StoryTeam | Xadune

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

The Darkness

On the clearest of nights when the winds of the lower atmosphere were calm and peaceful the great merchant ships with their cargoes of Jarrian mitheral felt safe and secure. Little did they suspect that they were pursued by pirates. And the most feared of all these pirates was the notorious Captain of the Elfmörder, the Darkness.

Like a Zealian razortoe overtaking its prey, the Darkness and his band of renegades swooped in out of nowhere. And then; gathering up their spoils, would annihilate everything around and vanished without a trace.

For decades the crew of the Elfmörder hunted the skies of Xadune. No one ever had a chance against their vessel, and though many Sky Fleets tried to best them none had ever survived. Few saw the crew and lived to speak. Those that did only speak of the horror that engulfed them while they skated the edges of Armadel’s arms.

Tales of the city of Perth still ring out in the minds of port-fairers: It is said the Elfmörder docked there for repairs one day. By the end of the day when the people came in from the fields they found only an empty port city and the Elfmörder setting off in the distance. Over one thousand people, gone…

Those who escaped the dead book by the crew’s hands say that they are the most rag-tag viscous group of people the world has ever seen. They are armed with weapons most commoners could never imagine, and seem to be invincible by normal means. Tales of all sorts spring from the mouths of survivors: magic lost to the world, mitheral clad clockwork men, firearms that pierce through the thickest armor, and combat prowess never seen by the likes of any warrior lay at the Captain’s disposal.

Fellow pirates fear to speak his name; for fear that the wrath of the Darkness will descend upon them. Only one has ever been known to hold peaceful parlay with them, and that is the Queen of the pirates herself.

Then, nearly over a quarter of a century ago the ship and crew vanished. The Darkness’ secret trove was never found but stories have persisted that it remains hidden somewhere at the farthest reaches of Xadune stowed with riches beyond imagination.

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

The Meetings over XA0024

After the end of the first day in the World Meeting discussing the maters of XA0024, the doorways still remained closed to the City. Though most have been very hushed about what is being discussed it is hard to ignore the fact that the tone is ominous.

Reports are trickling in now that whole areas of XA0024 has “changed”, though we have not yet received clarification on what exactly that means. We have gotten confirmed stances from Kinsley, which oddly report that they are for a deeper explanation and exploration of XA0024 and the opportunities it holds. For those of you not aware, Kinsley was previously the leading voice in the annihilation of the island and all ruins on it calling it “an abomination of man and science that of which the Powers would despise.”

As almost always the clergy is reluctant to answer any inquiries; which just makes us hope that by tomorrow we will know more about what we are looking at for the future of XA0024.

It’s been nearly three days now since the conference started. Apparently heavy negotiations are still underway onto what should be done with XA0024 and if it should be reopened. We have yet to receive any answers as to what happened in the City, which has been exactly seven months ago.

Speculations to what has changed about XA0024 have only been made since then, but no reports have actually confirmed whether they are true. What is known, however, about the changes that were reported are drastic compared to what was last known about the island.

Kinsley’ firm stance to explore the island still holds strong over the previous months and some say that they were getting groups of 7-10 together to get ready to deploy once the order was passed. The odd change in their stance several months ago had thrown everyone aback. Currently Kinsley government officials give no comment on this matter. Although we are further investigating what may have caused this sudden and extreme flip in perspective, we only have speculation that there is a race for XA0024’s resources involved.

The same as Kinsley’s stance we haven’t received much word from the clergy either. Only words of hope for a new future for this forgotten island. Perhaps they too are hoping to send their best clergymen to the island to help reform those who may be on the island, if any survivors. Or to provide hope and peace for those who hope to establish themselves there, if indeed the they give the go-ahead to reopen it.

It has been over a week now since the conference began. Finally, it seems as though the conference is coming to a close and we can get some answers as to whether or not the approval was given for the reopening of XA0024.

Rumors are only now coming to us, but we believe what is being called Sector 3 is being reopened first. Though as of now we are unaware as to how this decision was made or what has taken so long for this to be determined. What we are now aware of is that almost every Nation seems to have a quick mood of transportation waiting on them.

