Campaign Preface

As the lockstep legions of Hell were defeated in the Crimson War, a spectacle of breathtaking proportions erupted from Wessel's Ankara Island — the Wellspring of Avandra. It was as if the very earth gifted riches and precious gems, as gold ore surfaced across a sprawling field spanning over a mile wide. Whispers of this newfound wealth spread across the lands like wildfire. Wessel, an island republic bursting with potential, garnered global attention, leading to the ascent of powerful trading companies, notably those from the Elemental Domains – the Agnikhandas Mercenaries from the Domain of Fire, Selikite Ministry from the Domain of Earth, Zhelezo Navy from the Domain of Water, and Shantivayu Minstrels from the Domain of Air. Collectively known as "the Domains," each surpassing Ogun in wealth and power, these entities now dominate Wessel's market.

This fervent competition ushered in the Age of Enlightenment, propelling Ogun into an era of innovation and progress. Cities became hubs of technological and arcane marvels, while education flourished, nurturing a generation eager to uncover secrets. Despite these wonders, Wessel grappled with harsh realities – a land corrupted by gold, where wealth breeds power and insatiable greed.

Wessel is ruled by the Quorum, a council comprising of four anonymous members comprising of nobles or powerful figures and a fifth public facing member called the President. Political positions, ranging from the President to local leaders known as Marquis, are essentially purchased through a system where candidates bid for victory, relying on personal donations to fund their campaigns. The winner is determined by the candidate who accumulates the most money, creating a tax-free society funded by these contributions. The Tribunal, an operatic institute of justice, stages elaborate shows targeting pirates for imprisonment in the infamous Bastille. Bounties placed by the Tribunal employ mercenary guilds like the Iron Company and bloodthirsty pirate hunters known as the Zhelezo. To maintain city security, imposing constructs called Sentinels roam the streets, accompanied by often-corrupt city guards known as Wardens.

Wessel's islands are incessantly assailed by unrelenting tempests, the notorious Aetherstorms. These tempests form a continuous wall of hurricane-like ferocity that sweeps relentlessly from east to west, leaving behind a swath of desolation in their relentless path. These tempests not only bring destruction but also unleash a mysterious and volatile energy known as Aether, saturating the Isles of Wessel with an otherworldly power. Creatures infused with this energy grow to colossal proportions, becoming Leviathans that continually grow larger as long as they live — the eldest reaching sizes comparable to entire islands.

Taming these tempests requires the magical Stormspire, a privilege often reserved for the wealthy. For those without protection, life becomes a turbulent dance of survival, leading to the rise of Drifters – people clinging to life on floating rafts amidst Wessel's unforgiving waters. The Drifters, a majority comprising of the native fish people, the Locathah, have formed countless secret floating cities free from Wessel - the most notable is Freeport a city built of hundreds of ship wrecks connected together to create a floating island. The stark wealth disparity propels many towards piracy, swearing allegiance to the formidable Maelstrom Alliance of Pirates.

The Shardbearer Houses, comprising Wessel's fifteen most influential families, distinguish themselves through their possession of Aetherblade, Aetherplate, or both – powerful magical artifacts that descend unpredictably from the tumultuous Aetherstorms. Exceptionally rare and exorbitantly priced, these items bestow unparalleled power and influence upon their owners. Each of these prestigious houses commands vast wealth and holds a monopoly over a specific industry, solidifying its economic dominion. The constant inter-house conflicts are marked by intense infighting as they vie for control over the wealth emanating from the Wellspring of Avandra.

Despite global peace, internal strife within the Church of the Silver Flame ignited the War of the Roses between Archera and Estium. The Rose Orders, six militant factions of the Church, each trained to battle different extraplanar threats. The Red Rose (The Dominion) fights fiends, the Blue Rose (The Inqusition) fights evil mages, the Green Rose (The Delian Order) fights evil fey, the Black Rose (The Champions Vigil) fights undead, the Grey Rose (The Huntsemen of Saint Perrault) fights lycans, and the White Rose (The White Wings) fights evil dragons. The schism stemmed from the Red Rose's use of blood magic, seen as necessary by some and heretical by others, leading to excommunication and war.

The Republic of Wessel

The Republic of Wessel is comprised of ten major allied city states and hundreds of smaller islands, and is ruled by a council of five representatives, called the Quorum. Four of these members are anonymous and carefully guarded, coming from noble houses or other powerful figures. The fifth member, called the President, is publicly known and acts as the public face of the Quorum. Membership is determined by the majority, and any ousted members are sworn to secrecy under penalty of death. Learning who is one of the secret members of the Quorum is politically advantageous as it allows for alliances, lobbying, and favorable business deals. It can also increase the chance of being voted into the Quorum with the opportunities for enrichment that it provides. The Tribunal, Wessel's institute of justice, conducts trials with the grandeur of operatic performances, transforming the courtroom into theater. The Tribunal's most popular show - to capture every pirate and throw them in the Bastille, a notoriously impenetrable prison reserved for pirates. The Tribunal places a tremendous bounty on pirates, often employing mercenary guilds such as the Iron Company or the bloodthirsty pirate hunters called the Zhelezo. For city security, the imposing constructs called Sentinels wander the streets accompanied by often corrupt city guards called Wardens.

