conversations.from: system
conversations.value: 
  -LOOKING FOR NEW NARRATOR-
  
  
  For three long years the Duchy of Garwek has been beset by the ravages of war. In the north the fields lie empty, the populace killed by battle or plague, or fled to the rapidly overcrowding cities. The depredations of Gutar Kaarl seem to know no bounds, at least if the wild stories circulating among the refugees are to be believed. The city of Koldansk has thus far escaped the worst of the fighting, but after inflicting a crushing defeat on Duke Androlf, Prince Kaarl’s army now sweeps towards it. Strategically straddling Garwek’s major river, and placed at the foothills of the southern mountains, Androlf’s political heartland, Kaarl knows he must take Koldansk to be able to advance into the interior.  With Androlf’s army shattered, and his ally Duke Malheim trapped by winter snows in the mountains, Koldansk prepares itself for siege.
  
  In this storium, players will take the roles of people within the walls of the beleaguered city of Koldansk. There are a plethora of possibilities, from refugees, war-profiteering merchants and mercenaries, to city elders, honourable soldiers, and noble lords and ladies- or perhaps even enemy spies! I hope that players will get creative with their roles, and that we get an interesting mix.
  
  The tone of this Storium will likely be quite dark given the subject matter. Swearing, blood, gore are all acceptable. Sex and other NSFW content will probably be treated with a fade-to-black system, unless the players would prefer otherwise. Since the story is set in a city under siege, issues like starvation, disease and wartime death will all be issues I hope to explore, as well as the traumas of war attendant with such times of strife. 
  
  The setting and the story will be highly collaborative, with players encouraged to contribute ideas to make the city of Koldansk, its peoples and cultures and the war (everything really) more fleshed out, dynamic and generally detailed! There is no conclusion planned, so it’ll be the role of the players to drive the story forward as they explore their subplots within the setting. With that said, I do intend to introduce some plot points if they are needed, or to shake things up once in a while. Players are invited to make up their own natures, strengths and weaknesses, and required to make up their own subplots (unless you want to use the default one supplied)! If possible keep the medieval manuscript aesthetic for natures/strengths/weaknesses- though this isn't required if you can't/don't want too.
  
  The setting is an extremely vague low-fantasy (think Game of Thrones) at the moment, though this will hopefully change with player involvement and discussion. Non-human races are welcome, my only request is that we steer clear of the typical high fantasy tripartite of elves, dwarves and men. I’ve set up a forum page where we can discuss the setting before we get stuck in, and while we wait for people to (hopefully) sign up here: https://storium.com/forums#/category/lfp/thread/w9bx8s
  
  I’m not a particularly experienced narrator, but I think this might be really fun! If it sounds at all interesting to you, then consider signing up!
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You fled to Koldansk to escape the war. Perhaps your home was destroyed, or maybe you simply abandoned it before the fighting reached you. You might have been able to rescue a few goods of precious heirlooms, but overall you are poor and desperate. 
  
  Unsure of what to do with you, the Council has ordered all refugees be contained in the lower city, and overcrowding has lead to a terrible shortage of food, and the spread of disease. 
conversations.prefix: Refugee:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: In times of war it is common practice to hire soldiers of fortune to bolster the armies of the combatants. You are one such individual, a warrior for hire, whose motivations are your own. 
  
  Koldansk's Council has employed a great number of mercenaries to support their garrison, but the depredations of war mean you've started to find your pay is in arrears.
conversations.prefix: Mercenary:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Koldansk straddles the Worwej river island, and as such is the centre of trade in the lowland region of Garwek. You are one of the many merchants who makes the city your home. 
  
  Your class ranges from those barely above peasants, to those almost noble in their opulence- if not more so. The war, however, is rarely good for business- unless one is willing to get creative, with business opportunities, and perspectives of morality.
conversations.prefix: Merchant:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: In times of dire need the citizens of Koldansk are called up to fight and die in her defence. Unless one is too old, too sick, or wealthy enough to buy your way out, the majority find themselves serving in her ranks in one way or another. 
  
  Many simply do menial tasks, like shifting rubble and patrolling the streets- only going to fight should the walls be stormed. You are one such soldier, a citizen of Koldansk, or perhaps even an eager refugee volunteer- who is expected to fight in the service of the city.
conversations.prefix: Levy Soldier:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: As a Ducal city, Koldansk owes its loyalty directly to Androlf, and thus has no vassal who holds it in his name. Despite this, a number of minor nobles hold land in the surrounding area, and it is not unknown for foreign nobles to stop their as they journey up or down the Worwej. You are one such noble, either of ancient line or recently elevated, you are part of a class who holds much of the political power throughout the civilised world. 
  
