Northern Reaches Season 4 represents the continued expansion of Northport into the growing city-state it has become. As it increases in scale, so too does its need to expand sustainable gathering in accordance with the Jaggedpine Pact. In pursuit of this goal, Northport has begun investing in new frontier towns such as Frostclaim, located 300 miles northwest of Northport in the Northern Wilds. These boomtowns have grown rapidly over the past ~20 years since the events of Season 3, funneling their resources back to Northport through connected rail lines and teleportation circles.
All was going well in this venture until about six months back, when a growing winter storm began to blanket the Shatterspine Ridge, the mountain range that is home to the primary rail artery between Frostclaim and Northport. This ceaseless blizzard, which continues to strengthen and spread across the surrounding region, seems far from natural in origin. Beyond halting the trains, it also seems to be interfering with communication and teleportation magic that would otherwise connect the frontier to Northport. Due to this, the locals have begun calling the storm "The Pale," a name that reflects its seemingly supernatural origin.
Communication and travel to and from Northport are now limited to dangerous treks on foot through the mountains, routes made even more perilous by the buffeting winds and dangerous creatures that seem more restless than ever. At its current rate, it is believed that "The Pale" may very well envelop the entire region... unless a new band of heroes in the Northern Reaches has something to say about it...
The actions of player characters (PCs) will directly influence the campaign’s narrative and mechanics. True to the Northern Reaches tradition, players can collaborate on large community projects that can alter the game’s direction or reshape the storyline.
Your character’s level is automatically determined by the current week of the campaign, not by experience points. This ensures that all players are on equal footing, with everyone leveling up simultaneously.
The optional rule for Automatic Rune Progression is in effect, streamlining character advancement and keeping everyone on an even playing field.
With leveling being automatic in Northern Reaches, you can instead spend your XP unlocking locked options or upgrades for your characters. This gives you the freedom to choose how you develop your characters over time.
Roleplaying is highly encouraged in the Reaches with the ability to build dynamic and unique venues that your character manages such as item shops or taverns. These venues provide unique bonuses to players and their owners and provide a track for progression for people who would like to engage in Roleplay with or without going on adventures.
Death does not have to be the end for your character in the Reaches! You have the freedom to decide if you would like to spend earned XP to revive a dead character or let them meet their heroic end and use the XP to unlock perks for your next adventurer.
Game Masters (GMs) are the heart of the campaign. They will have access to a wealth of resources to support their efforts and will receive significant bonus XP for running games for other players as well as have a track of GM Perks that they can earn to enhance the rewards of their adventures.
GMs are encouraged to engage with the existing lore and to build upon it with their own ideas, shaping the world by injecting their creativity. With the ability to make your own stories, custom monsters, custom items, and custom powers that have an impact beyond your own games.
Many of our GMs also participate as players, creating a vibrant and interconnected community where everyone contributes to the campaign’s success.
The GM Council, composed of our most active and experienced GMs from previous seasons, handles most day-to-day decisions and is a valuable resource for both players and GMs. Whether you need advice on crafting your next adventure or creating a unique magic item, the GM Council is here to help.
Check out the QUICK START GUIDE and begin your adventure in the Reaches!