Automaton Systems

Automaton Systems are the pinnacle of Technology & Magic development in the Realm of Bastions. They are around 90kg in weight and around 2m in height with the limbs roughly 3x the size of an average person, usually a sleek metallic color due to the alloy used to harness Magic Essence. The first developed System was the Wind-runner system tested by the Ot’Ka after development at the Skyward Monolith, the Castle System was a reward for the Zol’Ka nation for their allegiance during the Third Desert War, the Zeu'Ka were able to smuggle out some Blueprints and construct their own variant the Firebird. The Lotus System was developed independently and first revealed during the final battle of the Third Desert War, developed in conjunction between the Speaker of the Lake and the top tinkerers of Den'Ka.

These Abilities are only able to be learned in the Setting they originate from, during the Learning encounter when you attempt to Upgrade your Automaton System you must have Knowledge of Mechanics equipped and roll 1d6 + your Mind against 2d6, if you roll higher you gain access to the new Ability, if you roll lower you still gain access to the new Ability but your Automaton System sustains the difference in Damage.

Requires a Quick Action to Activate the System at the start of each encounter and a Quick Action to Deactivate a System to use other Abilities.

While the System is activated use the System Stamina which is equal to the Operator’s Spirit.  When System Stamina is = 0 Cannot use Automaton System Abilities until it is Repaired during a Crafting Encounter while Knowledge of Mechanics is Active. While a System is activated non-system Abilities and Equipment Cannot be used, except for the benefits of Garb. Action: Movement is a Quick Action while in an Automaton System, all Automatons can use the Unarmed Attack as a Quick Action Dealing 1 Damage. Only one type of Upgrade may be active for each area (System, Head, Body, Legs, R-hand Sphere, L-hand Sphere). Abilities that affect another actor and are not attacks are Spirit v Spirit opposed rolls. While in an Automaton system your social opposed rolls are -2. Abilities that Block Technology Abilities also Block Automaton Systems.

Firebird system (Requires Zeu’Ka Faction)

• Five-feather System Upgrade: (Long Action System Activation you have 5 Feathers, each time a Sphere is used a feather is used to add damage, 1st , 2nd & 3rd Feather Used is +2, and the 4th & 5th Feather used is +0, when all feathers are used the System takes 1d6 damage each time another Sphere is used.) 
• Three-feather System (Long Action System Activation you have 3 Feathers, each time a Sphere is used a feather is used to add damage, 1st Feather used is +3, 2nd Feather is +1, and the 3rd Feather is +0, the system does not overheat when the last feather is used.) 
• Pyro-kinetic Processing Unit (Head): (Quick Action, Can move an Element:Fire space to another close to it.) 
• Heat Sensing Unit (Head): (Brief Action, may use the Perceive Action against any Close Target)
• Plumage Array (Body): (Quick Action, Next Successful Attacker is Dealt Damage = to # of Feathers)
• Eruption Array (Body): (Long Action, Can use all feathers to deal that # of damage to all adjacent actors)
• Trail-blaze Assemblage (Legs) (Quick Action, Next Movement is Quickened, Adjacent Spaces where finish moving now have Element:Fire in them)
• Scorcher Assemblage(Legs): (Quick Action, Successful Attacks against targets creates Element:Fire in their space.) 
• Fire: Ember-sphere (Quick Action Melee Attack, Deal 1 Damage) 
• Fire: Magma-sphere (Uses the R-hand & L-Hand Upgrade areas, Long Action Melee Attack Deal 3 Damage), 
• Fire: Inferno-sphere (Long Action, Ranged Attack Close Range Burst of 1 Damage to targets adjacent to attack target), 
• Fire: Plasma-sphere (Quick Action Ranged Attack Close Range dealing 1 Damage)

Castle System (Requires Zol’ka Faction)

• Barrier System Upgrade: ( Long Action System Activation Deflect the next 3 Melee damage received)
• Rampart System Upgrade: (Long Action System Activation Deflect the next 3 Ranged damage) 
• Reinforced Combat Circuitry (Head): (Free Action, if your Attacks are Slowed, they are now Quickened.)
• Environmental Facade Sensor (Head): (Long Action, you become Undetectable until you use the Movement Action)
• Defense Redundancy Array (Body): (Long Action, Restores the Barrier or Rampart Damage Deflect)
• Environmental Adaptability Chassis (Body): (Quick Action, Restore System Stamina by 1d6)
• Locomotor Stability Assemblage (Legs): (Quick Action, if Knocked Down may stand and your next Movement Action is quickened)
• Magnetic Tethering Assemblage (Legs): (Long Action, Any Flying Targets within a Far range are pulled to the ground & knocked down)
• Earth: Terra-sphere (Quick Action to create a wall of earth Deflecting the next 2 Melee/Ranged damage adjacent to the wall, may use another Quick Action to increase the amount Deflected by 1.)
• Earth: Crystalline-sphere (Quick Action Melee Attack dealing 2 Damage) 
• Earth: Tremor-sphere (Long Action to Slow all enemies Close to you) 
• Earth: Magnetic-sphere (Long Action to pull all enemies Far from you, Close to you)

Lotus System (Requires Den’ka Faction)

• Wave System Upgrade: (Long Action System Activation,  Absorbs the next 2 Damage received.)
• Pitol System Upgrade : ( Long Action System Activation, the next 4 Damage you deal restores 4 System Stamina) 
• Kinetic Interference Antenna (Head) (Quick Action, Blocks the last used Automaton Ability by a target within far range) 
• Hydraulic Integration Circuitry (Head): (Free Action, May Activate Hydraulic Abilities while using an Automaton System)
• Ambient Viscosity Modulator (Body) : (Quick Action to Absorb the Next 1 Damage) 
• Externalized Viscosity Modulator (Body): (Quick Action to Absorb the Next 1 Damage dealt to a target close to you) 
• Ambient Pressure Modulation Assemblage (Legs): (Long Action to Slow Movement for Targets  Far from you) 
• Pressurized Movement Assemblage (Legs):  (Long Action to Fly, cannot Ascend) 
• Water: Genesis-Sphere (Quick Action to restore 1d6 Stamina or 1d6 System Stamina to Adjacent Target) 
• Water: Bubble-sphere (Quick Action, you and a target in Far range are Slowed)
• Water: Ice-sphere (Quick Action Melee Attack dealing 2 Damage), 
• Water: Hydro-Sphere (Quick Action Ranged Attack dealing 1 Damage)

Wind-runner System (Requires Skyward Monolith Faction)

• Zephyr System Upgrade: (Long Action System Activation, Dodging is Quickened until end of the encounter)  
• Mist System Upgrade: (Long Action System Activation, you are Undetectable and Obscured until the end of the next round)
• Pneumatic Integration Processor (Head): (Free Action, May use Pneumatic Abilities)
• Dexterity Processing Unit (Head): (Free Action, May use Weapons Instead of Spheres in L-Hand & R-Hand)
• Ascension Chassis (Body) (Quick Action, to Copy Uplift ability on self only)
• Alacrity Chassis:  (Brief Action, Next Action is Quickened)
• Movement Redundancy Assemblage (Legs): (Free Action, if Movement is slowed, it is now Quickened)
• Attack Redundancy Assemblage (Legs): (Free Action, Unarmed Attacks Deal 2 Damage)
• Air: Pressure-Sphere (Quick Action Ranged Attack Dealing 2 Damage to a Target in Close Range) 
• Air: Cyclone-Sphere (Quick Action Ranged Attack Dealing 1 Damage to the target and knocking down & away to Close range any adjacent targets) 
• Air: Lightning-Sphere (Long Action, Ranged Attack Dealing 2 Damage to a Target in Far Range) 
• Air: Smoke-Sphere (Long Action to make a target Undetectable and all Adjacent spaces to them Obscured until the end of the next round)

Gifts

During the time of the Incarnates there were no Gifts bestowed upon those who lived within Outer Bastion. After the fall of the Incarnates the elemental energy they had embodied diffused upon the lands of Outer Bastion affecting everyone differently. For some they are completely unaffected while others develop powerful abilities. Gifts are different from other Active Abilities in that they are always equipped, do not take up space in the Active Ability Pool and cannot be exchanged, once they are bestowed they are permanent. The only means by which they are bestowed is life in Outer Bastion in the form of the Base Encounter Setting chosen during Actor Progression or Generation. Gifts have the Focus trait requiring a Long Action to activate the first time and a Brief Action every subsequent time through the Sustain Action

Limbs

• Psionic (Strength) [Focus, sustainable, Body is 3]
• Psionic (Grasp) [Focus, sustainable, One Target in far range is Grappled]
• Psionic (Weave) [Focus, sustainable, can Dodge the next successful Attack]
• Psionic (Twitch) [Focus, sustainable, next Attack is quickened]
• Psionic (Terra-genesis) [Focus, sustainable, Copy Touch Creation: Earth]
• Psionic (Pyro-genesis) [Focus, sustainable, Copy Touch Creation: Fire]
• Psionic (Bone Intensification) [Focus, sustainable, next successful Attack: Unarmed Strike does 3 Damage]
• Psionic (Path-walking) [Focus, sustainable, Moving is quickened and cannot be knocked down.]
• Psionic (Twinning) [Focus, sustainable, Choose two Psionic abilities, while Twinning is Focused those Psionic abilities are also Focused]
• Psionic (Blade) [Focus, sustainable, Copy Equipment: Sword]

Torso

• Psionic (Replenish) [Focus, sustainable, Target Canister regains half it’s capacity in air or water]
• Psionic (Shout) [Focus, sustainable, Copy: Burst Air]
• Psionic (Aqua-genesis) [Focus, sustainable, Copy: Creation Water]
• Psionic (Calcification) [Focus, sustainable, Deflecting is quickened]
• Psionic (Spines) [Focus, sustainable, until end of next turn Melee Attackers take 1d6 damage]
• Psionic (Force) [Focus, sustainable, Spirit is 3]
• Psionic (Clarity) [Focus, sustainable, Mind is 3]
• Psionic (Vitality) [Focus, sustainable, Stamina is 3]
• Psionic (Shadow) [Focus, sustainable, can Disengage]
• Psionic (Regeneration) [Focus, sustainable, restore 1d6 Stamina on self]

Body

• Psionic (Nourishment) [Focus, sustainable, Absorb Absorb One Adjacent Element: Earth to restore 2 Stamina]
• Psionic (Inflammability) [Focus, sustainable, Absorb One Adjacent Element: Fire to restore 2 Stamina]
• Psionic (Shell) [Focus, sustainable, Absorb One Adjacent Element: Water to restore 2 Stamina]
• Psionic (Defense) [Focus, sustainable, Absorb the Next Successful Melee Attack] 
• Psionic (Manipulation) [Focus, sustainable, Copy the Gadget Manipulation Ability]
• Psionic (Strike) [Focus, sustainable, Copy the Waylay Ability]
• Psionic (Will) [Focus, sustainable, Stamina is 3]
• Psionic (Surge) [Focus, sustainable, Focus Abilities require a Quick Action to activate and a free action to sustain]
• Psionic (Rippling) [Focus, sustainable, Absorb the Next Successful Ranged Attack]
• Psionic (Cloak)[Focus, sustainable, Copy: Hiding Ability]

Head

• Psionic (Acidification) [Focus, sustainable, Copy the Acid spell Ability]
• Psionic (Entropy) [Focus, sustainable, copy Phase Change: Steam]
• Psionic (Genesis) [Focus, sustainable, copy Homeopathy]
• Psionic (Plasma) [Focus, sustainable, copy Essence Burn]
• Psionic (Fading) [Focus, sustainable,  copy Obscure Self]
• Psionic (Cognizance) [Focus, sustainable, can copy one Knowledge Ability]
• Psionic (Magnetism) [Focus, sustainable, copy the Magnetic spell Ability]
• Psionic (Pyrokinesis) [Focus, sustainable, copy the Leap spell Ability]
• Psionic (Telekinesis) [Focus, sustainable, copy the Air Burst spell Ability]
• Psionic (Hydrokinesis) [Focus, sustainable, copy the Water Shaping spell Ability]

Within the Realm of Bastions there are people from a myriad of backgrounds, with a wide variety of physical appearances, resulting in a rich diversity of people. A character made by a player becomes an Actor in the Realm of Bastion.