  The Council has moved most of the nobles to the Hradsha Castle on the islands western point, but you are free to come and go as you please- though escort is recommended. 
conversations.prefix: Noble:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Though most citizens are expected to serve the levy in some capacity or another- from healing to cleaning detail- you, for whatever reason, have avoided recruitment. Avoiding the levy does not, however, mean safety- as you remain trapped within the besieged city.
conversations.prefix: Citizen :
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: In times of peace you pursue criminals, protect businesses and maintain law and order, or the Council's version, at least. Now that the siege has come, you are expected to form the backbone of the cities defence, though few of your number have fought anyone but thugs and gangsters.
conversations.prefix: City Guard:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: One of the survivors of Androlf's crushing defeat, you and a handful of your number fled to Koldansk. Now within the city, you are expected to help with its defence- regaining your honour blighted by the humiliating rout.
conversations.prefix: Ducal Soldier:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Not everybody in Koldansk is classed as a citizen. Those who do not own property or land of their own are known dismissively as 'Underclass'. Beggars, gangsters, street urchins, thieves, prostitutes and all manner of others have found their already grim lot exacerbated by the hundreds of refugees now clogging the cities streets and alleys- though others have found this a new era of opportunity.
conversations.prefix: Underclass:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are always ready to face and endure danger when required. 
conversations.prefix: Brave:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your intellect allows you to achieve your own ends- often through decietful means.
conversations.prefix: Cunning:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your knowlege of the world and its lore can often come in handy.
conversations.prefix: Wise:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your physical ability allows you to undertake impressive feats.
conversations.prefix: Strong:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your speed and talent for movement allow you to avoid danger, or excel against it.
conversations.prefix: Dexterous:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are often the first to flee danger.
conversations.prefix: Cowardly:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are infected with one of the many conditions now aflicting Koldansk's population. You may find your abilities compromised in one way or another.
conversations.prefix: Sick:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You just aren't all that bright.
conversations.prefix: Stupid:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You physical fragility makes you an easy target
conversations.prefix: Weak:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The terrible things you have suffered or seen mean you struggle to deal with certain motivations.
conversations.prefix: Traumatised:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: In a city under siege, this is more difficult than it sounds.
conversations.prefix: Survive.:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The largest inn in Koldansk's lower-gate district, The Wayfarer's Rest has long been a popular haunt for travellers coming to the city.
  
  Thanks to the war, however, it has found itself commandeered by the cities garrison and used as a billet and surgery for soldiers.
conversations.prefix: The Wayfarer's Rest.:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The smallest of Koldansk's regions, the Lower Gate District clusters around the bridge which connects the island on which Koldansk sits too the mainland. Densely populated, it is home largely to tenants and poor merchants. 
  
  The squat wall which defends it remains partially ruined due to the previous siege of Koldansk, more than one hundred years ago.
conversations.prefix: The Lower Gate District:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Standing on a hillock in the North-west corner of the city, Hradsha castle is an intimidating keep.
conversations.prefix: Hradsha Castle:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Clustered around the southern docks, the slums have long been the refuge of the unwanted and shunned. Since the start of the siege, they have grown exponentially thanks to the influx of refugees.
conversations.prefix: The Slums:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Long the heart of Koldanski commerce, the northern docks lie empty thanks to the blockade, but for the ships unlucky enough to be trapped in the city.
conversations.prefix: The Northern Docks:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Held in the Inner District, the Lower Market is the home of fishmongers, butchers and tanners, the Lower Market lacks the opulence of the Upper, but also tends to be a great deal busier- especially now with food running short. 
conversations.prefix: the Lower Market:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: They say he was a mercenary once, though in those days he had a different name. 
  
  Guntar Kaarl, so the story goes, speant years fighting for the coin of other men, amassing a small army of mercenaries in the process.
  
  His final mission was to the North, a quest to drive the barbarian peoples beyond the Central Duchies back into the hills. He was gone for three years, and when he returned, it was with an army of barbarians at his side.
  