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

Azrathia

Once there was a magical place but over time it was lost. This powerful and intricate kingdom was known to all as Azrathia. It was locked away in a grand magical place when time seemed to be stopped. It was the most prized and impressive kingdom on Xadune. It held secrets and magics so prized that almost everyone wanted to be there. The secrets to transdimensional travel, anti-magic magic, every spell a magi could imagine, and an almost endless supply of components. Their inventions and studies are still left to be understood by man today. The secrets of an inexhaustible power source, climate controllers, light focusing ray beam weaponry, and even a better way to slice bread.

But for all its glory and awe it attracted the eye of an evil nation that wanted to use its resources for nothing but personal gain. They sent one of their most powerful Nobles to seize control over Azrathia. He appeared on night at the drawbridge to the might kingdom, and single handedly entered the gates, made his way to the throne room, and over threw the king. The king was frozen solid and placed in the vaults, as the subjects were forced into slavery. It was said that the tears from the people of Azrathia formed a lake that surrounds the kingdom today.

But destiny dealt the evil a bad hand. The war they raged was fruitless, and in time the felt the wrath they dealt upon others. As this nation fell, orders were sent to destroy Azrathia, but the Noble did one better. After slaughtering off all the people of the kingdom the Noble setup and turned on all the kingdom’s defenses, making it almost impenetrable. Once done, he left. Now the fortune of the kingdom is locked up in its dungeon vaults and the castle floor lies in traps. The drawbridge was lifted one last time and it lays now in wait.

Over time the kingdom was forgotten over time to all but the brave that seek the treasures of Azrathia. It’s location unknown to the world, and its defenses seemingly unstoppable. None that have claimed to found its location has returned. Some say that enough riches lay in the treasure vaults to tip the balance of any country. And the vast amounts information alone would occupy the time of teams of mages and scientists for many lifetimes. Most believe that it is only a place of myth and legend, but some always say it is real and just laying in wait for the right person to bring the kingdom back to life.

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

The Story of Dr. Jasper Wilmont

Dr. Jasper Wilmont, is a human scientist in the study of life and how things work, such as engineering and tinkering. Over the years he attended some of the top schools that his country had to offer and was the best in his class. After he obtained his doctor’s degree he disappeared. Some believed he killed himself, others believe that it was something about the town that drove him away, but why would a 30 year old man drop off the face of the earth after so much success? No one knew. Five years went by and he was then spotted in a graveyard by the gravedigger. He was fined for tampering with the dead and put in jail. No one understood why such a nice man through school and successful had his entire life laid out for him… had turned dark.

His stay at the jail, the lawmen say, was eerie. The doctor was so silent towards other people; all day he would talk to himself non-stop about what he had planned. Three days passed and Dr.Wilmont found himself staring at a familiar face. A lady named Amber Read. When he attended school she is all he could think of. He wanted so bad to be married to her and have a family, but she rejected him. A few speculate this is why he disappeared. Immediately his dark and twisted personality turned night to day. Excited to see her he straightened his act up and acted as if he hadn’t left a day.

She invited him over for dinner that night after bailing him out of prison. He was so happy to see her. Just before they sat down to eat, a man entered the house. Amber addressed him as her husband, a tall muscular man. “Husband?” the doctor though, “How? When?” She had explained to the Doctor that her husband, Jonathan, treated her nicely and provided her with everything she ever wanted and that they are expecting a baby. The doctor then noticed that she was in fact pregnant. He stood to his feet and ran out the door, infuriated at himself.

“If I would have stayed things would have worked out perfectly, why did I have to leave? Curse my studies… CURSE MYSELF… no… curse him, curse the bastard child… curse her for not seeing who loved her first.”

He instantly plotted murder. She was to be his and no one else would have her over him. “I will make you mine… you have always been mine… I will tear you apart and reconstruct youâ€¦ I will kill you to love you.” These thoughts ran through the Doctor’s head as his planned began to unfold. He would wait, wait till they were vulnerable.

And he did wait. He predicted and even began making future plans for his sure success.

