Empire of Evergarden: Campaign Setting

Empire of Evergarden: Character Creation

Mechanics

PC characters are created in just the same way as any other character in Pathfinder Second Edition. However, new ancestries exist for the denizens of the Empire, as follows:

• Ant
• Apoidea (Bees & Wasps)
• Arachnid
• Beetle
• Blattodea (Cockroches & Termites)
• Diptera (Flies & Mosquitoes)
• Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies)
• Mantis*
• Ortoptera* (Grasshoppers & Crickets)

*Upcoming

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Existing Ancestries still available for use are:

• Leshy
• Gnome (To represent Bittyfolk)[Medium size]
• Ratfolk [Large size]
• Poppets (To represent Toys) [Medium size]

The descriptions of ancestries provided in this chapter offer insights into the cultural norms associated with each group. However, it is essential to remember that these descriptions are not intended as rigid rules that players must adhere to. The beauty of roleplaying lies in the freedom to envision characters that defy the cultural expectations and norms.

In the Empire of Evergarden setting, a rich array of creatures and player options awaits, granting access to abilities that are typically uncommon. For instance, acquiring a fly speed at 1st level is not uncommon within this realm. This choice reflects the inherent natural abilities possessed by the Empire's inhabitants. Mechanically, this balance is maintained through the availability of specific feats.

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SAMPLE CHARACTER

Florian Nettlesting (Wit Swashbuckler 1)

Heir of House Nettlesting, Sole Survivor of the Swarmsdorf massacre, Ward of House Arcani

ABILITY SCORES

+2 Dex +2 Cha -2 Str

SKILLS

Deception, Diplomacy, Acrobatics, Athletics, Intimidation, Society, Stealth, Thievery

FEATS

Disarming Sting, Goading Feint, Bon Mot, Courtly Graces

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Ants

Ant Heritages

Though unified through their commitment to Order, each House still manages to carve out their speciality.

Ancestry Feats

At 1st level, you gain one ancestry feat, and you gain an additional ancestry feat every 4 levels thereafter (at 5th, 9th, 13th, and 17th levels). As an ant, you select from among the following ancestry feats.

5th LEVEL

Ankle Bite

FEAT 5

Trigger A foe gives you the grabbed or restrained condition using a part of its body.

Whenever someone grabs onto you, you instinctively bite them. Sometimes that makes them let go, and sometimes it just makes them angrier, but either way, it’s satisfying . Make a Mandible Strike against the triggering foe. On a critical hit, you are no longer grabbed. This Strike doesn’t count toward your multiple attack penalty, and your multiple attack penalty doesn’t apply to this Strike.

Step Lively

FEAT 5

Trigger A Large or larger enemy ends a move action adjacent to you.

You are an expert at avoiding the lumbering footsteps of larger creatures. You Step to another space adjacent to the enemy.

Sense Allies

FEAT 5

Willing allies that you are aware of within 60 feet that would otherwise be undetected by you are instead hidden from you. The flat check for you to target willing allies within 60 feet that are hidden from you is 5 instead of 11.

Skittering Scuttle

FEAT 9

You can scuttle farther and faster when maneuvering alongside allies. When you use Ant Scuttle, you can Stride up to half your Speed instead of Stepping.

Group Aid

FEAT 9

Your upbringing emphasized teamwork and helping your allies comes naturally to you. After you Aid an ally at a skill check that doesn't have the attack trait, you can also Aid any other ally who attempts the same skill check for the same purpose that round. You do so as a free action rather than a reaction.

The preparation you did to help must still apply to the other allies, and you can Aid each ally only once. For example, if you helped lift up an ally to Aid them on an Athletics check to scale a wall, you could keep the same posture to give a boost to other allies attempting to scale the wall in the same round.

Apoidea

Apoidea Heritages

Though similar in appearance, Bees and Wasps differ vastly in matters of culture and history

Ancestry Feats

At 1st level, you gain one ancestry feat, and you gain an additional ancestry feat every 4 levels thereafter (at 5th, 9th, 13th, and 17th levels). As an ant, you select from among the following ancestry feats.

5TH LEVEL

BUZZZZZZIER!

FEAT 5

Ally's Shelter

FEAT 5

Frequency once per day
Trigger You attempt a saving throw while adjacent to one or more allies, but you haven't rolled yet.

In stressful circumstances, you find strength in your allies' example. Roll the save using an adjacent ally's modifier for that type of saving throw instead of your own.

Arachnid

Arachnid Heritages

Spiders may seem homogenous, but they differ greatly in species and heritage.

Ancestry Feats

At 1st level, you gain one ancestry feat, and you gain an additional ancestry feat every 4 levels thereafter (at 5th, 9th, 13th, and 17th levels). As an ant, you select from among the following ancestry feats.