Read through this book to see the wide variety of Actors that can be created and discuss with the other players to decide if you wish to come from similar Factions or if a Quest brought all of the Actors together from wide ranging backgrounds.

Core to the Actors are attributes and abilities which come from the culmination of Life Paths experienced by the Actor.

A Life Path consists of two Arcs, Arcs are a collection of 3 Encounters, usually a Social, Exploration, and Combat encounter but can be comprised of any 3 connected encounters. The average duration of campaigns are around 13 Life Paths but there is no limit on the amount of Life Paths an Actor can experience.

Each Actor uses Mind, Body, Spirit as their attributes, while some Abilities may modify these Attributes they can only be permanently changed through experiencing a Life Path.

Each attribute starts at 1, and at every even number of Body one Skilled Ability is unlocked that can be learned from an appropriate Encounter. Every even number of Mind unlocks one Technology, Ancient Ways or Skilled Ability, and every even number of Spirit unlocks one Magic, Automaton System or Skilled Ability.

Every odd numbered Life Path after the first results in an additional Active Ability to be equipped (1 Paths = 1 Active Ability, 3 Paths = 2 Active Abilities, 5 Paths = 3 Active Abilities, and so on). There is no limit to the number of Innate or unequipped Active Abilities an Actor has. Ex: At three Life Paths every Actor has an Active Ability Pool of 2, a total of 3 Attribute increases or Gifts, and an amount of Abilities relative to their Attribute, usually 2.

One of the most important aspects of an Actor during play is the Actor’s Stamina, which is a representation of their physical fortitude. If an Actor’s Stamina drops below 1 the become Unconscious.

An Actors Maximum Stamina is equal to twice their Body and events during Encounters may reduce or replenish it. An Actor may find themselves in a situation where their Stamina is lower than the Maximum but never higher. Some Abilities may change the value of Stamina directly in addition to reducing or replenishing or even change the way that Max Stamina is calculated. When those effects end your Max Stamina reverts to what it was before the effect, and your Current Stamina if higher than your original Max Stamina is reduced to become equal. For example: Vojk has 1 Body so has 2 Stamina at the start of the Encounter. When he uses Psionic (Vitality) he has 3 Stamina, and when he is subsequently damaged by 1 he ends the Round with 2 Stamina. On their next turn they once again use Psionic (Vitality) to return to 3 Stamina

When an Actor’s Stamina reaches 0 they make a roll to maintain consciousness as a Long Action on their turn. A roll of 1-2 results in the Actor slipping into unconsciousness, a 3-4 resulting in a Partial Success, and a 5-6 being a full success resulting in the Actor regaining 1 Stamina. If no Player Actors are conscious the Encounter ends and new Actors are made. Unconscious Actors can be brought back to consciousness during a Relaxing encounter where another Actor with Knowledge of Medicine tends to their wounds. Non-Player Actors do not roll to maintain consciousness, but can be brought back similar to Player Actors during a Relaxing Encounter.

The amount of Equipment Inventory Space is equal to the Actor’s Body, and the amount of Intangible Inventory is equal to the Actors Mind, the limit of an Actor’s amount of faction points for each faction is equal to the Actor’s spirit. (Ex: Kola has 4 Body, 1 Mind, and 1 Spirit and can have Two Weapons (Or ranged weapon and ammunition), One Worn Item, and 4 Items in her physical Inventory, one Intangible, and 1 Faction Point per Faction. She has 8 Max Stamina, and an Active Ability Pool of 2.)

Faction points must be declared by the Player at the start of Combat or Social Encounters, during Exploration Encounters if an appropriate obstacle uses a Faction & you have a Faction point with that faction may expend one Faction point to resolve that Obstacle. Each Faction Point used allows a Player to improve the starting Disposition of an NPA that shares the same Faction by one level per point used or used in place of Dosh. After being used a Faction point is depleted until completing a Downtime Social encounter with that Faction.

Every Life Path must include a Faction and Setting appropriate to the Setting Cluster chosen by the Player or rolled at random.

The first Life Path can be considered an Actor’s childhood to adolescence, the second path is to young adulthood, and third is the Adventuring Age at which the Actor enters into play. Each Life Path beyond this is all considered a part of the Actors Progression. A Player may roll 1d6 to determine where each Life Path occurs or choose a Setting Cluster for each of their three life paths: 1-2 A life path in the Outers Setting Cluster means the Player can choose a Gift Ability or increase Body, Mind or Spirit by 1. In addition the Actor receives 1 Dosh or 1 additional Faction Point. 3-4 A life path in the Middles Setting Cluster means a choice of increasing Body, Bind, or Spirit by 1 and receiving 2 dosh or 1 additional Faction Point. 5-6 A life path in the Inners Setting Cluster means a choice of increasing Body, Mind or Spirit by 1, and receiving 3 dosh per path. In Addition Subtract 1 Faction Point from a Faction not in the Inners Setting Cluster.

After 6 Encounters another Life Path has been experienced by the Player Actor (PA), choose one of the Factions & Settings from one of the Encounters experienced to serve as the basis for the Life Path. Receive the benefits from a Life Path in Inner, Middle, or Outer as well as a Faction Point from the Faction you interacted with during that Encounter. An increase to your Attributes and Active Ability Pool occurs immediately. Any Active Abilities unlocked with an Attribute increase from a Life Panel must be obtained from a Learning Encounter with an appropriate trainer. A trainer is a Non-Player Actor (NPAs) with a similar type Active Ability from a Faction & Setting chosen by the Storyteller. NPAs that have a Pneumatic Active Ability can train PAs in Pneumatics, NPAs with an Earth Magic Active Ability can train PAs in Earth Magic, NPAs with a Social Active Ability can train PAs in Social Skills and so forth.

Skills

Within the Realm of Bastions, here are those who dedicate themselves to the mastery of: martial arts, rhetorical devices,knowledge of person & place, persuasion, or the arts of subterfuge. The Tou'Ka are known for their wide array of combat Techniques, in addition to the constantly training Bastion City Guard. From the Nobles of Inner Bastion to the politicians of Ot'Ka the Social arts are perfected and even weaponized. Knowledge comes in many forms from the Geography & Humanoid knowledge of the Nat'Ka to the knowledge of Magic in the Church to Mechanics in the Skyward Monolith. The masters of Subterfuge are more difficult to find but for those dedicated enough they can be found in the Sewers of Middle Bastion & Phen'Ka however there are fleeting rumors of a specialized agent of chaos associated with the Pinies who can get anything from anywhere no matter the security. Combat Technique • Precise strike (Long Action: Attack, If Attack hits target cannot Dodge or Deflect until the start of your next turn) • Sundering strike (Long Action: Attack, If Attack is Successful Target cannot use Technology or Automaton Abilities until the start of your next turn) • Disrupting strike (Long Action: Attack,If Attack is Successful Target cannot use Magic or Ancient Way Abilities until the start of your next turn) • Feint (Long Action: Attack, Attacks are Quickened until the end of next round) • Throw (Free Action, Melee Attacks and Pharmacology Abilities have a range of Close until the end of your turn, Weapons used in an attack are removed from your Inventory but can be obtained again using Action: Physical Interaction) • Off-hand proficiency (Free Action, A successful Action: Attack uses two equipped One-hand weapons’ Damage and Trait.) • Battle Trance (Free Action ,until the end of the round successful melee attacks deal Body in damage & ranged attacks can be used at a Long range, cannot Dodge or Deflect until the start of your next turn) • Battle Flow (Quick Action, Dodge or Deflect action this round & Dodging or Deflecting is Quickened until the end of the next round) • Restrain (Quick Action, Body vs Body Opposed Roll to Grapple & Slow an Adjacent Target until the start of your next turn) • Attune Weapon (Free Action, the next successful attack does Spirit in damage, you cannot use Attune Weapon, Sustain, or Magic Abilities until the end of your next turn.) Social (May also use Action: Speak with any Social ability usage with anyone in a Close Range, Can be used in place of Speaking during a Social Encounter, if the ability affects a NPC a Spirit v Spirit opposed roll is required.)

• Convince (Quick Action, Spirit vs Mind opposed roll, to change disposition)
• Rhetoric (Quick Action, Mind vs. Mind opposed roll, to change disposition)
• Coerce (Quick Action, Spirit vs Body opposed roll, to change disposition )
• Rally (Long Action, Heal target by Roll 1d6 2-5 is 1 Stamina, 6 is 4 Stamina, if a 1 is Rolled the target cannot be affected by Rally for the remainder of the encounter)
• Command (Long Action, Target’s next action is quickened)
• Demoralize (Long Action, Target’s next action is slowed)
• Insult (Long Action)(Roll 1d6 2-5 is 1 Damage, 6 is 4 Damage, if a 1 is Rolled the target cannot be affected by Insult for the remainder of the encounter)
• Emotive Body Language (Long Action) (Spirit vs Body opposed roll against Critters to change disposition)
• Battle Plan (Long Action)(May change the order of the Actors within your turn section, starting at the beginning of the next Round.)
• Politician (Long Action) (Next round all social Abilities affect everyone within adjacent range)

Knowledge

(May also use Action: Speak with any Knowledge of … ability usage to communicate your knowledge with anyone in a Close Range)