  Kaarl first attacked Garwek ten years ago, and was defeated- temporarily at least. This time, none seem to be able to stand before him.
conversations.prefix: Gutar Kaarl:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The richest of Koldansk's districts, the castle district is shielded by the inner wall, and is largely home to merchants and artisans, as well as the odd noble.
conversations.prefix: Castle District:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Though much smaller than the Lower Market, the Upper Market makes up for it in oppulence. Held in the Castle District, the Upper Market is the place to go for rare or vanity items.
conversations.prefix: Upper Market:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Market District is the largest of Koldansk's districts. The majority there are fairly poor, and few citizens make their home here. Instead, primarily labourers, poor merchants and dock-workers dwell in this area. It is home, however, to Koldansk's largest market.
conversations.prefix: The Inner District:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: wimp
conversations.prefix: Castellan Poparov:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: bastard
conversations.prefix: Chancellor Vaveski:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: coward
conversations.prefix: Captain Huss:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Naive
conversations.prefix: Sargent Bolvokov :
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: eek
conversations.prefix: Tòmachan UarRaig, The Red-Eye:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Broken Wall lives up to it's namesake, the slums will catch fire if somebody so much as sneezes and there is too much ground in the docks for Gutar to land his ships. Some effort must be made to sure up defenses.
conversations.prefix: Establish Defenses:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Now under your command is an awkward gaggle of mercenaries, war veterans and survivors of Palvik. It is important you establish order as soon as possible, and transform them into some variety of fighting force. This is too great a task for any one person to achieve. You'll need to delegate aspects of command. Can anybody trustworthy be found?
conversations.prefix: Organise and Delegate (Amara):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Lets get down to business. If Kaarl is to be defeated, the rough handful of ne'er-do-wells given to you must be put to work.
conversations.prefix: Establish Discipline:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: They're an eclectic mix. Mercenaries, Ducal Soldiers, a handful of Garrison. They range from expierienced to green, from healthy to wounded. They aren't the finest soldiers in the world, but they are yours to command.
conversations.prefix: Company of soldiers:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's been in your family for generations. It's your home, your means of income, and your greatest asset.
conversations.prefix: The Wayfarer's Inn:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Named for the current duke's great grandfather, Androlf's Bridge links the Worwej river island where Koldansk sits to the mainland.
conversations.prefix: Androlf's Bridge:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Some people said things about heads and snakes, but all that really matters is the fat coin purse at the end.
conversations.prefix: Kill the Chancellor:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Kaarl's trebuchets only have so much ammunition, but can you survive that long?
conversations.prefix: Survive the barrage:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Times like this are perfect for a little looting. Sure it might add to the disorder- but it's every man for himself, isn't it?
conversations.prefix: Profit from the chaos (optional):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: There are wounded everywhere. Rubble litters the streets of the Gate Districts. Time is of the essence, and as much needs to be salvaged and repaired as possible. The Kaarl will not wait long.
conversations.prefix: Aid the city:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A rare product of the east....possesing and understanding this explosive substence can give an individual incredible power....and can turn the tide of war.
conversations.prefix: Black Powder :
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A small band of the enemy has sneaked through the crumbling defenses.  They cannot be allowed to escape.
conversations.prefix: Kill the Scouts:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Thrown together by either happenstance or necessity, those within the walls of Koldansk are a diverse lot.  With the barrage at an end, this short respite should be taken advantage of.
conversations.prefix: Further your Goals:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A forward scout from the enemy camp could be a valuable source of intelligence.  A freed spy with misinformation could be just as useful.
conversations.prefix: Capture a Spy (Optional):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Koldansk is a frozen hell.  It's been a week of bone-chilling wind and the storm shows no sign of abating.  Wood to burn is scarce, and men die each night, either in quarrels over supplies, or simply from the cold.
conversations.prefix: Survive the Storm:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Just because it's a bit cold doesn't mean your brain's frozen.  A winter's storm, while deadly, can also cover a lot of mischief.
conversations.prefix: Profit from the Storm (Optional):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The outer walls of Koldansk: many are crumbling and most aren't nearly as high as those inside would like.  Still, what matters more is the courage of the men and women who hold them.
conversations.prefix: Battlements:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: There are howling men charging the walls!  Though your hands are frozen and many friends are dead, now is not the time to give ground.
conversations.prefix: Man the Defenses:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Basically an enormous crossbow, this machine is positioned on top of the castle walls and fires four-foot long arrows at anyone foolish enough to get in the way.
conversations.prefix: Ballista:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A devilish concoction, this powder burns at a rapid pace.  So quickly, in fact, that it often explodes.  Now it just needs to be harnessed.
conversations.prefix: Black Powder:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A collection of herbs and medicines that can treat disease and injury alike.
conversations.prefix: Healing Herbs:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a frightening reputation. When your shout echoes in the barracks even the dead go to line up and order.
conversations.prefix: intimidating:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are so full of hate that only the blood of your enemies can satisfy it.
conversations.prefix: Wrathful:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You must regain honor of your knight order and redeem yourself. 
conversations.prefix: Redemption :
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're tired of war, tired of spoiled rations, and tired of being stuck in this godsforsaken city.  It's time to get out of here, hopefully with full pockets.
conversations.prefix: Get Paid and Get Out:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're lucky to be alive - an injury has left you bleeding and less capable than you've ever been.  There's no time to rest, but if not seen to quickly the wound could get worse.
conversations.prefix: Wounded:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Chaos fills the streets sooner or later. That is when your time comes. Take what you can while the others are distracted by all the things happening around them.
conversations.prefix: Profit:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: As a professional soldier you've seen a lot of the world.  You haven't always fought for the most honorable reasons - and not always on the winning side - but you've learned how to get ahead when beaten down.
conversations.prefix: Experienced:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A traveler from the east, trapped behind war and walls. Unable to complete their journey, they look to survive in the besieged Koldansk.
conversations.prefix: Traveler:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You command a company of the soldiers stationed within Koldansk. You're not alone, but it's still a heavy responsibility to bear.
conversations.prefix: Captain:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's not just about knowing how to fight. The right words at the right time can change the fate of a battle.
conversations.prefix: Leadership:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You rarely concern yourself with honour and fairness in combat. A victory obtained by any means is still a victory.
conversations.prefix: Ruthless:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You seek to leave your mark on the world, and be remembered by future generations for your actions and words.
conversations.prefix: Glory:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Well educated in a wide array of subjects, you represent the small, glimmering hope of civilized society.
conversations.prefix: Enlightened:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Unused and unprepared for life-or-death struggles, you lack the necessary skills and supplies to survive the harsh reality of an indefinite siege.
conversations.prefix: Ill-Prepared:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your families reputation is in tatters and your power is at an all time low. Can you restore the family name to it's former greatness?
conversations.prefix: The Family Name:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have what is known as a "second sight," which has ostracized you from many of the citizens within the walls of Koldansk. Some view you with skepticism, others with fear, but with a raging war almost at their doorstep, word of your abilities are spreading, and now people are looking to you with the hope that you will utilize your sensitivity to "see" a way to victory.   
conversations.prefix: Clairvoyant:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Through occult rituals, you are able to seek knowledge from the future, thus giving your allies an edge when it comes to predicting the enemy's movements. 
conversations.prefix: Divination:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your abilities are not completely under your control. Sometimes you will get flashes of a future that you cannot piece together, which is ultimately useless. 
conversations.prefix: Untrained:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You want the world to recognize you as a true clairvoyant, and wish to help lead Koldansk to victory against Kaarl's army. 
conversations.prefix: Prove Yourself:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Tasked with retrieving an object of incredible scientific potential, Kafar is must find it and remove it from the city before either it or it's creator are destroyed.
conversations.prefix: Messenger of Truth:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You'll do whatever it takes to advance yourself, even if it's not in your best interest in the long run.
conversations.prefix: Greedy:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: In every conflict there is opportunity, for those who are willing to do what it takes to achieve their goals.
conversations.prefix: Come out ahead:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You make your living on the sea, selling all the right stuff to all the wrong people.
  