9th LEVEL

Envenom Strike

FEAT 9

Frequency: once per 10 minutes

You spit venom onto a weapon you're holding or a weapon held by a willing creature within 30 feet; you can also use this ability to envenom your arachnid fangs unarmed attack. If the next Strike with the chosen weapon before the start of your next turn hits and deals damage, the Strike deals an additional 2d6 poison damage.

Beetles

Beetle Heritages

Beetles vary in size, shape and colour from deep red and green varieties, to dull black and grey behemoths. No two can ever be called the same.

Striking Shell

FEAT 1

You have particularly striking or beautiful markings on your carapace, making it hard to ignore your requests. If you were to critically fail a diplomacy check to gather information, you instead get a failure. If you were to roll a failure, you get a success.

Blattodea

Blattodea Heritages

Ancestry Feats

At 1st level, you gain one ancestry feat, and you gain an additional ancestry feat every 4 levels thereafter (at 5th, 9th, 13th, and 17th levels). As an ant, you select from among the following ancestry feats.

9th LEVEL

Demolitionist

FEAT 9

You know how to destroy objects with a well-placed explosion. Whenever you hit with a bomb Strike against a trap or an unattended object, you ignore the first 5 points of the object's Hardness.

Irrepressible

FEAT 9

Commitment to your hive drives you, You are easily able to ward off attempts to play on your fears and emotions. When you roll a success on a saving throw against an emotion effect, you get a critical success instead.

Diptera

Dipteran Heritages

9th LEVEL

Vandal

FEAT 9

You have a knack for breaking and dismantling things. Putting them back together is the boring part, so you largely don't bother with that. You become trained in Thievery. If you would automatically become trained in Thievery (from your background or class, for example), you instead become trained in a skill of your choice. In addition, whenever you hit with a Strike against a trap or an unattended object, you ignore the first 5 points of the object's Hardness.

Sanguine Wisdom

FEAT 9

You carry droplets of blood from your meals, and can use them to ask for counsel. You can cast augury twice per day as a 2nd-level occult innate spell.

Lepidoptera

Lepidoptera Heritages

9th LEVEL

Wing Step

FEAT 9

With a sharp flap of your wings, you stay light on your feet as you move. You Step 5 feet twice.

Ferocious Gust

FEAT 9

Frequency: once per 10 minutes
With heavy wing beats, you whip up a furious gust and direct it at your opponents. This air blast has the effects of gust of wind with a DC equal to your class DC or spell DC, whichever is higher.

Bittyfolk

Toys

Leshy

Ratfolk

Classes

Cleric

Clerics in the Evergarden, much like Champions, serve as emissaries of their selected deities. However, the demand for Bulbian Clerics is high, as only a select few possess the ability to harness the divine energies of the enigmatic Bulb.

Player characters who choose the Cleric class may find themselves devoted to Hylax, tending to the needs of their hive and offering guidance to their fellow followers. Alternatively, they could be newly emerged priests of the Bulb, grappling with newfound divine powers, as well as the prestige and power that comes alongside it.

Druid

One of the few spellcasters still permitted to practice their art - By grace of their Primal magic. Despite this, druidism has declined since the war due to the destruction of Muckston and the massacre of the Court of Ladybugs, the leading druidic circle in Evergarden.

Rebuilding the Order has fallen to Latrielle Petalus, who is currently receiving aid from the Bulbian Church, resulting in the order taking a more religious tone.

Players with the class may be an Acolyte of the Court of Ladybugs, hoping to contribute to its reconstruction or a student of another order hoping to make a resurgence.

Note: Whilst the Wild order is available - GMs should reskin animal shapes to something more fitting to the setting

Fighter

Fighters in the realm of Evergarden continue to be skilled warriors who hone their combat prowess to protect their communities and uphold their ideals. While magic and divine powers often take the spotlight, the importance of martial strength cannot be understated in a world facing constant threats.

Fighters can come from various backgrounds within the Empire, ranging from trained soldiers in a standing army to independent mercenaries. Their skills with weapons and combat techniques make them valuable assets in times of conflict.

Player characters with the Fighter class may find themselves drawn to a cause or a sense of duty, utilizing their training and expertise to defend the innocent, maintain order, or pursue personal vendettas. Their dedication to martial disciplines sets them apart in a world where magic often dominates the narrative.

Gunslinger

Born from technological advances of the Empire, a new kind of warrior known as the Gunslinger has emerged. These unconventional warriors have forged a unique path by harnessing the power of technology and firearms. Though their weapons may seem humble compared to the arcane wonders of the realm, the Gunslingers' mastery still manages to bring excitement to the battlefield

The most common firearm in the Evergarden is the Nerf gun, sourced from nearby houses. Through careful modifications and precise marksmanship, these dexterous fighters transform toy accessories into potent tools of combat.