• of Geography (Quick Action, During Exploration Tone Roll Opposed Roll against Player who chose Setting if higher the PAs learn the Round of the next Environmental Hazard, During Combat Tone your next Movement action is Quickened)
• of Critters (Long Action, Can use trained Critters, they may use the same amount of actions as you & act immediately after the use of this Ability, can also be used as an Identify Action on Critters giving knowledge of all their active Abilities and disposition.  During Encounters may use this to Make a Request to Tame a Critter above Indifferent.)
• of Humanoids (Quick Action, Can be used as an Identify Action on all of the Target’s Gifts and Skilled Abilities in Combat Tone, Can discern a target’s disposition during Social Tone by rolling a 1d6 with 1-3 a failure with no penalty and 4-6 a success, and In Exploration Tone can  Roll Opposed Roll against Player who chose Setting if yours is higher the PAs learn the Round of the next Active Hazard)
• of Mechanics (Quick Action, During Combat Can be used as an Identify Action on all of the Target’s Automaton Systems and Technology Abilities) (Long Action, During Social Encounter if Repair Tools are equipped with Material Goods or Improving Material Goods you can use a long action to roll a 1d6 during a Crafting Encounter. 1 is a failure consuming the repair tools & Goods, 2-5 is a partial success consuming the Goods, and 6 is a success consuming the Goods) 
• of Occult (Brief Action, Body Attribute is equal to Mind Attribute until the end of turn, can be used as an Identify Action all of the Target’s Ancient Ways Abilities)
• of Magic (Quick Action, Can be used as an Identify Action on all of the Target’s Spell Abilities, if Focus Staff is equipped can use a Long Action to use Magic associated with the Staff )
• of Healing (Quick Action, restores Mind attribute in Stamina of one adjacent target, required to rouse an Unconscious actor)
• of Spiritual (Brief Action, Spirit Attribute is equal to Mind Attribute until end of turn)
• of Lore (Quick Action, Can be used as an Identify Action on All of the Target’s Equipment(Weapons, Garb and Inventory Items), During Social or Combat Encounters can consume one Intangible to resolve an Active Obstacle or apply the stated effects of to a target. During an Exploration Encounter Roll Opposed Roll against Player who chose Setting if higher the PAs learn the Round of the next Intentional Hazard)
• of Martial Arts (Quick Action, Copies the Perceive Action, if Advanced Unarmed Combat is equipped can use a Long Action to copy the Perceive & Attack Action.  Can use a Long Action to recite a relevant Code of Honor to Speak & use Body in place of Spirit until the end of your next turn.)

Subterfuge

• Grift (Long Action, Randomly copies a Social skill until the end of the turn using your Body instead of Spirit on the Opposed Roll [1-2 = Convince, 3-4 = Rhetoric, 5-6 = Coerce], Adjacent Range)
• Hiding (Quick Action, Body vs Mind Opposed Roll for any Adjacent Actors, Undetectable until the end of next round)
• Dirty Trick (Quick Action, Disengage until the start of next round)
• Waylay (Quick Action, Next round can make one Melee Attack as a Free Action)
• Pickpocket (Long Action Attack, if your Melee attack is successful receive 1 Dosh)
• Gadget Manipulation (Quick Action, During Exploration Tone can Resolve an Intentional Obstacle. During Combat Tone, Body vs. Body Opposed Roll to force the target’s next Technology or Automaton System Ability to be Long Action, Adjacent Range)
• Contingency (Quick Action, Recovers the last consumed Item in the Encounter)
• Nimble (Quick Action, Moving and Dodging are quickened until the end of the next round)
• Pilfer (Quick Action, Body v Body Opposed roll, on a tie or success, Can move one equipment or item from the target to you, if you do not have inventory space for the equipment you may drop it to the ground or Throw it if that ability is equipped, Adjacent Range)
• Essence Sap (Quick Action, Spirit v Spirit Opposed Roll, Target’s Magic & Ancient Way abilities are slowed, your Magic & Ancient Way Abilities are quickened until the end of next turn, Adjacent Range)

Body: 1

Mind: 1

Spirit: 4

Current/Max Stamina: 2 / 2

Life Paths Experienced: 3

Active Ability Pool: 2

Physical Inventory: 1

Mental Inventory: 1

Faction Limit: 4

Faction Points: Inner Bastion Workers: 1, Tou'Ka: 1

Dosh: 0

Equipment/Items: Fancy Clothes, Trained Critter: Ka'mel, Supplies

Abilities: Knowledge of Critters, Rally

Born to a family of workers in the Dusties, Austo helped where he could between the warehouses and factories but quickly found he had a knack for communication. As a young adult he took advantage of that talent to work his way into Merchants Row where he saved enough Dosh to purchase a Ka’mel to attempt a caravan route of his own in attempts of making even more Dosh. His first trade caravan to Tou'Ka was modestly successful and now he seeks to parlay that into more trade caravans.

Ancient Ways

The Ancient Ways refer to the myriad of traditions that date back to the beginning of each ‘Ka’s founding. The Nat’ka’ah is based on the earliest inscriptions read upon the World Tablet, they told how each living creature is of the same, and the difference between them are able to be manipulated. The Tou’ka’te is based upon the ideal of perfect presence of mind in any conflict, to channel this will into a weapon. The Phen’ka’ou are a tradition based upon the first people who scaled the Mountains of Madness and returned, with them they brought knowledge of a sacred ritual tool known as the ‘Ou. While the Ot’ka’kto is based upon the first representative of Ot’ka a known enjoyer of rare beverages that often gave her insight into the best course of action when faced with difficult choices.

In order to gain access to a Learning Encounter with someone knowledgeable in the Ancient Ways a Convincing encounter with a member of the appropriate Faction must occur. Within that Convincing Encounter the PAs must succeed on a Request to “Show me to a master of the Ancient Ways”

These Abilities are only able to be learned in the Setting they originate from, in addition each ability after the first requires one more Faction point (1st Ability requires 1 Faction, 2nd Ability requires 2, 3rd Ability requires 3, 4th Ability requires 4, etc.) Abilities that Block Magic Abilities also Block Ancient Ways.

The Nat'ka'ah (Requires Knowledge of Critters, and Nat’ka faction)

• Matter: (Long action, Max Stamina is = to Mind for 1d6 rounds)
• Synthesis: (Long Action, replace your attributes & abilities with a Critter's (In the current encounter) taking on a Critter form until of the encounter, unable to use Action: Speak, Equipment or Abilities from your Human form after the duration ends.  You cannot use Synthesis on the same type of Critter until Synthesis is used on a different Critter type).
• Duality: (Quick Action, revert to your Human-form, may use a free action to return to Critter form)
• Finality: (Long Action,  maintain your current Critter form for 1d6 encounters, after that the Critter-form ends and cannot be taken again until you have used Finality on another type of Critter.)
• Primal Suplex: (Long Action Attack, Choose to Move once and attack an adjacent target or attack a target Flying above you, if the attack is successful you may move the Target as if you succeeded on a Physical Manipulation opposed roll.)
• Mimicry: (Quick Action, until the end of the next round when a Critter uses an ability you may choose to copy that action, at the start of your next turn you may use the same amount of Action to replicate the effects of the Mimicked ability)
• Consciousness: (Long Action, Spirit vs Spirit Opposed roll to bring a target critter’s disposition to Indifferent until the end of the next round, sustainable on a successful Opposed Roll.)
• Conception: (Long Action, Once per Encounter Knowledge of Critters can be used to resolve a current Active Obstacle)
• Reflexes: (Long Action, Dodge using Mind instead of Body)
• Ferocity: (Long Action Attack, if the damage from this attack knocks the target unconscious your attacks are Quickened for 1d6 rounds.)

The Tou'ka'te (Requires Knowledge of Martial Arts and Tou’ka faction) • Of One Grip: (Brief Action, you may use Mind instead of body for Grapple & Pilfer opposed rolls until the end of your next turn) • Of One Hand: (Brief Action, Your next Attack is Quickened, Of One Hand cannot be used for 2d6 – Mind Rounds) • Of One Step: (Quick Action, your Movement is Quickened for Mind/2 Rounds) • Of One Body: (Long Action Attack, successful attacks allow you to deal Mind/2 in damage to the next actor that damages you with a Melee attack) • Of One Shield: (Long Action Attack, if successful you may change your next dodge or deflect to the opposite when an attack against you succeeds) • Of One Eye: (Brief Action, if your next attack roll is a 6 the weapon deals Mind in Damage) • Of One Soul: (Brief Action, after attacking a target your Deflects may use Mind instead of Equipment until the end of the next round) • Of One Breath: (Long Action, make a Throw Attack with an equipped one-handed weapon, the thrown weapon returns to you at the end of your turn) • Of One Will: (Long Action, make a Throw Attack with a Two-handed Weapon) • Of One Life: (Long Action, Instead of rolling to Maintain Consciousness you may become conscious with current stamina = Mind, after 1d6 rounds you return to 0 Stamina and must roll to maintain consciousness)

The Phen'ka'ou (Requires Knowledge of Spirituality, and Phen’ka Faction ) • 'Ou: (Brief Action, in two empty hands the ‘Ou Censor appears from smoke, it may copy the Club or Staff Weapon Traits Attack an adjacent target with a Long Action, dealing 2 Damage on a successful attack, and applying any Resin or Oil, abilities to the target. All other Phen’ka’ou abilities require the ‘Ou to be in hand.) • Dan'del Resin: (Long Action, all Targets affected by the ‘Ou Smoke Restore 1 Stamina at the start of their turn, Duration is Mind Attribute in Rounds) • No'lien Resin: (Long Action, all Targets affected by the ‘Ou Smoke Drain 1 Stamina at the start of their turn, Duration is Mind Attribute in Rounds) • Ho'hou Resin: (Long Action, all Targets affected by the ‘Ou Smoke are Undetectable) • Fa'tni Oil: (Quick Action, until the start of your next turn, targets affected by the ‘Ou smoke have their first action slowed) • Bleu'si Oil: (Quick Action, until the start of your next turn, targets affected by the ‘Ou smoke have their first action quickened) • Va'ngh Oil: (Quick Action, duration is until the end of next round, targets Body and Mind are replaced by their Spirit)  • Trailing Stance: (Brief Action Movement & the 'Ou smoke effects all spaces you move through this turn) • Lobbing Stance: (Long Action Attack, a success deals 1 Damage and applies any Resin or Oil abilities to the target) • Fog Stance: (Brief Action, the 'Ou smoke effects all adjacent squares until the end of this turn)

The Ot'ka'kto (Requires Knowledge of Occult, and Ot’ka Faction)

• Gourd of Life and Death: (Brief Action, drink from the Gourd in your Hand, anyone drinking from the Gourd makes a Mind v Body opposed roll against themselves, if mind wins you are restored 1 stamina and the effects of any Ale or Spirit lasts until the start of your next turn, if Body wins it drains 1 stamina and the effect lasts until the end of the next round.)
• Fire-belly Ale: (Quick Action, the Gourd is filled with an Ale that imparts the effect, successful attacks deal 1 fire damage and enemies who successfully attack you take 1 fire damage)
• Dragon Spirit: (Quick Action, the Gourd is filled with a Spirit that imparts the effect, once per round you may use a Brief Action to attack a target in close range, success deals 1 fire damage, 3 fire damage on a roll of 6)
• Frost Ale: (Quick Action, the Gourd is filled with an Ale that imparts the effect, successful attacks slow the targets movement, enemies who successfully attack you are slowed until the end of their next turn)
• Ice Spirit: (Quick Action, the Gourd is filled with a Spirit that imparts the effect, you are slowed and restore 1d6 Stamina at the end of each round.)
• Earthen Ale: (Quick Action, the Gourd is filled with an Ale that imparts the effect, Successful attacks create Elemental: Earth in all spaces adjacent to the target, enemies who successfully attack you restore 1 Stamina)
• Bog Spirit: (Quick Action, the Gourd is filled with an Spirit that imparts the effect, Deflect the next successful attack against you, use Mind instead of Equipment)
• Breeze Ale: (Quick Action, the Gourd is filled with an Ale that imparts the effect, Dodge the next successful attack against you using, Mind instead of Body)
• Tornado Spirit: (Quick Action, the Gourd is filled with a Spirit that imparts the effect, once per round you may use a Brief Action to push all adjacent targets to close range and knock them down.)
• Share drink: (Quick Action, You and one adjacent ally drink from the Gourd in your Hand.  anyone drinking from the Gourd makes a Mind v Body opposed roll against themselves, if Mind wins you are restored 1 stamina and the effects of any Ale or Spirit lasts until the start of your next turn, if Body wins it drains 1 stamina and the effect lasts until the end of the next round)

Equipment can be differentiated between Weapons, Worn Items, and Intangibles with the first three taking up space in your Physical Inventory, determined by Body. Intangibles take up space in Mental Inventory determined by Mind. Any equipment in addition to 1 Worn Item and 1 Ranged Weapon, 1 2-handed weapon, or 2 1-handed weapons counts as an Item.

