User:Nextoy/Gothic Fantasy TRPG

I'm only going to include the poetry attached to this system for now, at least until I have mechanics more solidly worked out. Although if people are interested in the mechanics of it, let me know.

The Lord and his Castle
Rivers and forests, Cities and settlements, Across night and day, There a castle lay.

Visible from any direction. Covered by mountain nor mist. There it lies, the house of deception. Look upon the horizon, and it shan’t be missed.

Tis true, that this castle has a Lord. But many disagree on who, or what, He is. For none have witnessed Him.

To the church, He is the Devil. To the cultists, He is a god. To the brave and foolish, He is simply another monster.

But to the ordinary townsfolk, The Lord of the Castle, Is the source of their nightmares.

Those Who Face Darkness
''As the castle looms on, Even day feels like night. Many lock themselves away, Frozen by their freight.

But there are some, Be they brave or foolish. For they meet the creatures of darkness, And fight until they are banished.

It is these men we call Hunters. For they fear not the Lord of the Castle.'' - Hunter class desciption.

''There is another kind of courage, One driven by greed. Men who obsess over wealth, No warning will they heed.

Call them what you may, Thief, scoundrel, or charlatan, But some still respect their bravery, As they chase down treasure where it all began.'' - Thief Class Description.

''Some men are afflicted with curses. Of this, there are three. The curse of the wolf, of scales, and of the sea.

Werewolves are beasts of fur, teeth, and claw. Though they shine with holy light, they are creatures of the night.

Lizardmen are creatures of darkness, Said to be as armored as they are unholy. Any wounds they do receive quickly heal over.

Sahagin are creatures of the water. Tempted by it, corrupted by it. They will always be one with the sea.

Sadly, however, Tonight is a terrible night for a curse.'' - Manbeast Class Description.

''Not all vampires drain their captive, Their actions do not cause physical torment. Instead there are those who act seductive. And their children act as the victim’s lament.

As the Manbeasts, Are curses of the body, Offspring of man and monster, Are curses of the soul.

This curse that grants a taste for blood, Allergy to the sun, A fear of water, And the Church’s undying hatred.

Many dismiss them, As merely another monster Many hide among men, Whether or not they possess humanity.

For some take after their fathers, Becoming creatures of the night. But some take after their mothers. Instead within darkness finding light.'' - Dhampir Class Description.

''Were you to believe the Church, Magic would be devil’s work. Yet to the Lord of the Castle, It is but a handicap for lesser beings. In truth, magic is neither of these things.

Those trained in magic... To the Church, they are witches. To the Lord, they are fiends. Yet they are neither. Just people who learned greater power.

Power lesser men would get drunk on. But because they respect, And more importantly fear, The powers beyond themselves, They know how avoid catastrophe.'' - Witch Class Description.

''When the Church banned the practice of magic, Something else arose in its place. When they banned the practice of mysticism, It morphed into another shape. When they banned the practice of experimentation, Science merged with its new brethren.

Alchemy is the new art, Risen in spite of the Church, Born of the human potential it hates.

One foot in the realm of magic, One foot in the realm of science, Here, the Alchemist resides.'' - Alchemist Class Description.

''To the Church, all monsters are demons. But some they deem unholy, Oppose the Lord of the Castle.

Some see it as righteous action, Others as eliminating competition. But many just wish to be left alone.

Though most of these creatures, Being quite small, Lack any real power.

However they align themselves, With beings greater than them. Becoming familiars to higher powers.

Be they demigods, demons, or mythical beasts, They align with humanity nonetheless.

If one comes across these near deities, Pay them respect, and they shall lend you their aid.'' - Familiars.