Shadows in Moonlight campaign pitch
Shadows in Moonlight
Kalessa, the Ribbon World
Campaign Pitch
Legends say that centuries ago, the world was shattered by the hubris of an empire that sought to control all of creation, led by an emperor who sought to elevate himself to godhood. As the world itself fractured and crumbled, great golden ships arrived from across the sea, carrying savage warriors with bone helms. These warriors carved a path into the heart of the empire, where their mages undertook a great ritual. The world was bound together by ribbons of golden sunlight, even as the light consumed the mages and warriors both. Although the world was saved, it is still scarred and tormented, outbursts of magical energy sending arcane ribbons dancing through the sky and across the surface.
Dark are the days in northwestern Kalessa. Dragonborn and gnoll raiders threaten the farms and villages between the scattered cities-states and fortifications of the Northern Lords. Worshippers of the Relentless Sirens lurk within the populace, subtly working to undermine all other authority. Each month brings further news of the Varokh Empire's expansion in the distant east and, twenty years later, folks still whisper about the fall of Venarium to the orcs and the fate of its citizens. But no one speaks of the shadows that come in the night, of people stolen from their beds, of entire families, even villages, vanishing overnight. No one wishes to chance being the next to vanish.
Now, the time has come for you to take up sword or spell as an adventurer in defense of this land and its inhabitants. Perhaps you are local, seeking to protect your friends, your family, your neighbors. Perhaps you are from distant lands, seeking nothing more than fortune and glory in lands strange to you.
Whichever path you follow, do not expect to survive in this land alone. Your betters have gone before you and fallen to the last. Set out and strive. Learn what you can. Build relationships with those around you. And if you fail and your light is extinguished forever, despair not, for many more answer the call each day.
Commentary
The above is the pitch I sent to the players before the campaign started. The idea was to give them a basic sense of the world in which they would be playing, some hint at what the campaign may hold, and the risks inherent in the world.
Along with the pitch, I included guidelines for character creation and what character options were available. In hindsight, I’m not really happy with the options I chose. I will be changing the options but not until after Shadows in Moonlight has finished.