On your turn you can dedicate your actions to attempting to attack, attempting to dodge, or deflecting. One use of an attacking, dodging, or deflecting action allows for one attack, dodge, or deflect. If a target has not declared a dodge or deflect then they do not get a roll and if the attack is successful apply the stated damage.

Ranged weapons must have the ammunition item in the off-hand resulting in both hands being occupied an attack roll of a 1 consumes the ammunition item.

Two-handed weapons require both hands to wield the weapon as their name implies. Ranged Weapons and Two-handed weapons require using a Change: Equipment Action to open a hand in order to use Magic and Technology.

Equipment cost Dosh, each Life Panel pays the amount of Dosh based on the Life Panel’s location. Actors can utilize Barter Encounters to trade Equipment found from Encounters as well as Treasure for Dosh.

Equipment, and some specific Items can be improved during a Crafting Encounter from: Improved to Exceptional to Master-worked to Relic. Weapons that do damage have their damage increased by one per level level of improvement, while items that can be improved detail their improvement for each stage of enhancement in their description. In addition Broken or Shoddy Equipment can be Repaired during Crafting Encounters. One-handed Weapons
[Attacks are Quick, Damage is 2, Range is Adjacent]

• Unarmed [Always Armed {Attacks are brief and do 1 damage}] No Cost
• Sword [Rending {If enemy attempts to dodge, they take 1 unavoidable damage}] Cost 2 Dosh
• Hammer [Impact {If enemy attempts to deflect, they take 1 unavoidable damage}] Cost 2 Dosh
• Hatchet [Momentum {Attacks quicken following attacks until the end of the turn] Cost 2 Dosh
• Spear [Reach{Long Action to Action: Attack at Close Range}] Cost 2 Dosh
• Lasso [Disarming {Damage is 1, Successful Attacks Attempt to Pilfer the Target’s Equipped Weapon}] Cost 1 Dosh
• Club [Indistinguishable {Can’t be pilfered/blocked/made shoddy}] Cost 1 Dosh
• Knife [Vital-strike {Attack rolls of 6 do 4 Damage}] Cost 2 Dosh
• Buckler [Reflexive{While activated with a Quick Action , Deflect is Quickened. Deflect Ranged Rating 2, Damage is 1 for attacks}] Cost 2 Dosh
• Shield [Sturdy {While activated with a Quick Action, First Deflection of the Encounter is Free Deflect Melee Rating 2, Damage is 1}] Cost 2 Dosh
• Rapier [Parry {Successful Attacks reduce the next successful Melee Attack against you by 1d6 (1-4 One Damage, 5-6 Two Damage)}]
• Puzzle-blade [Enigmatic{Successful Attack Rolls of 5-6 Attempt to Pilfer the weapon of the next Successful Melee Attack against you}]

Two-handed Weapons [Attacks are Long and Damage is 3, Range is Adjacent]

• Advanced Unarmed Combat [Dedicated] {Requires Knowledge of Martial Arts, A successful attack can copy any one or two-handed weapon’s trait, except for Buckler, Shield, Wreath of Shadows, and Bastion Shield.}
• Pole-arm [Length-advantage{After attacking Deflect once as a free action}] Cost 3 Dosh
• Great-ax [Destructive {Successful attacks cause a random equipment on the target to be blocked until the start of your next turn (3-4 Garb, 5 Off-hand, 6 Main-hand)}] Cost 3 Dosh
• Long-sword [Expertise {After attacking Dodge once as a Free Action}] Cost 3 Dosh
• Maul [Reliable {If the target successfully Deflects or Dodges they take 1 unavoidable damage}] Cost 3 Dosh
• Staff [Tempo {After attacking Movement is Quickened until the start of your Turn} Cost 2 Dosh
• Weighted-lasso  [Entangling {Successful attacks do 1 damage, knock the target down and grapple them until the end of your next turn}] Cost 2 Dosh
• Scythe [Width {Successful attacks do 2 damage to the enemy & enemies adjacent to the target}] Cost 2 Dosh
• Bastion Shield [Refuge {While activated with a Long Action Adjacent Allies and yourself deflect the next 2 damage until the start of your next turn, Damage is 1 for attacks} Cost 3 Dosh
• Wreath of Shadows [Distraction {When activated with a Long Action Adjacent allies and yourself Dodge the next successful Attack against them, Damage is 1 for attacks} Cost 3 Dosh
• Serrated Long Blade [Critical {Attack rolls of 5-6 do 4 damage}]
• Double-ended-spear [Riposte {Successful attacks allow you do deal 1 Damage to each actor who successfully attacks you with a melee weapon until the start of your next turn}]

Ranged Weapons
[Attacks are Long, Range is Close and Damage is 2]{Must have the ammunition item, Uses 2-hands, attack rolls of 1 consume ammunition}

• Revolver [One Handed,Only counts as 1-handed ] Cost 4 Dosh
• Canister Launcher [Concussive {Damage is 1, the target and any actors adjacent are knocked down and their next movement action is slowed, attack rolls of 1-3 consume ammunition} Cost 4 Dosh
• Flintlock Blunderbuss [Scattershot {Range is Adjacent and does damage to everyone in front of you, attack rolls of 1-2 consume ammunition}] Cost 3 Dosh
• Crossbow [Ballistic {Successful hits do 2 damage to a second target that is adjacent & behind the target attacked}] Cost 2 Dosh 
• Bow [Practiced Hand {After a Successful Attack, your next Attack is Quickened}] Cost 2 Dosh
• Musket [Fire & Forget {After attempting an attack you can move once as a free action}] Cost 3 Dosh
• Sling [Resourcefulness {Damage is 1, Attack Rolls of 1 do not consume ammunition, attack rolls of 6 do 2 Damage}] Cost 1 Dosh
• Compound-Bow [Arcing {Ignores the effects of Obscure, Earth: Shaping, and Bastion Shield}] Cost 2 Dosh
• Flintlock Rifle [Precise{If target attempts to dodge they receive 1 unavoidable damage}] Cost 3 Dosh
• Flintlock Pistol [Piercing {If target attempts to deflect they receive 1 unavoidable damage}] Cost 3 Dosh
• Flintlock Hand-Cannon [Over-loaded {Damage is 4, Range is Adjacent, attack rolls of 1-3 consume ammunition}] Cost 3 Dosh
• Mortar [Artillery [Range is Far, Ignores the effects of Obscure, Earth: Shaping, and Bastion Shield, always consumes ammunition] Cost 4 Dosh

Items (# of items in inventory is equal to body, if an item is stackable it only takes up one inventory space)

• Large Tool: [Long action to mitigate an environmental obstacle, consumable] Cost 1 Dosh
• Improving Material Goods [Requires Knowledge of Mechanics & Repair Tools,  Used to upgrade equipment, consumable] Cost Improved: 2, Exceptional: 4, Masterful: 6, or Relic: 8 Dosh
• Small Tools [Long action to mitigate an intentional obstacle, consumable, stackable] Cost 1 Dosh
• Travel bag [Increases your Inventory by 3, multiple bags do not increase your Inventory, can be improved to increase the additional Inventory provided by 1] Cost 2 Dosh
• Caravan [Requires a Trained Critter to use, allows you to use the Critter’s Body for additional Inventory] Cost 2 Dosh
• Repair Tools [Requires Knowledge of Mechanics,Using Material Goods you can turn a Broken or Shoddy item into a normal one. Using Improving Material Goods can change the equipment to (Improved → Exceptional → Masterful → Relic)] Cost 1 Dosh
• Ammunition [Required for a range attack, is consumed on an Attack roll of 1, stackable] Cost 1 Dosh
• Food/Drink [Restores Stamina based on quality, a foraged meal may be 1 while an expensive inner city meal may restore 5, consumable, stackable] Costs Variable Dosh, Cost = Stamina Restored
• Canister Air/Water [Large capacity pressurized water tank & hoses, Can hold 10 kg of air or 40L of water which counts as Element: Water] 1 Dosh, fully replenished for 1 Dosh
• Supplies A bit of food, water, a portable means of getting sleep, shelter, alcohol, dried Tassalroot, and more. Supplies are essential to a Relaxing encounter and are a reliable way of recovering to full strength. [Each Actor in the Relaxing encounter can use a Long Action to Restore 1d6 Stamina, consumable] 1 Dosh
• Focus Staff [Uses both hands, may attack copying the Staff equipment, Requires Knowledge of Magic, this item can be upgraded rather than increasing the damage, at Base level it can copy one Creation spell but they cannot be sustained,  Improved it can copy one Removal Spell or one Creation Spell but they cannot be sustained, Exceptional can copy one Magic Ability but they cannot be sustained, Masterwork any Magic Ability Copied can be sustained, Relic the copied Magic Ability is cast at the start of any Encounter.] Costs 2 Dosh 
• Trained Critter [Does not take up Inventory Space, Choose a Critter with 1-2 Active Abilities to have as an Item, can be upgraded to add another 2 attribute & One Active Ability (Two Active Abilities at Relic)] Costs 2 Dosh 

Technology

In the Realm of Bastions Technology has developed in part from the Elemental Magic and in part from the greatest inventors of the Realm. The Four main disciplines of Technology that are prominent in Bastion are described below, Pharmacology’s center of research is based in Bastion City. The noble house of Kabir once known for their Tassalroot Brewery has shifted directions in the past couple of generations towards developing other means by which to manipulate the Mind, Body, and Spirit using their connections to Phen’Ka. Hydraulic technology was pioneered by the lake folk of Den’Ka primarily in use of massive hydraulic bridges that control access to Den’Ka. Pneumatics was pioneered by the Inventor of the Skyward Monolith, but stolen blueprints has allowed Ot’Ka to make a name for themselves in the same field. While Materials used to be a closely guarded secret of the Zeu'Ka house Al'Zarar smugglers were able to bring most of the techniques to Inner Bastion a few years ago. This cemented Al’Zarar in the upper echelons of Inner Bastion and protected the Noble house from acquisition by the Daro Group allowing them to aid the Star Consortium. Anyone with the proper Mind attribute, access to blueprints, Dosh, or influence & a tutor can learn how to create and operate the Technology of Bastion.

