Setting Themes and Overall Ambitions

Themes

Scars of Risenholm tells the story of a village of amnesiacs trying to discover who they are and what they have lost. It is the story of a people who, despite having the blessing of nigh-immortality, are kept isolated within a dreary and malevolent wilderness that inevitably seems to slowly break down even the most heroic of those who rise from the Well.

This isn't to say that joy and wonder doesn't exist in the village. Most of the newly Risen who rise from the Well for their first time are prone to head out into the world with an almost reckless abandon, heedless of the cynicism that many veteran scar hunters develop over their years. Indeed, the village of Risenholm is more than just a refuge against the physical threats of the wild - it is a beacon against the oppressive loneliness and melancholy Risen experience as they explore the unknown lands around their home. Rotheld's tavern is bustling almost every night with patrons, the market is often abuzz with trade, and Risen strive to maintain a sense of order and governance in their modern institutions.

There are a few themes that we wish to touch upon in most of our storytelling, and players should be keeping these questions and concepts at the front of their minds as they ponder their characters and the setting.

Identity

Who are you now and what does one become when given the key of immortality?

Loss and Stagnation

Reconciling the loss of a self you can't remember. Knowing that even with Power the world always seems to have the edge - knowing that the Well with all its wonders cannot mend a broken spirit.

Mystery and the Metaphysical

Countless wonders and mysteries to solve in an untamed world. A reality that seems literally shaped by the emotional scars of the past - and perhaps present.

Storytelling Ambitions

Fantasy Adventures: The New Old Strange

It was important to us to make a world that had touchstones to D&D and the adventures one can expect on most fantasy persistent worlds, but we also wanted to explore more metaphysical and strange elements in a dreary, dreamlike landscape beyond the village.

One can expect monsters to slay and the rise and fall of heroes and villains alike, but should also be on guard for the subtle cracks in reality and an oppressive, alien world beyond the comforts of Risenholm.

Small Scale Politics

Risenholm is a small village within a hostile wilderness, filled with extraordinary individuals who have been able to make incredible progress "catching up" to technologies thought long gone when they initially rose from the Well. There are 3 main institutions running the day to day operations, each with their own conflicting ideals and visions for what the future holds for the Risen.

Our aim is to provide a very hands on approach to governing the village and how it grows, allowing players to find influence within their organization of choice or to somehow forge their own political career among the Risen. Various crises will arise both within and outside the village, and it is usually up to the advisory council as to how the village as a whole will approach solving these issues.

Limited PvP Permadeath Storytelling

In this world, the only known way a Risen can truly be killed is by forceful submersion within the Well from which they are reborn from - or Drowning. In most fantasy settings, character conflicts between enemies can be swiftly and permanently resolved through a duel to the death, but in Risenholm the dead always rise again from the Well. It will take a more cerebral, typically political method, for someone to see their enemies removed.

This isn't to say that we do not encourage character conflicts or mechanical brawls if the story warrants it. It is simply much more difficult to end a character's story through combat alone.