While some view the Gunslingers with skepticism or amusement, their presence cannot be overlooked. They challenge the established norms of conventional warfare. With their inventive spirit and sharpshooting prowess, Gunslingers bring a touch of modernity and innovation to the Evergarden, carving their place amidst the ancient spells and enchanted realms.

Inventor

With a growing desire for alternatives to traditional magic, the pursuit of engineering has gained traction. While lacking a centralized governing body like the Hermetic Society, numerous workshops have sprouted across the land, becoming hubs of innovation and craftsmanship.

Among these, the forges of Baumberg have risen in prominence, producing groundbreaking inventions and reducing the reliance on salvaged human goods. Tikteks embark on quests for new inspiration, seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible. The path of the engineer offers endless possibilities and the chance to shape the future of this enchanting realm.

Investigator

The Evergarden has always been partial to intrigue and mysteries. The masters of unraveling these myriad schemes and plots has long been the Investigator. Unlike their magically-inclined counterparts, Investigators flourish in a world where the arcane does not obscure or impede their investigative prowess.

Player characters adopting the role of Investigators may emerge as promising private detectives or esteemed corporate agents in the bustling city of Pavillion. Alternatively, they might offer their services to the Bulbian church, serving as informants tasked with identifying and tracking down magic users, or even embody the role of zealous inquisitors, wielding their own brand of justice. With sharp minds and keen instincts, Investigators navigate the shadows of Evergarden, unmasking secrets and bringing light to the darkest of mysteries.

Magus

The art of the Magus, an amalgamation of martial prowess and arcane mastery, has endured alongside the existence of magic itself. In the present era, it serves as a covert avenue for those who still command magical abilities to refine their skills. By masking their supernatural abilities with powerful blows, Magi have managed to preserve their ties to the arcane.

Player characters walking the path of the Magus may be former students seeking to carry on their chosen path beyond the confines of traditional magical institutions. They could be skilled mercenaries, blending martial skill and magical finesse to excel on the battlefield. Alternatively, they might be freedom fighters, opposing the forces that seek to stifle their magical heritage and ensure the continued existence of their craft.

Monk

The Monks of Evergarden embody discipline, martial prowess, and a connection to the spiritual realm. Among the various Monk Orders, the most esteemed is the Order of the Chittering Claw, headquartered in the Satchet Sanctum high above the bustling city of Baumburg.

Player who have chosen the Monk can hail from the Order of the Chittering Claw or other monastic traditions across the empire. They may be dedicated followers of a specific deity or philosophical path, using their martial skills to defend the teachings and principles they hold dear. Alternatively, Monks can be wandering ascetics, seeking enlightenment through self-discovery and exploring the natural wonders of the Evergarden.

Oracle

Meeting or witnessing the work of an Oracle is considered a once-in-a-lifetime event, even outside the Empire. Bulbian records speak of the last known Oracle, St. Celestrina, who was said to glow with the Bulb's glow. Whispers persist that the current Pontifex of the Bulbian Church may also possess the powers of an Oracle, although she remains evasive about such claims.

Oracles are exceptionally rare and hold a direct conduit to raw divine power. As a player selecting this class, you may embody the chosen vessel of a deity like Hylax, channeling their divine will, or you could be an embodiment of a primal force of nature, seeking to maintain harmony or sow chaos in the world.

Psychic

Throughout the history of Evergarden, individuals blessed with psychic powers and extraordinary abilities have quietly walked among the populace. However, due to a lack of understanding and misguided assumptions, they have often been categorised as occult sorcerers, their true potential overlooked and misunderstood. As a result, the true nature of psychic abilities remains unknown.

Player characters embracing this class may have been associated with one of the renowned magical schools in Evergarden, where their unique gifts are recognized and nurtured. Alternatively, they might embark on a personal journey as curious adventurers, driven by a burning desire to uncover the depths and true nature of their powers.

Ranger

One of the oldest and most esteemed professions in the Evergarden, Rangers play a vital role in the safety and survival of their communities. As scouts and lookouts, they tirelessly watch for encroaching dangers, ensuring the protection of their people. Additionally, rangers excel in the art of hunting, providing sustenance and safeguarding against threats from within the Empire.

Many rangers form deep connections with animals, often choosing domesticated creatures like Aphids as their loyal companions. However, some adventurous individuals opt for more exotic partners, such as the majestic Monopoly Dog.

Those who embrace the ranger class can serve as vigilant sentinels for their hometowns or play crucial scouting roles within armies. With their inherent affinity for nature, some rangers may even explore the path of primal magic, forging alliances with druidic circles to deepen their connection to the natural world.

Rogue

In a world teeming with political intrigues and clandestine activities, the Rogue thrives as the embodiment of mischief and cunning. Even the aristocracy finds the need to master the arts of deception and thievery, or alternatively enlist the aid of someone with such talents.