Equipped Technology Active Abilities requires a Technical Aptitude Test at the beginning of the Encounter and a Free Hand at the beginning of your Turn to be able to use.

Pharmacology

From the Phen’Ka to the Southeast to Bastion City; Pharmacology is an essential technology in the lives of many within the Realm of Bastion, commonly taking the form of the recreational used Hallucinogen or the medically used Pain Reducer, or Curative. Requires an Action to apply the stated effect on an Adjacent Range Target. When the Target is a NPA it is a Mind v Body Opposed Roll to apply. At the end of any Pharmacology ability the target is drained 1 Stamina.

• Hallucinogen  (Mind & Body are equal to Spirit) [Duration until end of next round]
• Pain reducer (At the start of each round your Current Stamina is = 3) [Duration = Mind]
• Stimulant (All of targets actions are quickened) [Duration until end of next round]
• Sedative (All of targets actions are slowed) [Duration until end of next round]
• Essence Tincture (Target’s next Action is a Free Action, they cannot use Magic Abilities for the Duration) [Duration is until the start of your next turn]
• Curative (Removes Poison and Restores 1 Stamina each round, if unconscious target becomes conscious, duration = to Mind)
• Poison (Removes Curative and Drains 1 Stamina each round, if unconscious the target cannot roll to maintain consciousness until the Poison’s duration ends , duration = to Mind)
• Skin-shield (The next Successful Attack against a Target is Deflected with Target’s Mind in place of Equipment, Movement is Slowed) [Duration until end of next turn]
• Numbing Agent (Target cannot Deflect, the Next 1 Damage received is Absorbed) [Duration until end of next round]
• Muscle-relaxer (Target cannot Dodge, the Next 1 Damage received is Absorbed) [Duration until end of next round]

Hydraulics

First developed and perfected by the Den’Ka Hydraulics has become essential to the Automatons of Bastion City and the Skyward Monolith. So much so that both Factions offered a large amount of Dosh & Material Goods to the Ot’Ka and Tou’Ka to attempt to take the Hydraulic technology of Den’Ka by force. Requires an Action to activate or deactivate. While activated a Hydraulic Active Ability provides it’s stated benefits and consumes on yourself and uses the stated amount of water at the end of the round. If there is no water then the system overheats draining 1d6 stamina.

• Intuitive Mitigation System (Deflecting is Quickened, can use ½ of Mind rounded up instead of Equipment While Deflecting,  uses 1L of water)
• Impact Absorption Mesh (Deflect Melee Rating +1, uses 1L of water)
• Temperature Controlled Apparatus (Deflect Spell Rating +1, uses 1L of water)
• Upper Hydraulic Reinforcing Lines (May use Mind instead of Body for Grapple, and Pilfer Opposed Rolls, uses 1L of water)
• Core Stabilization System (At the start of your Turn Current Stamina is = to ½ of Mind rounded up and One Action Activates or Deactivates all Equipped Hydraulic Abilities uses 2L of water) 
• Replenishment System (Restores 1d6 L in Water / round)
• Steam Vents (Adjacent Range around Self are Obscured, uses 4L of water, may use 1 Dosh to emit scented steam that prevents Actors from having their Disposition lowered on failures in Social Encounter Opposed Rolls)
• Ballistic Gel Layer (Deflect Ranged Rating +1, uses 1L of water)
• Life Support (Restores 1 Stamina, if unconscious will restore consciousness uses 2L of Water)
• Lower Hydraulic Reinforcing Lines (First Action: Movement each turn is a Free Action, uses 1L of water, cannot be knocked down)

Materials

Originally the pride of Zeu’Ka this area of Technology is the newest to make it’s way to Bastion City where it is now the source of income for Al’Zarar Noble House. Bastion City’s Guard have been eager to obtain this Technology since the Second Desert War but have been unsuccessful, for now. Requires an Action to apply the effect listed to an Adjacent Target’s Equipment until the end of next round. Range is Adjacent

• Enflame (Weapon) [Successful attacks create Elemental: Fire on the target’s space {+1 damage on successful attacks}]
• Ever-Cold (Weapon) [Successful attacks Slow the target until the end of the next round{+1 damage}]
• Pressure Conduit (Weapon) [Long action for an attack roll against a target up to Far range away, 5-6 are a success dealing Mind in Physical Damage {+1 damage}]
• Diamond Core (Worn) [+1 spell Deflection, +1 on Social Encounter Opposed Rolls]
• Obsidian Coating (Worn) [Absorbs the next 3 Damage received]
• Phased (Worn) [+1 physical Deflection, next Deflect is quickened]
• Light-weight (Worn) [Can Disengage once per round]
• Exploding (Weapon) [Can throw to copy the Ability Fire: Burst]
• Telescoping (Worn) [+1 Ranged Deflection, next Dodge is quickened]
• Attracting (Weapon) [If item is thrown to you will return at the end of the round]

Pneumatic

Developed by the Inventor during the Second Desert War, Pneumatic Technology was integral to the victories over the Phen’Ka during the Second Desert War. The peace established the Skyward Monolith. Afterward the Ot’Ka were able to negotiate a payment from the usually reserved Inventor, and bargained to obtain more of the Pneumatic technology from the Inventor during the Third Desert War. Requires an Action for each activation of a Pneumatic Active Ability and immediately uses the stated amount of Air from the canister. If there is insufficient Air in the Canister then the Ability is blocked.

• Pneumatic Wrist Stabilizer [1kg, Until the end of next turn 2-Handed Weapons & Ranged Weapons only use one hand, Self Range]
• Pneumatic Grenade [Consumes 2kg Air, Copy Air: Burst centered on target within Close Range]
• Puff Boots [Consumes 2kg Air, The next Dodge is a Free Action & uses Mind instead of Body, Self Range]
• Pneumatic Bolt Launcher [Consumes 1kg of Air, Copy Crossbow equipment until the end of this round Ability and make one attack at Shot Range, if the target tries to dodge you can use Mind instead of Body]
• Quick Release Pressurized Joints [Consumes 2kg of Air, Attacks are Quickened until the end of next turn, Self Range]
• Pneumatic Weapon [Consumes 1kg of Air, Copy a One-Handed Weapon until the end of this round and make one attack at Adjacent Range, if the target attempts to dodge you can use Mind instead of Body]
• Ambient Pressure Equalizer [Restores 1d6 kg of air once this round and again next round, Self Range, not speaking during Social Encounters is not awkward.]
• Rapid Pressure Accelerator [Consumes 2kg of Air, Successful Pneumatic Attacks do Mind Attribute in Damage until the start of your next turn]
• Jet-pack [Consumes 5kg of Air, You are Flying until end of next turn, while flying you are Immune to the effects of Obstacles]
• Rapid Applicator Tool [Consumes 2kg of Air, The next Technology Ability or Item can be Activated with a Free Action instead of the result of the Technology Aptitude Test or Physical Interaction]

Magic

Anyone with strong enough willpower can learn the ways in which Essence manifests in the Realm of Bastion. One can use words, gestures, or a frame of mind to weave the Essence that generate the Magic spells described below. When learning a new spell one must seek out a capable magic user to learn from. While there are rumors of ancient Texts, and poems that are able to impart Magic techniques without guidance they are useless. There is an Ascendant of each element, a conduit of the Element itself upon the realm of Bastion. The Ascendant of Earth merged with the Worm in a ritual that resulted in the Cataclysm of Zol’Ka. The Ascendant of Water is the the Speaker of the Lake in the Den’Ka region who merged with the symbiont Thoughtfish, The Ascendant of Fire is the Firebird which consumes the Essence of a single powerful mage to keep the Dragon’s Maw Volcano inactive within the region of Zeu’Ka. The Ascendant of Air is the Sky Pirate Ombtu who made a pact with Living Cloud trapped within the Sky Ship “The Flourish”. Together they Captain the singular Sky Ship that can fly without the use of Pneumatic Technology or Air Magic.
Magic Abilities require a free hand, are Close Range and are a Quick Action unless modified or otherwise stated. All Magic targeting a target below Indifferent requires an opposed roll (Spirit vs. Spirit) Magic that does not state it is sustainable is considered Temporary, and only one Magic Active Ability can be sustained each round.

Any Element conjured by a Magic Ability remains but if the Magic is not Sustained it ceases to be (At the end of the turn after the spell was cast) Element: (Earth, Fire, Water) instead becomes a mundane version. Mundane fire will quickly snuff out unless on a material explicitly described as flammable. Spells that require an Element version of an element cannot use a mundane version in lieu of.

Earth

The denizens of Zol’Ka and Nat’Ka are regarded as the masters of Earth magic in the Outers but within Bastion City the Church makes frequent use of Earth magic to maintain houses, streets, and the very important walls of Bastion City.

• Creation (Creates 5kg [3 body/6 Stamina, 0 mind, 0 spirit,] of Element: Earth, sustainable)
• Rock Equipment (Copy a One-Handed Weapon or Tool  until the end of the round and make an Attack, sustainable) 
• Pathing (The Next Action: Movement is a Free action and adjacent Element: Earth moves with you & is sustained until the end of turn, sustainable)
• Ensnaring Mud (Movement and Dodging are Slowed for all Targets in Element: Earth until the end of your next turn, sustainable)
• Magnetic (Attacks and Deflecting are Slowed for all Targets in Element: Earth until the end of your next turn, during Social Encounters you may prevent Disposition loss from any of your Social Opposed Roll failures)
• Acid (Consumes one instance of Element: Earth and a Target’s equipment is blocked & until the end of the next turn & made shoddy, can be used to grant a Partial Success against Intentional Obstacles)
• Removal (removes Element: Earth, When used on an Environmental Obstacle grants a Partial Success in resolving)
• Bolster (Your Stamina is equal to Spirit, sustainable)
• Sculpting (Consumes one instance of Element: Earth to create a wall that Deflects the next 6 Ranged or Melee Damage adjacent to the wall, sustainable)
• Earthen shield (Targets in Element: Earth can use their Spirit instead of Equipment when Deflecting, sustainable)

Water

The Phen’Ka life on the Trickle and the Den’Ka life on the lake combined with their traditions results in the mastery of Water magic but it can be found in almost every civilization within the Realm of Bastions as the creation of drinking water is of utmost importance to all the people. In addition Water Magic is often used to heal the wounds and illness of the people, yet true masters are few and far between.