It was the night before the plan unfolded. To this day, Dr.Wilmont considers himself lucky for predicting such an outcome so perfectly. 7:00 pm, the Doctor knocks on the door of Amber’s house. The husband answers, “Hello Jasper, surprise to see you out here this late in the day. Sorry, but we are about to have dinner.” Jonathan goes to close the door but Dr. Wilmont puts his foot in the way. “I believe I have other plans.” Dr. Wilmont goes to reach for his gun in his lab coat but Amber appears from the kitchen corner with a pot of beef stew. “Oh, hi Jasper! Would you care to join us for dinner? There is plenty to go around.” Jonathan then shoots Dr. Wilmont a confused look before he enters the house.

The party of three find themselves getting situated at the dining room table. Jonathan and Jasper stand as they wait for Amber to sit. Just before she was able to make contact with her chair, her water breaks. She feels immense pain. Shocked, her husband rushes to her side to help her. He shouts back at the Dr. “help! Don’t just stand there go get a doctor!”

“Oh, but I am a doctor” Jonathan turns back to Jasper only to notice a gun pointed straight at his head.

Bang!

His blood and brains splatters all over his wife and he falls to the ground dead. Dizzy and nauseous from all that is happening, Amber passes out.

The Doctor stands admiring his success in cutting out the “middle man” he then slowly makes his way to Amber. He grabs the knife from the table and cuts open her stomach and reaches in for the baby.
“I am just not feeling beef stew tonight….” he looks over to the fire place that is burning. He cuts the umbilical cord, dragging the baby by the foot. Slowly he grabs the fire poker and viciously sticks it up the baby’s rectum through its skull and places the kabob neatly over the fire so that it can roast.

After the baby was done roasting he bagged the three in their bed sheets and placed them in the wagon that he had parked at the side of the house and drove back to his laboratory.

With Amber and Jonathan on work benches and the baby now in fine little squares, the doctor begins his work. Every so often he will grab a piece of baby to enjoy. His plans for Jonathan are to preserve his flesh and build off of him… to make a fighting machine. And for amber, he plans to reconstruct her to fulfill his fantasies and dreams of all that he has missed out on for all these years. The baby…. well, it will be back in about 24 hours. To this day Jasper still has trouble putting plans to success, after all he is trying to bring life using pure science, non-the-less he is close now, very close.

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

Diary of a Soldier

July 18 AFS 060:

Our militia was gathered on the other end of the battle field in Southern Pha. It seemed as though things were going to fair well in the beginning. The weather was clear, just enough of a breeze for our archers to give us a great lead if battle begun. We had the higher ground on the field, giving us an advantage on the gnoll army, regardless if this was their lands.

We didn’t stand a chance.

Their formations were near perfect. Marching to a beat of their own, that only they could hear, they move forward at an alarming speed. As if they were one person, their precision with their attacks are astounding. It was like watching a never-ending flow of Gnoll pouring like water from a tipped vase. The dog-men were pushing our armies back defending their lands with such passion it brought fear to any man’s heart.

We just figured that we could take back our lands. Instead we left with our heads hanging low as the matriarch showed us mercy. Only three hours, after only three hours, the gnoll drove us back and had us fleeing without any effort.

Deciding not to leave just yet, I hid in the sparse woods that was nearby and found that a small group of feline was attempting to enter the gnoll lands just as we had. They were met with the same force, ready for battle and unwelcoming looks.

A larger feline approached, what looked like to be a Leona, calling out the matriarch to speak on terms. Unbeknownst to me to what had been said, the gnoll forces broke into hysterics, laughing and giggling fits slowly died down after a while and then silence.

The feline were brought into their camp, where there would be no escape. What I may feel as though may very well be a death trap to any who oppose them. And I wasn’t corrected when the feline reemerged after 6 hours as their corpses were tossed outside of their boundaries.

-Cathyr Montego

July 23rd AFS 60:

I left to visit a friend in Revrent and it all began almost a week ago. The fever started then the mouth water quickly died away. I saw the doc and he said it was alright, it was just the flu. But after a couple of days when I loss use of my left arm and I started to see things, I started to question his diagnosis. When I went back to the doc the next time, something just came over me and I don’t know what happened. I blacked out and he was on the floor, face down, in a pool of his own blood. I thought it mine at first, but after a quick check I realized it wasn’t mine at all.

