| Dry as a bone desert... Water controlled by blood thirsty Caste... Walking dead till stony fields... Yet, riots and riches await worthy heroes! Welcome to the City of HOPELESS Sample game notes here |
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| The unofficial rules of Hopeless: The Water Caste is always right... unless they're wrong. Riots happen under the full moons... unless they happen sooner. Never cross paths with an undead... they will try to eat you. Obey the laws... unless you have enough to bribe the necessary officials. Transverse caste lines with caution... unless you are in love. Castes have neighborhoods and in some places quarters---these are the fabric of Hopless. The city was not laid out along any known plans, except for the Water Castes' walled city. The fields separate the city from the River Tjia, where fields are planted, tended and harvested by undead under Water Caste control. On the inland sides of Hopeless are crops and animals that require special humyn care and beyond that vast wastes of stone, drifting sand and relentless winds. The nearest city is a multi-day camel ride away (although there are numerous villages). The Tjia does not afford transportation and no respite. For the foolhardy the river affords hidden sink holes, quicksand, camouflaged monsters, lightening swift channels---it is far, far better to brave the desert wastes to seek ancient ruins and the outcast's oasis. All is not lost in Hopeless unless you suffer one of two afflictions. 1) Enough water debt to be forced into slavery. 2) Being Taken by the Water Caste whence you will never be seen again. Methods of avoiding either abound but it is truly unwise to allow oneself to get into either position. As free spirits the PCs will be haunting the alleys and markets seeking adventure, but the recent Water Caste officials seem bent on more thant their usual share of Taken, and quarterly taxes seem to be capriciously enforced with extraordinary zeal. Although the PCs have no contact with the rebel Locusts, yet, , it is well known that they are not the only rebellious force working in the city. Intrigue, once reserved for the upper Castes and the wealthy, is becoming more common among the rest of the castes. The reciprocal protection of friends, family and caste need to be cultivated, and the ever-present need for food, barter and water must receive attention. Then there's the issue of social status. A person in Hopeless is nothing but a caste marking without status. Cutting a dashing figure, telling tales of wonderoous deeds, displaying extra generosity and undying love, all amount to someone of importance. A favorite with the Water Caste may be completely without status even if they enjoy wealth and privilage. In fact, these days it is nearly impossible to have status and be in favor. You see, the lessor castes adjudicate status, and rebellion is the flavor of the year. |