• Creation (Creates 5 L of Element: Water [2 body/4 Stamina, 0 Mind, 0 Spirit], sustainable, if used on Element: Fire it is absorbed, can be used on a Canister to restore 5L of Water.)
• Shaping (Consumes one instance of Element: Water to make a wall Deflecting the next 4 Magic Damage close to the Wall, sustainable)
• Removal (Removes one instance of Element: Water, if a Target is on the Element: Water they take 2 Damage, can be used on a Canister to remove 5L of Water.)
• Phase Change Freeze: (Consume one instance of Element: Water to create Ice Slowing one Target adjacent to the Element:Water consumed until the end of your next turn)
• Phase Change Steam: (Consume one instance of Element: Water to create Steam dealing Spirit in damage to one Target adjacent to the Element:Water consumed)
• Essence Arc (Target’s Adjacent to Element: Water have their Magic Abilities range increased to Far Range until the end of your next Turn)
• Homeopathy (Consume a one instance of Element: Water to restore [Your Spirit + Target Spirit] in Stamina to one Target Close to the Element:  Water)
• Spread (Element: Water spreads to one Adjacent space and sustains all Adjacent instances of Element: Water, sustainable)
• Current (Enemies Adjacent to Element: Water are knocked down and have their movement Slowed until the end of your next Turn)
• Essence Flux (Enemies Adjacent to Element: Water have their Magic and Ancient Way Abilities Slowed, during Social Encounters affected enemies have their Disposition Improved.)

Fire

Regarded with more disdain than the other areas of Magic, due to the destructive nature of it. Zeu’Ka are the undisputed masters of Fire Magic, however there are actually more users of Fire Magic within Bastion City but they are relegated to becoming a Scorched One or going into hiding.

• Creation (Create one instance of Element: Fire the size of a hand, [1 body/2Stamina, 0 mind, 0 spirit], sustainable, if a target occupies the space it takes 1 damage at the start of its turn)
• Spread (Element: Fire spreads to one Adjacent space, sustaining all adjacent instances of Element: Fire, sustainable)
• Leap (One instance of Element: Fire moves to another space within a Close distance dealing 2 Damage to a Target in that space )
• Fire Burst (One instance of Element: Fire spreads in all Adjacent directions dealing 2 Damage to any targets in that space.  All instances of Element: Fire become mundane at the start of your next turn)
• Flare-up (Consumes all instances of Element: Fire to deal Spirit in Damage to any Targets touching Element: Fire)
• Cauterizing Blaze (Consumes one of instance of Element: Fire to heal Spirit in Stamina of a target sharing the same space)
• Overheat (Consumes one instance of Element: Fire to block one of a target’s Technology or Automaton System Abilities until the end of next turn)
• Smoke (Consumes one instance of Element: fire to create a space of Temporary Obscure in the same space as the fire)
• Melt (Consumes one instance of Element: Fire to make one of the Target’s Equipment Shoddy for 1d6 Rounds, can be used to grant one partial success against Intentional Obstacles.)
• Essence Burn (Consumes one instance of Element: Fire to block one of a target’s Magic or Ancient Way Abilities, during Social Encounters that target’s Disposition cannot change until the end of next turn)

Air

Between the First and Second Desert Wars the Living Cloud did not aid a singular region or clan rather pick and choose people to embody the Element of Air. These people banded together as the first masters of Air Magic known as Sky-Pirates. Utilizing Air Magic to pilot the first air-ships, small single person crafts that they used to take from the rich and give to the poor, becoming prosperous and beloved. That is except by Bastion City who allied with Ot’Ka to create the Wind-runners that hunted the Sky-Pirates into near extinction. Now the last Sky-Pirates have banded together on a single ship under Ombtu. Despite their roguish beginnings users of Air magic are now essential to the bustling Air-ship trade between Ot’Ka, Bastion City, and Skyward Monolith.

• Projection (Deal 2 ranged damage to a Target and all Targets behind the first in a Close Range)
• Draft (All targets adjacent to a Target in Close range takes 2 ranged damage)
• Lift (Target is Flying air until the end of next turn, while the target is Flying they are Immune to the effects of Environmental Obstacles)
• Air Burst (2 Physical damage to all Adjacent Targets to you)
• Velocity (Abilities except for Velocity are Quickened until the end of your turn)
• Obscure Self (Until the end of the next round you are Obscured and can use Spirit instead of Body when dodging, can be used to grant a Partial Success against Active Obstacles)
• Whirlwind (All targets in Adjacent squares are knocked down and pushed to Close range)
• Stillness (All Ranged Attacks in the encounter are Slowed until the start of your next turn.)
• Pressure Manipulation: (Can restore or remove Spirit in Air to a targeted Canister.)
• Mental Clarity (Until the end of your next turn your Mind attribute is = to your Spirit attribute. Speaking to change a target’s disposition and Requests are Quickened.)

  Glossary of Terms


• Blocking:  When an Active Ability is blocked it cannot be used but still takes up a Ability space, if you do not know the targets active Abilities (identify with knowledge skills or to be the target of an inform action) the Actor being targeted by the Block effect chooses what Active Ability is Blocked.
• Broken: A broken equipment Ability cannot be equipped until it is repaired during the appropriate encounter.
• Consumable: A Consumable item is removed from your inventory when used with an Action
• Disposition Change: a hidden qualifier for a NPA, changed by social Abilities, above Indifferent has a Disposition Number than can be used in place of a roll during a request:  [Combative ↔ Hostile ↔ Irritated↔ Avoidant ↔ Annoyed ↔ Indifferent ↔ Curious[2] ↔ Receptive[3] ↔ Friendly[4] ↔ Helpful[5] ↔ Loyal[6]].
• Drain: Stamina that is Drained cannot reduce an Actor to 0 Stamina.
• Equipment Rating: The total rating of all Equipment and any Abilities explicitly affecting it.
• Flying: An Actor that is Flying is considered Close Range to anyone on the ground and cannot be targeted by Melee or Adjacent ranged Actions/Abilities.
• Grapple: Body vs Body opposed test when applied, if the target fails Movement and Dodge Actions are Blocked as long as the Grapple is Sustained.
• Identify: Choose one Actor’s Active Ability appropriate to the knowledge skill used to be revealed.
• Knocked Down: The actor is forcibly moved from a standing position to being on the ground, while on the ground all Actions & Abilities other than Movement are Slowed, returning to a standing position requires a Movement Action to stand.
• Obscured: Ranged Attacks passing through an Obscured Space or targeting an Actor in an Obscured Space require a 6 for a Successful Attack.
• Opposed dice roll:  If an action calls for an Opposed roll, the Player Controlled Actor & Non-Player Controlled Actor both roll a 1d6 dice.  If the Player Controlled Actor wins the Ability affects how described, if the Non-Player Controlled Actor wins the Ability does not affect.  If the Opposed roll states an associated stat that is added to the 1d6. Ties are rerolled between those that tie.
• Partial Success:  Two Partial Success is equivalent to a Success.
• Pilfer: Body v Body Opposed roll, a tie or success for the actor attempting to Pilfer results in a success, moving the targeted equipment from the target to the actor attempting to pilfer. If they have no available inventory the equipment falls to the ground instead.
• Quicken: Specified action is one step faster [Blocked → Long → Quick → Brief → Free].
• Shoddy: If a 1 is rolled during a Shoddy Weapon’s Attack it becomes Broken, Shoddy Garb reduces the Actor’s Social Encounter Opposed Rolls by 1.
• Slowed:  Specified Action is one step slower [Free → Brief→ Quick → Long → Blocked].
• Technical Aptitude Test:  Roll 1d6 at the start of each Encounter to determine the Action required for Tech Abilities this round: on a 1-3 are a  Long Action, 4-5 Quick Action, and 6 Brief Action.
• Temporary: Lasts 1 round and cannot be Sustained.
• Undetectable:  Cannot be Targeted by any Actor unless that Actor uses a Perceive action first, unaffected by Active Obstacles.

Glossary of Actions

• Absorb (Free Action Defender is healed rather than damaged, must be unlocked by a specific Ability)
• Ascent (Quick Action while Flying to become Far from an Actor on the Ground)
• Attack (Action speed based on weapon type, Roll a d6 1-2 miss while 3-6 hit, action depends on weapon, ranged weapons cannot attack through an Actor)
• Break Free (Quick Action to end a Grapple with a Body vs Body Opposed Roll, if you win the Opposed Roll you Succeed, if you fail you get a partial Success. Can be used on another Actor that is grappled to assist them in breaking free)
• Change Equipment (Brief Action, Exchange one active Equipment Ability (1 one-handed weapons/item, 1 two-handed weapon/item, or 1 worn item) for another Equipment Ability.  Also used to draw or stow a weapon and to open a hand for Magic or Technology)
• Change Magic or Ancient Way Technique (Quick Action, Exchange one active magic or Ancient Way Ability for another Active Ability)
• Change Skill (Brief Action, Exchange one active skill Ability for another active Ability)
• Change Technology or Automaton Upgrade (Quick Action, Exchange one active Technology or Automaton Ability for another active Ability)
• Deflect (Long Action Reduce the next successful Attack’s Damage by the total Equipment Rating appropriate for the Attack [Melee, Ranged, Magic])
• Descent (Quick action while Flying to become Close or Adjacent to an Actor on the Ground)
• Disengage (Your next Action is Free and must be Dodge, Deflect or Movement even if those actions are Blocked or Slowed, cannot Attack until the start of your next turn)
• Dodge (Long Action, Body vs Body Opposed Roll against the next successful Attack, if you roll equal to or higher than the Attacker the Attack becomes a miss)
• Identify (Long Action, choose an Ability used by the Target, Mind v Mind Opposed Roll Reveals the Ability, including the details of the Ability, and allowing it to be targeted by a Block Ability, if the Target wins the Opposed Roll there is no effect.  If the Target has not used any Abilities the Target may choose which Ability to reveal if they lose the Opposed Roll.)
• Movement (Brief Action, the Actor chooses a reference point like another Actor or an Aspect of the Setting and moves towards or away, they way the actor moves is described.  Each Movement is one step on the distance spectrum. If an actor is on the ground they must use movement to stand.)
• Maintain Consciousness (Long Action, roll 1d6 A roll of 1-2 results in the Actor slipping into unconsciousness, a 3-4 resulting in a Partial Success, and a 5-6 being a full success resulting in the Actor regaining 1 Stamina.)
• Perceive (Long Action, Roll a d6 1-3 fails to detect while 4-6 succeeds in perceiving one Undetectable actor)
• Request (Long Action, Opposed roll, if your roll is equal to or higher than the target and the target’s disposition is Indifferent or higher the request is accepted. If indifferent or below then the targets disposition is decreased one step and the request denied. If the target rolls higher then the request is ignored and their disposition is lowered by 1 step.  The Actor making the Request can choose to use the target’s Disposition Number instead of rolling, the target can reply.)
• Scout (Long Action, Opposed Roll, During Exploration this action reveals the presence of any Active obstacles)
• Study (Long Action, Opposed Roll,  During Exploration this action reveals the presence of any Intentional obstacles)
• Survey (Long Action, Opposed Roll, During Exploration this action reveals the presence of any Environmental obstacles)
• Speaking (Brief Action, A statement up to two sentences if speaking to a PA they may offer a short reply, can use a Quick Action to make a Spirit v Spirit Opposed Roll for Positive Disposition Shift on a PA win or Negative for a NPA win.)
• Sustain (Brief Action to extend the duration of one Action/Ability, that has the Sustain trait, until the start of the next round)
• Recite (Quick Action at a Close Range to use an Intangible item on a target)
• Rest (Long Action, During a Relaxing Encounter with Supplies each Actor in the encounter can use this action to recover 1d6 Stamina, without supplies an Actor only regains 1 Stamina)
• Retreat (Long Action, During a Combat Encounter if all of the PAs are Distant from all of the NPAs then this action can be taken to end the Encounter with no Treasure Rolls/Life Path Experience)
• Trudge Through (Long Action, During an Exploration Encounter if each PA has taken 5 Movement Actions then this action can be taken to end the Encounter with no Treasure Rolls/Life Path Experience and each Actor is drained 1 Stamina)
• Silence (Long Action, During a Social Encounter if each PA has used the Speaking action once then this action can be taken to end the Encounter with no Treasure Rolls/Life Path Experience)
• Physical Interaction (Quick Action, During an Encounter this Action allows an Actor to physically move an Adjacent Actor [NPAs must be Grappled or fail a Body v Body Opposed Roll], Equipment, or an aspect of the Setting from one place to another within Close range. In addition this Action allows you to use an Item in your Inventory)

When Earth was faced with a series of ecological disasters, the governments of the world had no choice but to band together. Through a combination of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials, machines capable of manipulating matter within a controlled space were born. These pinnacles of technology were called, “The Conscious Drives”.

