Chapter 2: A Corpse Crawls ‘Round Unburied
Introduction:
“Time, which flies irresistibly and perpetually, sweeps up and carries away with it everything that has seen the light of day and plunges it into utter darkness, whether deeds of no significance or those that are mighty and worthy of commemoration.”
It is the year 988 and Basil II Makedon rules the remains of the Roman Empire from his seat at Constantinople, called Romania by its citizens, weathering successive invasions and rebellions. As Basil’s enemies surmount, he makes a fateful alliance with Grand Prince Vladimir of Russia, gaining valuable military support and forming the Varangian Guard, but forever tying Romania’s fate to that of foreigners. Romania is, and has been, dominantly Christian since the reign of Justinian the Great, and one of the stipulations of this alliance is that the Rus christianize.
In the east, Bardas Phokas the Younger crowns himself emperor and, with the support of foreign princes, marches to seize the capital. To the west, the tsars of Bulgaria lay claim to their own imperial title and it is with them Basil’s attention lies. The various rebellions and invasions leave Anatolia and Syria a wasteland towards which the Caliphate makes its inexorable march, preparing to seize definitive control of Asia.
The lights of Rome seem ready to fade forever. Long gone are the days of Heracles and his twelve labors, the heroics of Perseus, Zeus’ victory in the Titanomachy, and the Romans have by and large scorned or cast aside their pagan ways. But the deities that sit on Mount Olympus might not go so willingly.
You find yourself crossing Anatolia, known as Asia Minor to the Romans, along the Silk Road, which has many points of entry but only one terminus, the queen of all cities: Constantinople. It is either there, or from there, you find yourself traveling. Here, at its narrowest point, the Silk Road is crowded, with all of Constantinople’s pilgrims shuttered into one gigantic caravan. For your own reasons, you are a part of this caravan, either alone, or with an entourage.
Some things to keep in mind:
The date is October 14, 988. Knowing the history of the time period is not important, beyond an understanding of what the early middle ages were, and having an appreciation for Greek mythology. This is a work of fantasy and not meant to represent reality.
The Greek gods and myths exist. However, your character is not personally aware that there is some credence to them, if they even know about them at all. A Russian would know next to nothing about Greek mythology, while an Italian might be somewhat more knowledgeable. However, most during this time period viewed pagan texts, cultures, and practices with disdain. It wouldn’t be until the Renaissance that the classics would be looked at in a new light. Aside from the reality of Greek mythology, and whatever changes you might make in creating your characters, the world of 988 is identical to how ours was.
Your character can be anyone--from Ogier the Dane to the Emperor of China--so long as they are period appropriate. Your character can be mythological (as Ogier the Dane is) but not supernatural. You must post a character card before posting. You can have as many characters as you want, provided that you can handle it, although I ask that you initially start with one.
Eventually, characters with supernatural elements inspired by Greek myth will be allowed, and I’ll let you know when that point is.
You cannot kill (or control) other people's characters, without their consent. Same goes for amputations and maiming. Named NPCs cannot be directly controlled by the players, without the GM's permission, for story purposes.
An important note: although the residents of the Byzantine Empire spoke Greek and lived in Greece, they called their empire the Roman Empire and called themselves Romans, but because of their Greekness the mythology will be considered through a Greek lense. The East-West Schism has not yet occurred, so they also regard themselves as Catholic.
Character Card:
This RP is going to borrow the SPECIAL system, largely because I think it is useful in determining a character’s abilities. Distribute forty points across the various attributes. An eight or higher is superhuman. A three or lower means a disability. My own character cards can be used as examples if necessary.
Name:
Age:
Sex:
Appearance:
S. P. E. C. I. A. L.:
Equipment:
Profession:
Background:
Maps:
The top map is of Eastern Europe in 988. The bottom map is of the Byzantine Empire at the time. The highlighted border is Bulgaria at its greatest extent, just ignore that.