I was confused and agitated at the silliness of it all. No answers, I have gotten nothing from anyone. No science-freak, no medical-geek, nothing, can you believe it?! You think in a big city like Reverent SOMEONE could give me an answer!

Just today my eyes wouldn’t stop watering. They just flowed down my cheeks as if in mourning, but I laugh as though I just became the richest man in Xadune. I don’t understand what is happening

This sickness, this, this, THING, whatever it is!

-Cathyr Montego

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

The War of 080

Early in AFS 77 a conflict erupted between the newly formed Nation of Barboroy and the Kingdom of Revrent. Someone within the government of Barboroy thought it would be a good idea to attempt to claim a lot of the soil in Jarr as property of their own. They saw only an abundant resource to help fuel their engineering cravings, Revrent saw it as a violation of their personal space. It did not make matters better that Barboroy than found it in their best interests to threaten Revrent and setup outposts on these “claimed” lands to defend them. For some reason they took offence to Revrent relieving them of their outposts and claimed lands; which lead to an attack on South Revrent.

King Godred, ruler of Revrent at the time, did not take this offence lightly. He ordered a full out attack on Barboroy. This would become the most bloody and first major war that took place after the fallen star. It also marked the first war in which new technologies and science would be seen on the battlefield. The effects did not go unnoted, and after the tears and onslaught ended a world meeting was held to discuss the grievous effects that science has on war.
________________________________________

Tuesday, August 16th, AFS 080

We have been on the frontline now for nearly ten months. I must say that the Barboroy fight with great passion to keep their homelands their own. They have inventions and tinkerings the likes no man back home has dreamed of. Iron clad clockwork men, weapons that shoot lightning, and even guns that do not use powder but instead steam to project the ammunition. But their folly is in their lack of magic. If it wasn’t for our wizards I fear that we would have been driven back by now.

For weeks we have been waiting for reinforcements to arrive from our allies. I have to admit; when Kanada’s men arrived I was angered to see only twenty men was what they considered reinforcements. But these troops are not like your normal warriors. They hold themselves so highly on the battlefield, but so lowly to themselves. It’s hard to imagine how they became so powerful. So focused. One man is worth a thousand of ours, easily. The one assigned to our division, Takez Ganry, is breathtaking on the battlefield. His attacks are flawless and incomparable. His level of precision and devastation is unmatched by anything in our arsenal. In one swing he seems to be able to cleave through armor as if it doesn’t exist, and even slain men with a single blow. It’s as if he can dodge bullets and even deflect them with his own swords. But with all of his greatness and grander, he only eats the simplest of meals and never partakes in any activities other than reflecting on the next day. The other day I overheard one of the troops talk about how they heard him complain about the use of guns. But from what I heard he wasn’t complaining, just stating that it is not the weapon of a warrior, it is one of a coward.

But with his amazingness aside, he still is no match for the Barboroy’s use of explosives. Their devastating assault upon us with their artillery is relentless, and unforgiving. Everything gets laid to ruin beneath these bombs. I fear in the end they may drive us off their lands, but only be left with ruble to rule over. The Captain says that the Capital is calling in a special favor, but I don’t see what could help us. I fear the only thing that will stop such devastation is more destruction.

~Sergeant Edward Groveous, Revrent Army
________________________________________

On September 3rd AFS 080 the sky pirate vessel SÅl lead a bombing run over the Capital city of Barboroy and the frontline of the assault. The same bombs used by the Barboroy were used against them on a massive level. Over 120,000 people were killed in the bomb runs. Barboroy surrendered that evening. The next day they issued an official apology to Revrent. King Godred accepted the apology and in a show of good faith helped aid the fledgling war torn nation, now in shambles, rebuild.

