The Romanovi
"Family is the rock on this never ending road that stretches before us."
These are the haunted wanderers that travel the land. Although only the Matriarchs and Vezeto of their kind can truthfully speak on their origins, most others suspect some terrible event led to their nomadic ways and resulted in their ability to level the dreadful Evil Eye on an attacker or wrongdoer.
The Romanovi themselves are often linked with the “Creatures of the Night”. While this may or may not mean that a particular Romanovi is evil, there is definitely a connection between Romanovi and both lycanthropes and the Undead.
Makeup Requirements
Romanovi are Human and are not required to wear make-up but rather specific costuming instead.
Romanovi are based on the groups of Romanian, Balkan and other cultures around the Black Sea area. Romanovi tend to wear traditional fabrics with vibrant coloration that is often weathered due to the amount of traveling they do. Family heirlooms, and clothing that has seen extensive use is common. The words faded splendor should come to mind when looking at these individuals.
The Romanovi have a distinct language which is often only speak among themselves.
Though Romanovi is the common name, among themselves they refer to their clan name, not the generic word: Romanovi.
Population
6 per 100 players in the game.
Profession Information
Preferred Professions: Rogue, Magi, & Apothecary Forbidden Professions: Maurader & All Knight Professions
Preferred Magic: Any
Forbidden Magic: None
Affinities
Weapon: Dagger
Magic: None
Production: Elixirs & Poisons
Skill Information
Special Skills: Eviol Eye (1-9)
Special Masteries: None
Staring Requirements
Due to their survival-oriented nature, certain skills are required from all starting Romanovi:
- RP: Survival (Woodland or Mountainous)
- Craft: Divination (Any) Rank 1
- Craft or Gather (Any) Rank 1 of a useful skill to the Romanovi (Example: Tailoring, Cartwright, Animal Husbandry, Scavenging...)
Inherent Advantages:
Romanovi may purchase the Curse of the Evil Eye skill.
Romanovi may also purchase the skill Evaluate Item at half skill point cost, rounded up. In addition, a Romanovi character may purchase any Role-Playing or Craft skill dealing with divination for minus one (-1) point. Such as the Astrology or Tarot Reading skills.
A Romanovi's connection to the dark forces of nature has caused them to become very sensitive to beings that have been corrupted. Thus, a Romanovi may detect corruption on five (5) count by stating “Detecting Corruption 1, Detecting Corruption 2, Detecting Corruption 3,…”. If the being focused on is corrupted by magic or by nature, such as a dark Fey, this would be revealed to the Romanovi.
Further the Romanovi's affinity with curses allows them to detect a curse placed on a being on a five (5) count, as well. This is done by stating “Detect curse 1, detect curse 2, detect curse 3,...” This will reveal any curse placed upon the target being examined, what type (i.e. spell, Curse of the Evil Eye, etc.) and how powerful.
The range of these abilities is 20 feet, and the target must know they are the focus of the detection.
Break Charm: Powerful Romanovi can purchase the Break Charm skill at 20th Level.
Inherent Disadvantages:
Because of their nomadic and secretive ways, a Romanovi cannot become a noble or be a member of any of military order, knightly order, or any prestige group. Romanovi may never purchase the Nobility Skill.
Because of their affinity toward dark powers they feel uneasy around Undead, and any naturally corrupted beings. This is a role-playing effect that should be displayed and altered around more powerful beings.
An example would be that the Romanovi may not want to read the cards of an Eldaran, but might cower (wisely) in the presence of a powerful Vampire.
Lastly lycanthropes cause terror in Romanovi. This effect will cause them to flee from these beings once they reveal themselves. A Romanovi who is attacked can defend themselves, but they reduce their damage against such creatures by four (4) points. Learning the Bravery skill will counteract this disadvantage.
**** You must have a Marshall’s approval to play a Romanovi****
Note: All Players wishing to start as a Romanvoi must have achieved enough experience to be at a minimum of Level 5. See a Marshal or Staff on the ways this can be achieved.