Among the many hubs of illicit activities, the city of Pavillion stands as a notorious den of scum and villainy, attracting a diverse range of ne'er do wells who fill roles spanning from street thieves to powerful crime lords. Those that choose to mix magic into their work have extra need to remain unseen and unheard.

Players who choose the Rogue class may portray a seasoned criminal, making a name for themselves within the shadowy streets of Pavillion, or they might assume the role of a hired operative tasked with testing corporate defenses. Various organizations, driven by their clandestine agendas, utilize rogues as invaluable assets in espionage, employing them as informants, spies, or as the muscle required to execute their intricate schemes.

Sorcerer

Magic, in its myriad forms, weaves through the very essence of a sorcerer's being. They are conduits for mystical energy, effortlessly channeling it through their being. However, in the troubled times of Evergarden, this innate gift becomes a perilous trait, fraught with danger and prejudice. Among the various hives and tribes, certain factions once held sorcery in high esteem, like House Arcani, embracing it as a source of pride and joy. But in a swift turn of events, sorcery has been burdened with shame.

Sorcerers wielding Arcane or Occult magics should be prepared for hostile reactions to their abilities, especially from members of the Bulbian Church. Characters of this class may find themselves as wandering exiles, shunned by their superstitious communities, surviving as mercenaries for hire, or seeking solace as hermits in the wilderness.

Note: For lore reasons, the following bloodlines are unavailable to this class: Genie, Hag, Phoenix

Summoner

Summoners are sporadic and rare - A mystery, and frequently misunderstood by scholars. Their unique abilities to summon and forge profound connections with powerful eidolons defy conventional understanding.

Summoners stand as elusive figures, embodying a delicate balance between mortal and extraplanar realms. They forge deep bonds with their eidolons, which may take various forms, from celestial entities to enigmatic creatures of unknown origin. These otherworldly companions serve as their constant allies, guardians, or even conduits to hidden realms.

Players with this class might be an adherent of Hylax granted a member of her Heavenly Hive to serve as a partner. Alternatively, they may have a connection to the world of fairies, able to bring forth a fey companion.

Swashbuckler

In the vibrant world of Evergarden, the Swashbuckler embodies the essence of dashing charm and deadly skill. These nimble warriors are masters of flashy combat techniques and charismatic bravado, making them a force to be reckoned with in both duels and battles of wit.

Swashbucklers can be found from all walks of life, but find particular purchase with the nobility. Fencing has long been a favoured sport of the upper eschelons, helping to shape some of the most prolific Swashbucklers of the time.

Players can choose charismatic actors-turned-swordsmen, enthralling audiences with their dazzling performances and effortlessly defeating foes. Alternatively, they can portray audacious individuals within the establishment, aiming to make a stir in their court, adding an element of unpredictability to their noble circles.

Thaumaturge

Thaumaturgy, an art that has remained relatively uncommon in Evergarden, has experienced a surge of interest with the expansion of the Bulbian church. Notably, the church itself has actively encouraged the pursuit of thaumaturgical skills among its bishops and priests, employing blessed Bulbian implements. Their devoted followers use esoteric lanterns and tomes as tools to spread the teachings of the Bulb. For those requiring a more forceful approach, inquisitors favor the use of blessed weapons.

Player characters embracing the Thaumaturge class can assume the role of devoted proselytizers, championing the cause of the Bulb or another deity. Alternatively, they may walk the path of the ancient thaumaturges, embarking on quests to uncover new knowledge and discover defenses against the enigmatic and unknown forces that exist in the world.

Witch

Witches and Warlocks have never been a common sight in the Empire. Already secretive and distant from society, few have been seen since the end of the war. Evergarden does not worship many gods, so there are very few patrons who can bestow powers to their chosen. From time-to-time however, a powerful force external to the Empire has been known to favor an individual.

Characters may not necessarily know who their mysterious patron is, but most commonly the Tooth Fairy is known to recruit from the Evergarden. Other sources may include the obscure deity - The Burrowing One, or another being on the fringes of Evergarden Society.

Wizard

In the bygone days of the Empire of Evergarden, the art of wizardry thrived, with its practitioners revered for their wise council. Often, they occupied positions of leadership within nations, with some lineages remaining to this day. However, since the emergence of the Ravening Swarm and the subsequent criminalisation of magic, the practice has waned, casting a shadow over its once-glorious reputation.

Those who embrace the path of the wizard must brace themselves for the repercussions of openly wielding their magical powers. The tides of public opinion and scrutiny may not be in their favor.

Player characters choosing this class could embody a student of the last bastion of magical learning, the esteemed Novis Academy. They might also find themselves part of a secretive cabal of magic users, operating in the shadows, or they could be a hedge-wizard, freely practicing their craft within the liberated city of Pavillion.