The Pitiless Elements are a set of Arcadian realms following a similar theme and bound by similar rules.
Background[]
Locales[]
- The Icy Vastness: A realm of frigid arctic steppes; naturally, ice predominates here.
- The Deep: A tropical, underwater realm, bar a few scattered islands; the element of water is predominant.
- The Burning Sands: A brutal desert blasted by hellish heat. The element of fire has primacy.
- The Empty Wastes: A badland of towering stone and narrow, emptied streambeds. Earth rules this domain.
Laws of the Land[]
Elemental Prejudice[]
In each realm, a particular element predominates (e.g. ice in the Icy Vastness). Opposing elements wield significantly lesser influence in said realm. Any form of magic which summons or influences the predominant element gains a +5 bonus; those with a lesser presence face a -3 penalty. Attempts to utilize elements which directly oppose the primary element (e.g. fire in the Icy Vastness) fail automatically.
Seeming Harmony[]
If the general nature of a seeming or kith favors the dominant element of a realm, that changeling may count rolls of 7 or higher as successes and gain an exceptional success on 4 successes. Those with opposing natures must roll a 9 or 10 to gain a success and must roll 6 successes for an exceptional success.
The Master’s Will: Soul of the Land[]
The lords of these realms have untold power over the elements; each turn a character is under elemental attack, she suffers 7 dice of lethal damage, mitigated by Armor, but not by Defense. Further mitigation can be accomplished through appropriate action (e.g. grounding lightning bolts by rolling Intelligence + Science).
References[]
- CTL: Equinox Road, p. 113-117