A few weeks later a global meeting was held. It was the first recorded in over 300 years. Discussions of the battle and the impact of the new found sciences were discussed heavily for many days. The results of the meeting was the signing of a treaty which prohibits the use of high yield explosive weapons both on small and large scales, but has nothing to say about production, storage or transfer. In short bombs were made illegal to use on a global level. A number of countries signed the treaty declaring that they only regarded the non-use obligations as applying to other parties and that these obligations would cease to apply if the prohibited weapons were used against them. This treaty became known as the Barboroy Treaty.

Since then most major nations have signed the treaty including most independent factions including a representative of the pirates of Xadune. To date, only Kinsley has not signed the treaty.

September 24, 2020September 24, 2020

September Virtual Event Delayed

After some long talks we are deciding to move the Virtual Event to next weekend Saturday, October 3.

Multiple issues lead us to this decision, however we feel you, the players, will get a much more enjoyable and quality event in the long term. We apologize for the short notice of this and hope we have your understanding in the situation. Anyone that will be unable to make the VE event in Oct. that has already paid for the event we will of course work out whatever option works best for you in terms of refund, XP compensation, or transfer to future event.

June 20, 2020May 2, 2021

COVID-19 Concerns and Comments, and Learning Between Events

We are looking into options for the next physical Xadune event, and we want your feedback!

Firstly, we want to know how you feel about having the event in July. If you are for it, or against it, or on the fence – let us know! The below form is anonymous, so feel free to speak your mind.

Secondly, we want to crowd source your ideas on keeping everyone safe. If you have ideas, comments, concerns, or thoughts, please feel free to submit them below as well.

[This form is no longer active]

Our current list of precautions we will be taking are as such:

The recent Executive Order states all overnight camps must have all attendees and staff tested for Coronavirus within 12 days of the start date of camp. You can find a nearby testing location in Georgia here: https://dph.georgia.gov/locations/covid-19-testing-site
Masks will be required at all times, outside of your cabins. There may be a section of the docks set up to allow the removal of masks and maintain social distancing. Basic cotton masks will be provided, and players are welcome to bring their own – and work them into their costume!
Soap and towels will be provided in the bathrooms. Please wash your hands at least hourly. You may be asked to wash your hands or sanitize prior to mods or after mods.
Cabins will be limited to 4-6 players. Please pick a cabin with people you cohabitate with, or have carpooled with.
Players not assigned to a cabin should not enter other cabins. Cabin raids will not happen this event, and no players will be allowed to initiate a cabin raid.
Boffers will be disinfected after every mod. Tabards will not be used this event, to limit cross-contamination.
Common surfaces will be cleaned regularly, including doorknobs in tavern, bathrooms, and mod buildings. Tavern tables will have washable tablecloths to make sanitizing easier.
Tavern workers will be required to wear masks at all times.
Players will be encouraged to bring water bottles. Cups will be provided, but to limit possible contamination, water bottles may be a better option.

If you have any ideas, resources to view, concerns, or anything – please feel free to let us know.

Learning Between Events

If you attended any event between December 2019 and February 2020, or paid for any events from December 2019 through the next played Xadune event, you will have your learn times extended from the end of the February 2020 event through the beginning of next played Xadune event. Should this next event be July, it would be February through July, or 4 months and 23 days of learn time.

Man, its been a long time. We miss you all.

Additionally, each PC is allowed to begin learning 1 new skill per event missed (3 if the next event is in July). That said, these Skills must be paid for in both XP and Unit Costs. XP will be deducted off your Free XP as appropriate, and all Unit Costs must be paid at Check-In of the Next Played Event.

To begin learning a Skill, please send a PM to the Cards account with the title: “Skills for [Insert Character Name]”. Unit Costs, where appropriate, will be quoted to you.

So what Skills can you learn? It must be a reasonable Skill for your character to have access to a teacher for. Phin may not have the in-play connections to learn, say, Spirit Lore. This is at Staff’s discretion. The best way to ensure the Skill you are learning gets approved is to describe how you intend to find a teacher for this Skill. For example, Honor might put in her message that Phin goes to the Temple of Armadel and asks to learn Spirit Lore. The Temple of Armadel may quote her a number of Units to learn from the resident Priests, and Honor must then decide if the price is worth it.