  How exactly you acquire your stock is a different story altogether.
conversations.prefix: Smuggler:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You sell all the right things to all the wrong people. How you came about your inventory is another matter entirely.
conversations.prefix: Smuggler:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The dice are loaded, it seems. Circumstances almost always play in your favor.
  
  Besides, if worse comes to worse, a little rule breaking never hurt... you.
conversations.prefix: Stacked Deck:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: What doesn't turn a profit isn't worth your time.
  
  Money makes the world go round, after all.
conversations.prefix: Heart of Gold:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: War is costly, be you aggressor or defender, and where there's blood, there's money.
conversations.prefix: Aggressive Marketing:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The inn is now a shadow of its former self; what will you do to earn your keep?
conversations.prefix: Stay afloat:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Trolls are more than just another race. They are an infection. A type of fungus that infects living things-one of the reasons they regenerate save for fire. Those born of the Troll fungus are called spawn. While now they are serpare from the fungus, they are still altered by it.
conversations.prefix: Trollspawn:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: While trollspawn are capable of interbreeding with the orginal 'host' species and create normal offspring, rarely does this happen without rape. People already spread all manner of flase stories about the spawn, and normal human bigotry is often taken to a new level...
conversations.prefix: Half breed:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You know basic first aid and are gifted at creating salves and poultices to aid the injured. 
conversations.prefix: Healer:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You can keep calm and collected in the worst situations.
conversations.prefix: Tough:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Certain things should not have to be borne by living man.
conversations.prefix: Weak stomach:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are doing your best to get the injured back on their feet.
conversations.prefix: Tend to the wounded:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Despite your best efforts, you've become attached to a few of your associates. Compromised morals, whether they were good or bad in the first place, lead to dark ends.
conversations.prefix: Vested Interests:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Boldness is not in your nature. You will prefer safety to doing what is exciting.
conversations.prefix: Timid: