Chapter Text
Worldmap
Quick General Lore Primer
A quick overview over some more general terms, places and people for this world.
Places
Western Islands
A group of dozens of Islands all with different political affiliations, most of them ruled over by the Silverlords
Havre
A small volcanic island only notable for the small town of the same name
Lisembria
The Island serves as Headquarters of the Free Legion
Crownhaven
The Capital Island of the Silverlords
Finis
The Empires largest outpost in the western Islands.
Thirid Gar
An Island serving as the main outpost for the western Islands chapter of the imperial Mage Order
Otrimont
Originally a dwarven fortress it had been abandoned for centuries before being taken over by the Vantat
The Mainland
The major continent of the setting, also referred to as the old Lands once a prosperous realm largely dominated by the Empire it has been engulfed in conflict for decades now.
Helike
A former city state on the mainland ruled by a council of demigod Archons
conquered by a Dragon a few decades ago with the survivors fleeing to the western Islands forming the free legion
Immerson
Also referred to as the “Lost” or “Cursed” province it once formed the northern border of the Empire.
Abandoned after a magical catastrophe of unknown origins. Still rumoured to be roamed by the undead as the victims of the initial cataclysm.
Heartlands
Central province made up mostly out of long stretches of forests and farmland in between.
Foodstore of the Empire and home to the Gejarn.
Hasparan
Towards the Worldcrown Mountains the land is mostly harsh tundra while towards the cost it becomes a lot more liveable while the coastline itself is mostly a barely explored swamp risen around the ruins of a large old empire city.
Mostly controlled by the Knights of the golden Guard that still pledge loyalty to House Ordeal.
Dukedom of Lasanta
The Empires westernmost Province, semi-independently ruled by its duke having his seat in the capital city of the same name. Main Port of the realm. Money can pretty much buy everything here even if it should be considered illegal in the rest of the empire.
Free Kingdoms
Formerly independent small-scale kingdoms, mainly around the cities of Xihutzin, Erindal and Kalenchor that have long fallen to the Empires rule and only continue existing as vassal states in name only.
Vara
City in the Heartlands renown for its scholars, seat of the empire’s artillery school and some of its best gunmakers
Greymouth
City on the costs at the border between Hasparan and the Heartlands.
Main imperial shipyard and practically run by a council of its workers nowadays.
The Flying City
An ancient arcane construct levitating hundreds of buildings and artificial islands in the air, these serving as the mobile capital and seat for the Emperors of the Canton Empire.
Organisations and Groups
The imperial Mage Order
Also just referred to as “The Order” or “Sanguis Order”
The collective institution for the training and assessment of imperial Mages, holds a strong monopoly on the use and creation of magic and magical items. Non-members are usually referred to as “Hedge Wizards.” and if not outright persecuted viewed with strong suspicion.
The Church of Order
A religious group worshipping a singular god in their living deity that is the Lord of Order,
Frequently in conflict with the Empire as their original appearance caused a massive conflict driven by its fanatics referred to as the order war. Today more peaceful and focused on rebuilding though they keep some well-guarded secrets.
Vantat
Snake People native to the western islands
Rarely encountered outside of Otrimont
The free Legion
A Band of mercenary’s made up from Helikian remnants but also recruiting from the western island’s broader population. Serving the goal of gathering funds and manpower to one day return to the continent and reclaim their old home.
Silverlords
Former Mainland Nobles, mostly of the imperial province of Immerson that fled the Mainland after their Home became uninhabitable and overrun by the undead.
Wield significant influence and almost unlimited wealth.
The Empire
Also the Canton Empire or just Canton
The largest and most powerful nation on the Continent even if it has fallen on hard times.
Ruled over by Emperors of different dynasties the main ones in order of historical appearance being House Ordeal, Belfare and Lotheran. Though recently a man claiming to be a surviving Belfare has laid claim to the Amber Throne.
Paladins
Knights trained in the traditions of old Helike, specialised in fighting anything supernatural, specifically dragons but also mages
Houseguard
The Elite of the Empires infantry. Each a Master Marksman and Fencers in their own right.
Specifically selected as personal agents or bodyguards of the imperial dynasty
Imperial Guard
Main bulk of the empire’s military forces. Mostly volunteers but conscription has ever increased in recent years.
Immortals
Semi Legendary figures, mortals that are said to have achieved immortality, worshipped as gods
Vampires
The result of the undead and magic sweeping Immerson
Valuing dignity and Honour as the only things mattering in an immortal cursed life these now undying nobles hold to a strict code of chivalry and selflessness to keep their more bestial nature in strict control.
Old Empire
A precursor civilisation that once spanned most of the known world. Ruled by beings that were similar to humans in appearance but not quite. Magic traces directly back to them and their Ruins can be found almost everywhere
Skarith
Once a race of bird like beings they now exist as Liches their souls trapped in mechanical constructs. Extremely powerful mages they see themselves as gods and rightful heirs to the old Empire
Gejarn
Native to both Helike and the Empires Heartland Region, Animal People with varying features ranging from Bears to Wolves that make up about half of the Empires population. Some are organised in Clans while others have been living in imperial City’s or the former Helikian City State for generations.
Kobolds
Small intelligent lizard people originally native to the free Kingdoms. Can now be found almost everywhere.
Whaid
Dragon worshippers. Have become a more dominant power in recent years under the leadership of a being referring itself to as a Dragonking. Revere fire and members may tattoo or otherwise modify their bodies to closer resemble their dragon masters. Individuals may be granted the privilege to take up the mantle of a dragon rider or knight. This transforms them permanently into something no longer entirely human wiping much of their previous personality. Their physical form may also start changing into a draconic aspect in time.
Minotaurs
Two legged bovine creatures, a semi nomadic warrior society that has lived in the harsh lands beyond the burning gates for millenia. Became Skarith vassals to ensure their survival serving as their main military force, though in recent years many have come to question the… benevolence of their “gods” as they are essentially trapped between the choice of servitude or a slow death.
Faun
Artificial creations of the old Empire. Can be a variety of beings crossed with usually a deer or goat like base.
They have a strong connection to nature magic. There is only a limited number of them. They were not born but created and if one is killed it will simply reappear and be reborn in their realm beyond the labyrinthian forests. Can use ghosttrees as gates to move around the world.
Ashen Legion
An entire continent engaging in a decade long war had a profound effect even on the afterlife. Not all its victims rest easy anymore. Chaos and Disorder, especially on a battlefield, can allow the vengeful dead to manifest, still fighting an endless war against all who they feel have betrayed them in life.
Other Terminology
Airships
A combination of regular engineering and arcane power, these iron behemoths form the high point of imperial technology. Incredibly powerful, mobile weapons platforms designed to fight dragons. Very expensive to both build and maintain less then a hundred were ever build and to shoulder the cost many are both maintained and staffed by the realms differing noble houses. As mortality among crew is high its lord captains are usually second or bastard sons of the realms houses hoping to either earn some fame… or a heroes death.
Ghosttree
Essentially trees that through magical influence have become “Undead” they appear to be dead in any regard, their bark long shed, their branches bare and bleached. But they never rot and are often revered by the local Gejarn who treat them as the centre of their religion and rituals.
Seemingly have a limited influence over reality in their vicinity and a profound, visceral effect on Gejarn interacting with one, even those who were not born into a Clan or even imperial society.
Highgeneral
Title for the Supreme commander of the Empires Military
Dragonfire
Chemical substance mimicking the biochemical ignition of a dragon’s fiery breath. Ignites on contact with air. Often used as a terror weapon.
Angel
Chosen of the Lord of Order. Mortal souls transformed by personal contact with the divine into the elite warriors of the fate. In truth there’s little left of the person they once were as they are turned into little more than an extension of their gods will.
Mage/Wizard
A person able to use magical power. For Human Mages this almost always means they have some distant old Empire ancestry. Channelling too much power usually comes with horrific consequences for the person be it advanced aging or outright burning parts of their body.