An Explorer's Guide to Falezir Part 2
A System Agnostic TTRPG Setting
The following is the next bits of manuscript I’ve written for my ttrpg setting Falezir.
I’m posting here in the hopes to receive feedback and hopefully generate some excitement for this project. I’m pulling this information directly from my first draft manuscript as a rough layout idea for the end product as well. If you are someone who’s done this before, I’d love to hear tips from you or get a peek into your writing process.
For context, these first sections will be character options. A Game Master kit will take the other half of the end product including a lot of information on the setting and how to adapt it to your table.
In this post we’ll learn more about two more types of Khodo from the Regions of Yoss and Banu. Interested in learning more? check out my Lore 24 posts to see the initial writing I did to build out this setting.
(A letter from the writer on old parchment hastily shoved into the front of his journal.)
Dear Reader,
If you are reading this journal, no doubt I have died, and you have looked through my belongings to find such an important tome. Perhaps I’ve managed to submit my discoveries to the Great Archive Ars Fabula of Elezir. No matter. Within these pages is written some of my findings from my travels in the enigmatic land of Falezir. I wish for my conclusions to forge a safer path to peace with the peoples of this continent.
May you learn something important from these noble dragon folk- or not, no matter to me as I’m likely dead!
Be well,
Gradacious Leonheart II
Yossian                  Intro (002.2.1)
               The Isle of Yoss was quite a difficult place to reach. Off the Southwestern shores of the Falezir continent this steamy gem boasts a community of perhaps the most daring, individualistic, yet giving Khodo who enjoy the sun, the sea, and the fruits of their labor. Surrounded by rough seas, these tenacious people build their lives through fishing, cultivating the land and exploring the sea. This region bears a large inactive volcano, black sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters.
                                               Physical Traits and Mannerisms (002.2.2)
               Yossian Khodo are of an average height to humans, being five to seven feet, but bear great strength in their arms and legs from swimming in the sea. Their horns are typically small and aerodynamic with some Khodo having faces framed by frills and tails bearing small fins. Their clothing is adapted to the heat and humidity as it is woven from light silks and linens. Fish scales, shells and opalescence are often wrought into their garb in some small ways. Given the fruits and flowers that grow naturally, their garb is often dyed in bright color with geometric patterns said to mimic the ocean life. Laughter and singing are the typical chorus of a Yossian’s town. These hard-working and energetic Khodo welcome strangers with food and drink, exchanging stories until the late hours.
                                               Special Abilities (002.2.3)
               The Yossian Khodo will often be blessed with heightened strength, a hardy resistant constitution, and a magnetic personality. They not only resist the heat but thrive in the moisture rich atmosphere of the South seas. The tools of their trade are often multipurpose as many are proficient with farming implements, sailing tools and shipbuilding. Most younglings from Yoss are gifted with their first kharambi knife, a semicircular dagger, at a coming-of-age ceremony that will stay with them through life. The Khodo here benefit from having Antidotian bodies which boost their resistance to becoming poisoned, paralyzed, or petrified.
                                              Typical Formes (002.2.4)
               When recruiting Khodo to crew a ship, one needs to look no further than a Yossian swashbuckler. They are often well-trained in sailing arts and outmaneuvering opponents in a duel. Other formes I witnessed on the Yossian Isle were that of the Shaman, a mysterious practitioner of arts derived from the power of the land. And the Berserker who eschews armor in barbaric ritualistic combat while partaking in a potent substance that focuses their minds and bodies on their opponent. I feel fortunate to be counted as a welcome guest on the Isle rather than a bothersome interloper.
               Banu                      Intro (002.3.1)
               I won’t bore you with the lengths I went through to solicit the exact location of the Banu Khodo settlements in the North. The enigmatic and intimidating demeanor of the kin there belie their thoughtful and loyal personalities. Wreathed in tall ironwood forests, the Banu region is chilly, and one needs to be prepared for the harsh winters. Although this region can be bleak, the Khodo here have greatly adapted and built their strength harvesting and protecting the ironwoods they call home.
                                               Physical Traits and Mannerisms (002.3.2)
               Perhaps the most obvious traits of the Banu are their huge stature. They stand some seven to nine feet tall, bear broad shoulders and thick, craggy scales. Their horns notably branch and spread like small trees from the crowns of their heads. While they are typically garbed in layers of furs and leathers, it is not surprising to see a Banu Khodo working in their groves without coats or shirts- wisps of heat vapor wafting off their bodies. They welcome the challenge of the harsh environment and see it as a crucible through which they build discipline and strength. It is perhaps this shared ideal that allows the Banu order to trust in each other and form other alliances through a recognition of strength.
                                               Special Abilities (002.3.3)
The Khodo from Banu, no doubt due to their tireless efforts, have immense strength and a solid constitution which allows their work in the ironwood forests to continue undaunted by cold or exhaustion. Even without appropriate attire, they have bodies that resist the cold and a keen skill with their specialized axes. The Ironwoods are very important to the Khodo here and their jobs revolve around stewarding the forest. From logging to carpentry and renewing the cycle through reforestation, they are very regimented in their methods and do not cut corners in their work. This group possesses a unique practice, I call it Hiberstasis, which allows them to place their bodies into a catatonic state and rest in a fraction of the time it takes other ancestries, even other Khodo, to be well rested.
                                               Typical Formes (002.3.4)
               Without a doubt, the Khodo from Banu make for astounding warriors with their peerless strength and willpower. However, due to their dedication to inner and outer growth, they excel at the monastic traditions and find a lot of satisfaction from the practices within such teachings. The ascetic training of a monastery is a familiar challenge for this order as growing up in Banu already presents unique challenges to the mind, body, and spirit. Lastly, their unique tie to the land enables them to take what they’ve learned and ply it elsewhere. Some can attune with nature in a way which allows them sway over the flora and fauna they encounter. It’s quite a sight to see a hulking Banu Khodo speaking with the smallest of squirrels.
(End of manuscript for part 2.)
In an effort to get a handle on the entire process for making a ttrpg, I’m choosing to produce this in a DIY fashion. I’m researching and writing at this time and eventually I will move onto art, layout design, sales and production. Doing things this way I’m further developing my skills and reducing the overall costs for such a project to hours of my free-time spent doing something I’m enjoying. I suffer from having a multi-passionate brain that craves creativity in various forms so taking on a project for a hobby I love is really scratching a creative itch I’ve had for a long time.
This is a passion project I’m doing in my spare time and I’d love to eventually use this experience to make ttrpgs a career. However, for now I’m happy to receive any support you can afford. Whether it’s a share, a like, a comment, a cup of coffee or constructive critique, I appreciate anything I’m given. If you’re so inclined, please follow or subscribe for more of this project, my transcripts of older lore writing (I’m adapting to this project), inspiration posts and general game advice.
Until next time, be well and be kind to one another.