20 quick questions about the Maelstrom, part 1

Jeff set up 20 questions a GM should be ready to answer. So here goes:

1. What's the deal with my cleric's religion?

There are seven gods in the Maelstrom. They are Azreal (Neutral, Malakhim of Death), Gabriel (Neutral Good, Malakhim of Peace), Israphael (Lawful Good, Malakhim of Vigilance), Michael (Lawful Good, Malakhim of Chivalry), Raphael (Chaotic Good, Malakhim of Healing), Uriel (Neutral Good, Malakhim of Light), and Samael (Neutral Evil, Malakhim of Destruction). That's it. No other true divine powers. There are some lesser cults but most of them just worship Samael and don't realize it.

2. Where can we go buy standard equipment?

Most Sanctums (cities) in the Maelstrom stock the basics. If you are using D&D, gear in the PHB is usually available. The GM may roll 1d6 to determine how many days it takes to get something odd (like an exotic weapon). More obscure gear is usually limited to specific islands.

3. Where can we go to get platemail custom fitted for this monster I just befriended?

If the Sanctum has a blacksmith (and most do) you're good to go. It's costly of course, but hey who doesn't need a Wyvern in platemail?

4. Who is the mightiest wizard in the land?

There are some of the Dragonkings who dabble in wizardry and may be more powerful, but not inherently due to being wizards.

5. Who is the greatest warrior in the land?

It varies greatly between Sanctums. Historically, godlings (Moradin, Heironeous, etc.) are legendary figures. However, there really isn't a great warrior known across all the lands.

6. Who is the richest person in the land?

In any given Sanctum, the Dragonking (in theory) owns everything in his or her Sanctum. However, every Sanctum usually has a noble or merchant who is so wealthy they couldn't possibly notice a few missing things.

7. Where can we go to get some magical healing?

Every Sanctum has a temple to one or more of the Malakhim. Clerics are usually willing to provide healing for a donation to the church. The clerics of Raphael provide this service at half price and usually do a better job. So, if you're looking for a break, head to Eden (the best temples of Raphael are in Eden).

8. Where can we go to get cures for the following conditions: poison, disease, curse, level drain, lycanthropy, polymorph, alignment change, death, undeath?

For this sort of thing, don't mess around, go directly to the nearest Sanctum with a temple to Raphael. Most temples in a Sanctum will have a high priest who can take care of the serious stuff personally. That's rarely cheap though, so bring money.


9. Is there a magic guild my magic user belongs to or that I can join in order to get more spells?

Just being an arcane spellcaster kinda puts you in a group called "people nobody else trusts". However, the Castes are the safest refuge for those who dabble in what should be left alone. The Abyssal caste usually sees arcane spellcasters are a useful resource and one best kept on short leash. The Lunar caste is more open minded and arcane casters, if they keep their nose clean, are generally well respected. The Solar caste can be a mixed bag. If the spellcaster proves their worth, they do very well, but they have to overcome a lot of prejudice.

10. Where can I find an alchemist, sage or other expert NPC?

Sanctums usually have several of each.