With the unexpected collapse of the Antarctic ice sheet into the ocean triggering a chain reaction of world-wide devastation the decision was made to focus on an effort to send the best of humanity to another planet.

Four Conscious Drives were made, MAINTENANCE, ENGINE, ATMOSPHERE, and SUSTAINMENT that together with a team of engineers and a pilot were ready for their voyage of colonization with a large amount of people chosen by the government & corporate coalition.

The collective governments of the world along with leaders of industry & science appointed the bulk of the ship’s colonists with the remaining filled by lottery. The rest of the world was left to endure the world’s wrath. Many took issue with the means of selection and banded together in rebellion against the collective.

On the day of the voyage after the pilot and engineering crew were loaded but before the colonists boarded a large group of rebels were able to board the space-ship and in the course of hijacking the ship caused it to engage warping the ship and everyone aboard to a barren planet, known as the Realm of Bastions.

The Realm of Bastions was created in a grand event orchestrated by the Incarnations of Element: Thought-Fish (Water), World Tablet (Earth), Living Cloud (Air), and Firebird (Fire). These Incarnations of Element originated from the Conscious Drives collision with the world.

Thus the planet that came to be known as the Realm of Bastions was created. There is one sun and two moons that orbit the planet creating lunar phases. The majority of the planet is a large mountainous region that is so barren and high in altitude that it was never inhabited. Most settlers chose to live in the massive central valley where the climate is tropical. The main source of water in the Realm of Bastions was from the clouds or proximity to rivers or lakes.
After the crash landing the people grouped together and set-off across the land to write the history of the Realm. Some villages quickly discovered that they had founded their new homes in proximity to the Incarnations of Element. Over time the Essence of Magic was instilled within the DNA of some people by Incarnations while others were given Gifts of power. The descendants of these people now embody the entirety of Magic users in the Realm. In many of these cultures Ancient Ways were developed to harness this Essence in other ways besides Elemental Magic. While legends of psychic masters who are fortunate enough to be bestowed with many Gifts from the Incarnations are in every region.

In addition to affecting the people the Incarnations created many new forms of life that became known as Critters. Named by the people as they were discovered, some Critters have become essential companions over time, especially the Ka’Mel. While others are harmless there are many predatory Critters, the most fearsome of which is known as the Ferroch.

Within the first century a leader of humanity and exceptional user of Magic devised a means by which to steal Essence from of each Incarnation to forge a powerful magic artifact. This dramatically changed the way Magic affected the Realm of Bastions causing the Arrest of the Clouds among other changes. The only clouds in the Realm of Bastions now reside in the deepest parts of the Mountain Way, a stretch of uninhabited land from the Dragon Mountains to the Mountains of Madness, that is extremely dangerous due to the electric storms that now buffet the land. Essence became acquired through family lines exclusively with the influence of the Incarnations becoming limited to bestowing Gifts. The last major change to the Magic of the Realm was the dampening of power within the greatest users of Magic. The massive feats of magic that shaped the world are now the deeds of legend.

Successful in his plot he declared himself the God-King of Bastion and created Bastion City a massive walled civilization in the center of the Realm. At the conflux of the three major waterways the Boiling River from the Northeast, the Copper River from the Southwest, and the Trickle from the Southeast. Despite being subjugated the Incarnations still had influence and as the years went on each aided in the development of civilizations of followers known as ‘Ka. In particular the Thought-Fish in Lake Den’Ka, the Firebird in the Dragon’s Maw Mountain in Zeu’Ka, and the World Tablet in Nat’Ka are sites of immense elemental power that has been studied, cultivated, and harnessed by the people that live there.

As time progressed the Technology of the old world was left behind and new Technologies developed taking advantage of the materials of the Realm as well as the elemental Magic. The most advanced of this Technology is the combination of special alloys into a bulky metallic full body suit that allows anyone to control the Essence of Magic. This cutting edge Technology is known as Automaton Systems, which stand a meter or so taller than the average person and adding considerable bulk in the limbs.
Safeguarding the World Tablet beneath their village, the people of Nat’Ka live in the Northwestern Sand Dunes. Living in harmony with the oasis on which their town was founded they abstain from conflicts with other civilizations engaging in exploration & discovery to continue adding to the Knowledge of Everything carved upon the World Tablet.

Utilizing the many types of mineral & material resources within the Northern Lowlands and the Dragon Spine mountains the Tou’Ka became renowned for their combat ability and shrewd negotiation in trade with others.

The Zeu’Ka of the Northwestern Mudflats & Dragon’s Maw volcano are the other civilization with access to a bounty of mineral & material resources. A rival to Tou’Ka the Cabal of Zeu’Ka is singularly focused on the sustenance & control of the Firebird. The offspring of the Firebird are massive creatures of stone and fire known as Ferroch are entwined with the people of Zeu’Ka.

The Phen’Ka refers to a massive region of hills, swamp and forest in the Southeastern part of the Realm. A loose collection of clans that are united in shared culture, especially the use of Pharmacology & an esoteric Ancient Way known as ‘Ou.

For many years the civilization of Ot’Ka prospered in isolation atop the massive plateaus of the Southwest but as the Realm developed they found their safe position particularly lacking in material resources but the bounty of fresh water & food from the dangerous river below allowed them to survive until trade routes could be established.

The opulent desert city of Zol’Ka was the seat of power and influence for the Realm of Bastion until the Cataclysm destroyed the massive cistern created by the previous leader of Zol’Ka, a master of Earth & Water magic. Resulting in the people of Zol’Ka seeking refuge beneath the sands where subterranean pools of water sustained those chosen to survive.

The newest civilization is the Skyward Monolith, a massive singular tower jutting up from the eastern foothills. Controlled by a mysterious person known only as the Inventor, the Skyward Monolith is populated by a variety of Automatons, beings created of Magic & Technology by the Inventor.

After the establishment of Bastion City, a form of currency was created by the Nobility there called Dosh. This currency is a disk created from precious metals within the God-King’s tower where the process is controlled to ensure it’s value in trade. While most people barter directly with each other exchanging goods and services, Bastion City has increased the circulation of Dosh throughout the Realm over the years.

From the inception of the planet to the current time conflict has been central to the fabric of the Realm. The largest of these conflicts are known as the Desert Wars.

The First Desert War occurred when many of the ‘Ka sought vengeance on the God-King and his civilization, Bastion City, for stealing elemental power from the Incarnations. The God-King and Bastion City were able to withstand the onslaught and the First Desert War ended with an Alliance between Bastion City, and Ot’Ka.

For a period of time there was peace in the Realm however agents of change from Bastion City were able to infiltrate the sprawling desert city of Zol’Ka and orchestrate aggression from Zol’Ka towards the Phen’Ka to the East. It was during this time that Bastion City also assisted the Tou’Ka in attacking the Zeu’Ka in the North East to claim more valuable mining lands, starting the Second Desert War. The poor timing of the offensive operation into Zeu’Ka coinciding with the Ferroch mating season caused massive losses for Bastion City, while a protracted war in Phen’Ka, resulted in another peace treaty. The terms of which established the Skyward Monolith from land taken from the Phen’Ka as well as the addition of Tou’Ka into the Bastion City Alliance along with the new political entity, Skyward Monolith, and the “Core” was formed.

At the end of the Second Desert War the same agents of change within Zol’Ka orchestrated the Cataclysm, a coordinated use of Earth Magic to destroy the Grand Cistern that sustained the massive above ground city of Zol’Ka. The surviving citizens of Zol’Ka took refuge beneath the earth under the leadership of the Ascendant of Earth who petitioned to join the Bastion City Alliance.

Inner Bastion

The God-King

  As long as there has been Bastion City there has been the God-King, according to Bastion City historical and religious records the God-King subdued the avatars of the elements; The Living Cloud, Firebird, The Worm, and Thoughtfish.  By doing so the God-King unlocked the secrets of magic and used those abilities to carve out the first civilization from the war ravaged wilds, and thus Bastion was created.  The God-King has remained in the Inner Bastion tower, granting audience in the chamber near the top of the tower.  All who have met the God-King speak of a wise, generous, loyal, and vigilant guardian of Bastion.  The God-King is concerned about the recent changes in the ‘Ka, but mostly follows the guidance of the Church of Bastion, Bastion Guard, and Daro Group.  Under the God-King’s control is one of the most powerful institutions in the Realm of Bastion the Mint, which produces Dosh by utilizing the God-Kings mastery of magic to create a coin that has yet to be counterfeited.

The Church of Bastion

   The Church is guided by the three high priestesses which use their knowledge of holy texts from previous priests and priestesses derived from the God-King’s decrees, actions, words, and appearance.  All those who live within Bastion City and choose to practice their magic openly must be registered with the Church, and spell-casters with the Church are assigned duties as it is taught by the Church that magic is a gift bestowed by the God-King and must be used in service to Bastion City.  Those unfortunate to be born with an affinity for fire magics are sent to clear the sewers, imprisoned, or exiled.  Inquisitor Jothan oversees Inner Bastion, and administers the laws of Inner Bastion with punishment often exile.  High Priestess Hokaine oversees Middle Bastion, and administers magical aid.  High Priestess Amorian oversees the Church itself and is a direct liaison with the God-King, often acting as the voice of the throne.  Beneath the High Priestess there is no formal hierarchy as it is taught that all who accept the God-King’s gift are equal in their service, but informally there is complete subservience first to the God-King, Second to the High Priestess, and Third to the guard. 

