Petronia Start-up

The Petronia Campaign setting will be played using a restricted set of the D&D Fifth Edition (5e) rules set. All that is needed to play is a copy of the Player's Handbook (PH), which can be gotten online as PDF or purchased in hard cover. See Rule Interpretations for more details on what is allowed or how the rules have been modified.

Character Creation

Follow the step-by-step character creation process described in the PH. All characters start at level 1 with hit points determined by their class and race, including any specified modifiers.

Race

Character races are described starting on page 17. The following races may be selected:

The following races may not be selected:

• • Drow

  • Dragonborn

  • All other humaniod and non-human races unless by DM permission.

Class

All of the classes defined in the PH are allowed. Classes defined in other books require DM permission.

Multi-class characters are generally not allowed, but feel free to argue your case.

The following religions are established in the Petronia Campaign setting:

• • Nolarism - a pantheistic religion (ask DM about the gods). This is the most followed local religion.

  • Omiism - a monotheistic religion worshiping Omi. No local churches so you are likely a missionary of some kind.

  • Druidism - there are several flavors. Duism is most followed locally. Ask DM.

  • Ur - an an almost forgotten philosophy that's being revived. Some local enclaves.

  • Valarism - the elvish pantheon, no local temples

  • Dwarf Gods - Falin, others. Ask DM.

  • Halfling - Yollanda, no local temples.

  • Gnome - Garl Glittergold, no local temples.

  • Goblinism - Ask DM.

  • Ghakism - demon worship.

  • Elementalism - worship of the elemental gods. Rare.

Religious monks are with the cult of Xemoria (Goddess of the Night, Nolarism), or the Order of the Fist (Omiism). There are also philosophic monks, mostly oriental in flavor. Ask DM.

Starting Location

Levidium is a large town/small city (~12,000 people) on the Yontic Ocean. The climate is moderate with cold rains during the winter months and occasional snow. The majority of the people living here are human. Because it is a (run down) river-mouth port city, other races are sometimes seen and thus tolerated more than in more rural locations, but since non-humans are kept as slaves, humans are considered to be the superior race. Slavery is a contentious issue.

Levidium trades with other cities and towns on the Yontic coastline, and via a navigable river to cities in Mernia. Levidium was once part of the Mernian empire, but was left to it's own some time ago. Trade includes various foodstuffs, metals, cloth and other textile products, etc. The harbor is not deep enough to allow large ships to dock, limiting trade to smaller ships.

New players will meet in a tavern called the Palladium run by a barkeep called Hansom (he is not especially pretty). The Palladium a cross between a tavern, inn, and bazaar. Rooms are available for rent and there is a place for the locals to peddle their wares. There are lots of place to get into trouble in Leviticum, but the more adventurous seek out The Palladium, which isn't anywhere near as glamorous as the name suggests. It's a place where you can get a feel for what's going on in town ... and beyond. You can meet people of a like mind here. Ask Hansom about the dinner specials. It should be mentioned that Levidicum is a human town, so non-humans are looked on with suspicion but accepted as long as their coin is good.

Rumors

Lawson Sapara, the current Trademaster was seen having conversation at the Palladium with Jackson Gale. Gale is suspected of being a pirate, though he's never been arrested or tried. There was that raid on Piscia last year resulting in widespread destruction, looting, and pillage. Rumor has it that Gale was seen having his way with the daughter of a fisherman. What would Sapara be doing talking to a pirate? That information might be worth something to the right person.

Alaric Xemodius (a local alchemist) posted a rather odd notice recently. He is willing to pay 2cp for 5 gallons of human urine. There is some kind of cap on how much he is looking for, but that's unknown. You would think that there are plenty of people desperate enough to collect their piss and sell it, but Alaric recently doubled the price from 1cp. Part of the problem is the container. He wants it in a glass bottle or jar and big bottles just ain't easy to find.

Word has it that there was an attack on the Zakorum Mines up in the mountains. A band of thugs from the notorious Anvil Society raided the ore production facilities after dark, burning one building and wrecking equipment. One of the dwarf-slaves escaped during the attack maiming and killing as he fled. A reward of 5gp for information on his whereabouts and 100gp for his return, alive.

Ole Joe Wicker reported seeing a rat under the docks last night, which wouldn't be news except that he said it was the size of large dog. Joe is rarely sober,but others have seen a large shape lurking in the moonlight.

Lightfingers Looie was recently convicted of grand theft by Judge Wainwright and sentenced to slow hanging. This was carried out two days ago near City Hall. They say it took him a long time to die. Someone said his eyes popped out from the pressure on his skull. Looie wasn't a bad sort - he used to come around to the Palladium now and then, but Hansom ran him off if he tried any of his tricks on his customers. He was pretty recognizable having three fingers on his right hand struck off for a past pick pocketing offense. Didn't really stop him, though. Looie left behind a wife named Jackie and two little kids. They live somewhere in Scutton.