Skills learned this way will be taught by a teacher, and XP/Learn Slots will be calculated as such. However, if you would like to Self-Teach a Skill, please indicate this in your PM. Obviously, Self-Taught Skills have no Unit Cost associated with them. Only Skills which are listed as Self-Taught will be able to be Self-Taught. If you have questions regarding the XP increase for Self-Teaching, please feel free to ask.

Unless you are an Annual Pass holder, and therefor gain Units every event, there is no way to gain extra Units in between our played events. So please keep this in mind and check your in-play wallets before signing up for Planar Lore: Twilight from a Ward 1 Adventurer when all you have a crumpled 15u in the bottom of your pouch. Failing to pay the Unit Cost at Check-In at the next played event will result in the Skill being completely removed from your Card, and all Learn Time forfeited.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you all soon!

March 31, 2020March 31, 2020

April 3-Day Event is cancelled due to COVID-19

Hello Adventurers!

We are saddened to announce that the April 2020 Xadune has been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns. At this time, we are in a state of flux; the May 2020 event – should the threat of coronavirus be lifted – will be the Season 10 Plot Finale. However, we are watching the situation carefully and will make an announcement closer to the event.

If you have pre-paid for the April event, there are 3 options:

1) You can receive the normal XP from the event, as if it were played plus one additional RP/Combat XP

2) Your pre-payment can be forwarded and applied to the April event

3) Can you receive a refund

Season Pass Holders will receive XP for the event as if the event were played plus an additional 1xp for the inconvenience, and will receive the in-play benefits of Units and Healing Supplies at the April event, in addition to the April event’s share.

Learn times will be continuing through to May. If you have an active learn time, it will not pause on March 20th, but instead continue to May. If a player had a learn time complete in this time and the player wished to start a new skill or ability learn, please contact Staff to work out something on this one time occasion. We will make a one-time exception to allow the learning of one skill or ability due to this inconvenience. Normal learn times and cost will still be incurred, but we do not want to slow character progression.

Additionally, playing in the May 24-26 event will earn each player a base of 4.5XP, rather than the normal 3XP, with a potential maximum XP of 10.5XP.

However, we do have several upcoming digital events and content to fill the void! A full schedule will be posted later this week, but events include: Online Dungeons and Dragons games set in the Xadune Campaign setting; continued roleplay on the Xadune Forums, and Video/Voice Chat workshops.

We thank everyone for being flexible during these uncertain times. Please keep washing your hands, stay home when at all possible, and stay healthy!

March 6, 2020March 6, 2020

March 2020 Event Announcements

March 2020 is the Season 10 Plot Finale Event! 10 months of plot lines have lead us to this event. We are incredibly excited about this Finale, and we hope you are too!

We do have a few announcements to make before the event:

COVID-19

As you are all aware, there is a concern of a pandemic in the US regarding the novel coronavirus COVID-19. There have been, at this time, 2 confirmed cases in Georgia, and as such we are taking precautions to avoid spreading illness around Xadune.

If you are sick, please do not come to game. Not only do you risk spreading illness to your fellow LARPers, but the physical demands of Xadune not conducive to healing properly. If you are showing any symptoms of illness, please do not come to game.

We will be stocking the restrooms with soap and paper towels. We ask that players wash their hands regularly with soap, dry with paper towels, and dispose of the paper towels properly. Please do not flush paper towels, as it will damage Camp Rutledge’s plumbing.

Please review the Center of Disease Control’s guidelines on COVID-19 Prevention, available here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

Volunteer Shifts

Remember to sign up for your volunteer shift at the beginning of the game, during check in. Also remember to complete your volunteer shift during that time. If you are looking to complete multiple volunteer shifts, please sign up for multiple shifts. Starting in March, character cards will be cross-referenced to the volunteer shift signup sheet. If the shift which was approved on your card does not match the shift you signed up for, it will be counted as if you did not complete your shift and you will not receive your XP for the event.

If you have a valid reason for missing a shift, such as a medical issue, simply sign up for an open slot on the Volunteer Sign Up Sheet after your missed shift and complete it accordingly. If you have a pre-existing condition, please alert Xadune Staff to this issue and we will happily make appropriate accommodations.