Bastion Guard

   The soldiers who defend the God-King, Bastion Cities, and their way of life. Commanded by Paul Amalier the God-King’s advisor and bodyguard.  Commander Amalier commands Lieutenants assigned to Inner, Middle, and Outer Bastion. Inner and Middle Bastion tend to fulfill a Sentry and Religious Law Enforcement duty as opposed to the forces of Outer Bastion which are split between defending the Air and Ground trade routes as well as maintaining reconnaissance on the ‘Ka.  Lt. Lestat oversees Inner Bastion and is particularly tyrannical in his execution of the Laws, currently attempting to quell a surge in Tasselroot usage.  Lt. Fogazi captains the pride of Bastion City’s airship “Angelis” the largest known airship in the realm, and is crewed by ¼ of Outer Bastion’s guard.  The Guard is the primary way of social mobility for anyone from Middle Bastion, Outer Bastion are not allowed into the Guard as previous ‘Ka attempts on the God-King’s life have resulted in further restrictions.  While there are a couple Noble families that are high ranking members of the Guard, Lt. Lestat is the only Lieutenant from Inner Bastion.  The majority of the Guard hails from Middle Bastion and point to the Guard as the means by which a Mid-city person can best fulfill their duty per the Church of Bastion’s teachings.  While in the past the Guard engaged in skirmishes in the Outer Bastion but for the past few years they have focused on securing Bastion City and using the air-ships to maintain safe trade routes.

The Star Consortium

   A group of Nobles with shared interests and vision for Bastion City; members of the houses Kabir, Salu, Al’Zarar, and Tollins are all known to associate within the Wandering Star the meeting place for the Star Consortium.  Their goals are the weakening of Guard influence upon the trade routes, a cessation of the embargo on Den’Ka, a dissolution of the Daro Group, and for a increase of resources allocated to the improvement & beautification of Middle Bastion.  There are rumors that some of the more radical members of the Star Consortium are in league with some ‘Ka insiders to overthrow the God-King and usher in a new age for Bastion City.  Such rumors are shared between close associates as the Guard are quite aggressive in interrogating anyone associated with such actions.

Daro Group

   A trade association containing the majority of Inner Bastion’s nobility, led by Tsarius Daro. Daro purchased one of the first cargo airships and maintains a tight grip on the air trade route to the Skyward Monolith, bartering the newest technological advancements to the Group in exchange for their support.  With that Tsarius has become the God-King’s advisor, the one person Tsarius shows any respect or deference to.  The Daro Group seeks to monopolize all industries in Bastion City so that they may use their economic leverage to exert power.  There are rumors that all of the criminal activities in Bastion City are actually connected to the Daro Group, but most people who make these rumors into accusations end up in accidents.

Nobles

   The Noble Families of Bastion City are nothing more than a self-given title as there are no actual titles or land owners in Bastion City, per arrangements with advisors the Nobility lease industries from which to make their fortunes.  There are two sets of housing in inner bastion the Daro Estates and Shadoon Estates.  The Merchants Row is where the majority of the Nobility have their vending stalls, except those that make their fortunes administrating the housing of Middle Bastion.  Among the Nobility the card-game Tsich is very popular and is often combined with drinking of Spirits when relaxing.  Patronizing the arts majority of the artists are also nobility, purchasing artifacts from Outer Bastion, or seeking out culinary delights are some of the ways in which Nobility spend their time.  Besides the nobles of the Star Consortium & Daro Group there are many unaffiliated Noble families.

Critters

  Since the Sewer access is in Middle Bastion many of the Critters in Inner Bastion are more limited, much more active at night and very wary of people as there are guards-folk tasked with their eradication.  The most common are flying critters that some have learned how to train, while other have used in their cruel magical experiments. Occasionally Ka’mels will be auctioned at Merchants Row as well as captured critters from Outer Bastion.  The import and export of these critters is connected to the noble houses and the merchants they employ.

These are some of the more common critters, although due to the exotic critter trade associated with the Star Consortium any Critter could be found with enough Dosh. Critters can use active Abilities without their prerequisite stat. All Critters are Unarmed

Inner Bastion

Considered a marvel of the Realm, Inner Bastion City is a mixture of human effort combined with magic and technology. The wealth of Inner Bastion City manifests as polished stone streets, dense, extravagantly decorated noble estates, the monumental radiance of the God-king’s tower & the Church of Bastion. Most buildings within Inner Bastion have steam powered lighting (when specialized mineral filaments mined in Tou’Ka are exposed to hot steam it glows a bright white light), temperature control through steam and hydraulic technologies, and even a sanitation system utilizing a large network of steam/water pipes under the streets which intersect with the sewer network that radiates out to Middle Bastion. The amenities within Inner Bastion are the pinnacle of the Realm, at least according to those that dwell here. In the center of Inner Bastion is the God-King’s tower, with the Inner Walls separating Inner Bastion from Middle Bastion. Compared to Middle Bastion it is clean, open, and opulent in design with Luxury Goods used as decorations all over the place. In the Northwest Sector of Inner Bastion is the Temple of Bastion, in the Northern Sector are the Daro Estates, the Northeastern Sector is where the Guard Hall is located, the Western & Southwestern Sectors are Merchant’s Row, while the Eastern to Southeastern sectors are the Shadoon Estates.

The God-King’s Tower

  A large stone tower in the center of Inner Bastion, the entry is a fortified covered courtyard with elite royal guard sentries. To access the tower itself one must first pass through a large stone doorway.  From there one must pass through more sentries and locked doors before they find themselves upon a magical stone spiral staircase in the center of the tower with rooms radiating out from the stairs. The stairs ascend upwards as well as descend into subterranean storehouses, some Workers even whisper of hidden underground passages that lead into the sewer network or to the cliff-side fisheries. In addition to the other obstacles within the tower some of the Workers there have told tales of being trapped in a magical staircase for lengthy periods of time unable to find a doorway.  The top is the god-kings chambers with the floor below serving as the audience chambers.  Within the God-King’s Tower are many rooms for storage, servants quarters, guards barracks, the Doshery, vaults, libraries, and ritual rooms for priests.

Temple of Bastion

  The Temple of Bastion is a large trapezoidal shaped stone building in the north west of Inner Bastion. It has an open air loft on top where the high priestess of Inner Bastion resides. A large archway serves as the primary entrance & exit to the bulk of the space within the Temple which is taken up by libraries, prayer spaces, and offices used for the administration of the licensed magic users in Bastion City.  Behind the Temple is the graveyard for Inner Bastion, reserved for Nobility with the favor of the Church.  Underneath a massive statue of the God-King on the ground floor of the temple lies the heart of Inner Bastion, The Crucible. The Crucible is a magically powered steam power plant that utilizes the fire magic of the Scorched Ones in combination with rare minerals from Tou’Ka to create large amounts of energy used to boil a reservoir of water creating magically empowered steam.  The pipes that channel this steam are maintained by earth mages, while water mages maintain the water supply together they are able to provide the amenities of Inner Bastion.  The Crucible itself is maintained by the Templar, who watch over the imprisoned fire mages that have become nearly incinerated resulting in their name, the Scorched Ones.

Merchant’s Row

  An area of paved streets in the western to southwestern districts of Inner Bastion. Merchant’s Row are wide, spacious, and well-paved streets from the Western and Southern Inners/Middle Gates to the God-King’s Tower. Merchant’s Row is usually packed with people, hand carts, stalls, crates, sacks, jugs, barrels, baskets containing the wares they vend & barter.  The goods range from Material to Luxury and are brought in from all over the Realm. The three main methods by which the Merchants of Merchants Row acquire their goods are from the Northern Train, the Air-ship Docks and from merchant caravans that travel to the most remote civilizations. Within Merchant’s Row are the access points for airships tall towers spaced out at within Merchant’s Row where the Air-ships can anchor to the top. Tech empowered dock-workers there use cables, pulleys and ladders to load & unload the wares so the myriad stalls of Merchant’s Row can vend them.  Merchant’s Row is essential to the profiteering members of Nobility and Dosh is crucial to the market as a whole.  Dosh is tightly controlled by the Cleric of Coins within the Doshery of the God-King’s Tower.

Ka’mel’s Saddle

  A tavern in northeastern Inner Bastion the Ka’mel’s Saddle is a one story building with a  clay shingled roof and wood & stone exterior. The building is slightly raised up & there is a short staircase leading up to the front entrance a large imposing door made from dark color wood from northern Tou’Ka.  Behind the Ka’mel’s saddle is the Carto Brewery which supplies the tavern with majority of it’s alcohol.  The interior is a U shaped tavern floor with a large bar in the middle, the owner & bartender Rhys Carto doesn’t cook preferring to provide a relaxed drinking environment for his primary patrons, the Bastion Guard.  The interior decor is a combination of jousting memorabilia and hunting trophies like skin rugs and taxidermy critter heads.  At all times of the day one can find off-duty sentries relaxing after a shift or gregarious swordsmen loudly proclaiming their triumphs over rebellious Midlings.  In addition to the other decor there are a few relics of previous wars usually the armaments of fallen soldiers or some grisly battle trophy from ‘Ka-folk.  Primarily serving the current type of Carto Tassalroot Ale Rhys does carry a few aged bottles of Salu Spirits for the wealthier Investigators to partake in after solving a particularly challenging or high-profile case.

Daro Estates

  West of the Ka’mel’s Saddle & Carto Brewery and East of the Temple of Bastion lies the gated community owned by Pisq Daro, Tsarius’ brother.  The Daro Family House is at the center of the neighborhood a three story building that rises above the rest, the top floor is a terraced auction floor which is invite only to the nobility of Inner Bastion. Considered the best real estate within Inner Bastion the streets are patrolled nearly constantly by hand picked members of the Guard that also station at the three entrances to the estates, the Northern Inner/Middle Gate house and two others.  Due to the proximity to the northern gates the Daro Estates is the funnel for the goods that arrive on the Train route between Bastion City and Tou’Ka, any Nobles out of favor with Daro Group must port any goods arriving by train around to the Western entrance into Inner Bastion risking travel through the Dusties.  The houses within the Estates are even more opulent than the other buildings within Inner Bastion their abundance of rich fabrics and iridescent metals on the exterior of the mansions are stark contrast to the austere walls of the Church of Bastion and the God-King’s Tower.

Wandering Star

  The Wandering Star is in the Southwest sector of Inner Bastion, a tall one story building that has bright colored banners that are striking against the white stone bricks used to construct the building.  Most of the building is large stone archways and windows of a glass & metal mixture that blocks majority of the light passing into or out of the Wandering Star.  The only visible entrance is the the relatively smallish front door which leads into a small dimly lit bar, with a quiet, stern bartender. Within this front section are a couple of booths and a large communal style wooden table in addition to a small bar on the left side of the room.  Beyond that bar there is a hidden entrance to the spacious back room. A large open lounge area, decorated with beautiful & exquisite tapestries, rugs, pillows, couches, ornate tables, water pipes, and magically sustained plants.  The owner Orin Salu is often there partaking in smoking tassel root, and sipping one of his family’s fine spirits.  Within this secret lounge one can indulge in almost any delicacy to be found within the Realm.  In addition the Star Consortium uses this space to plan their anti Daro Group actions.  For the average visitor not only is this the premiere place within Bastion City to enjoy a rare meal or drink but also a place to indulge in almost any carnal pleasure.