd politician and a good judge of character and is rarely, if ever, outwitted.
Economy:
The Mesians are among the finest traders in the world. One of their chief advantages is their ability to secure great products from Iron Shores, Falgarra, Bistal, and even Syvkur.
Sub Structure:
Beneath Yngval is a dizzying bureaucracy which is designed to make everything difficult for outsiders. There are numerous ministers, chancellors, barons etc and all of them must be satisfied by anyone doing business in Mesasis. Officially, there are baronies ruled by barons, but unofficialy, many people pay more heed to their guildmaster or some minister than to the local barons.
Technology:
Mesians develop little in the way of technology but they whole-heartedly embrace new developments made by others.
Arts:
The prefered artform for the Mesians is the well-crafted story. They will alternately accept exceptionally good lies, tricks, and practical jokes. They are also fond of paintings with optical illusions or subtle jokes built into the work.
Fashion:
Mesians enjoy fashions which help to hide their figure flaws and which help illustrate the stories they like to tell, so one who boasts of his bravery will likely have fighter-style accoutrements.
Politics:
Politics is the first love of most Mesians. They enjoy the intrigue while secretly knowing that the rules don't matter much for them, only for outsiders.
Orders & Groups:
- Loyal Order of Ravens
- The Loyal Order of Ravens is devoted to the worship of Ptan and the carrying out of elaborate practical jokes (perhaps even in that order).
- Fool's Wisdom
- A rather famous (or perhaps infamous) school of illusion located in the capital city and with several branch campuses.
Religion:
Although Ptan is the official state religion, most others are tolerated. Temples to other gods are regularly subjected to pranks and good-natured defacement.
Current Status:
Mesasis is trying to remain neutral, but they will likely have to make a choice soon or face destruction.
Playing a Mesian Character:
Common Roles:
Prankster: Mesians feel it is their job in life to poke holes in stuffed shirts.
Apologist: Some Mesians leave and are ashamed of the inherent dishonesty of their people.
Fugitive: Even Mesians sometimes go to far and have to lay low for a time.
Adventuring Archtypes:
Outsider: Mesians often see things differently than other characters and may find new ways to solve old problems.
Chronicler: Their gift for storytelling makes Mesians excellent at recounting the adventures of a group.
Roleplaying Hints:
Why tell the truth when you can lie? Why work when you can think instead? Why not try something new or different?
Outlook on other Countries:
Mesians believe most other countries take things too seriously. Things usually work out and if they don't, then they weren't meant to. Planning makes things boring.
Creating a Mesian Character:
Naming Conventions:
Mesians like to use many names and aliases and epithets and are prone to awarding themselves titles related to their legendary (if you ask them) deeds and accomplishments.
Ability Scores:
Mesians recieve no adjustments to standard ability scores.
Racial Abilities:
Mesians have access to the following feats and may choose one free at first level:
- Silver Tongue
- You have a natural talent for the con, able to convince "marks" from all walks of life. You receive a +2 on Bluff and Diplomacy checks.
- Poker Face
- Your face almost never betrays your emotions. Anyone trying to use Sense Motive on you gets a penalty equal to your Charisma modifier.
- Seduction
- You are good at using your sexual charms. Sex sells, and friends can be won by seduction. You get a +4 bonus to Bluff and Diplomacy attempts against people who find your race and gender sexually attractive. After you use this feat, some people might seek to be intimate with you. They will resent a blunt rejection, worsening their attitude one step.
Mesians also gain the following skils:
Diplomacy: 2 ranks
Bluff: 4 ranks
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