In Wessel, Infirmaries are the backbone of community health, blending ancient practices with the latest in magitech. Within their walls, skilled healers and alchemists collaborate, using a mix of potions, alchemical methods, and advanced tools powered by Aether. Lifespark Conduits channel healing energy directly into patients, treating everything from broken bones to severe illnesses. However, this cutting-edge care comes at a steep price. Healthcare is incredibly expensive, making these centers a crucial lifeline in a land where economic struggles and pirate attacks are all too common. For many, the infirmaries are the only hope for recovery, though the cost often leaves them in dire straits.

The people of Wessel take a unique approach to religion. In seeking divine guidance, protection, or aid, individuals offer tithes to a specific god whose domain aligns with their present or anticipated challenges. These offerings take place in sacred buildings known as Reliquaries, housing a diverse array of effigies and statues representing nearly every god imaginable. This creates a transactional connection with the deities, allowing worshipers to offer tithes to specific gods like the Mourning Storm for a safe sea journey or the Grinning Sailor for good fortune in the gambling hall.

Despite their economic and political unity, each island maintains distinct cultures and laws, creating a mosaic of diversity within the overarching identity of Wessel. Wessel is a place where the wealthy rule, openly and without pretense. Shrewd traders and ruthless in business, Wesselians believe the end of a successful transaction is justified by any means, ethical or otherwise. The isles are plagued with tremendous Aetherstorms, horrific monsoons that sweep across the islands from east to west in a wall of destruction.

The Stormsea

The Stormsea, home to the Isles of Wessel, is infamous for its violent aetherstorms and treacherous waters. Sailors navigating these perilous waves must constantly be on guard against sudden squalls capable of tearing ships apart. Beneath its surface lies a complex and dangerous ecosystem.

The Karakala, wise merfolk, have adapted to the sea's chaos. They reside in underwater cities, where they act as neutral mediators between warring factions, preserving ancient lore, and pushing the boundaries of science. Their deep understanding of the ocean's rhythms makes them invaluable allies.

The Parshumak, also called Sahuagin or sea devils, worship the god Netherdeep and follow a brutal survival-of-the-fittest creed. They form ruthless war bands, raiding coastal villages and ships to capture slaves and expand their power. These sea devils often inhabit the Teeth, towering spires of stone and demonglass in the Storm Sea that can destroy ships. The most infamous area, Sharagon's Teeth, is perilous but promises unique marine encounters and hidden treasures.

The Moluu, also called the Locathah, are native fish-people who have endured enslavement by Wessel, the Zhelezo and the Sahuagin. Despite their suffering, they remain resilient, forming tight-knit communities and striving to reclaim their freedom and heritage.

Below the depths of the Stormsea lies the Underdeep, a vast network of oceanic caves interconnected by massive tunnels. This mysterious realm harbors a trove of bizarre flora and fauna, yet its extreme darkness and pressure pose formidable challenges to exploration. Aquanauts, equipped with specially designed hadal diving suits, bravely navigate this treacherous terrain. These suits withstand immense pressure and cold, enabling aquanauts to delve into deep trenches littered with ancient shipwrecks. These underwater graveyards not only preserve relics of lost vessels but potentially hold secrets of bygone societies and civilizations. Legends and occasional discoveries hint at a rich history submerged beneath the waves.

The Genasi Covenant

A covenant of elemental touched people stands as a testament to the intimate connection between the Ogun and the chaotic elemental domains. Founded after the cataclysmic Rift Events long ago, which tore the veil between the domains, the Genasi Covenant was formed, dividing into four orders to oversee the elemental rifts. The Fire Genasi guard the Everplume volcano in the city of Quito, the Earth Genasi guard the Bellows in the city of Toril, the Water Genasi guard the Calypso whirlpool in the city of Castilla, and the Air Genasi guard the Whipweed Gulf in the city of Zafir.

1. Castilla - Nestled partly in the shallows off the Gavid Archipelago, Castilla spans both the watery surface and the submerged depths. Its denizens perpetually engage with the sea, finding solace in its embrace, whether ankle-deep or fully immersed. During the Aetherstorms, the inhabitants seek refuge beneath the waves, navigating their lives intertwined with the ever-present waters. Constructed from white and green marble and illuminated by ethereal green lanterns, Castilla stands as a picturesque city, drawing tourists from across Ogun and generating considerable wealth. A significant maritime power, Castilla has brokered a lucrative pact with the Parsisha of Lys, the elemental domain of water accessed through the perpetual vortex, Calypso. Calypso, a colossal whirlpool at the heart of the Sunsea bay, exerts a relentless pull, devouring ships and casting an ominous shadow over seafarers. The water Genasi of Castilla, graced with elegance, observe this perpetual maelstrom that serves as a portal to Lys.

In Castilla, beauty is more than skin deep—it’s the foundation of power. The city’s government operates as a Calistocracy, where political influence is reserved for the most strikingly attractive individuals. At the heart of this system are the Pageant Mirrors, sentient artifacts that scrutinize and rank citizens based on their appearance. These mirrors are uncompromising arbiters of elegance, weighing the intricacy of a person’s attire, the brilliance of their colors, and the flawless clarity of their skin. Those deemed the most radiant rise to govern the city, their beauty a badge of authority and proof of divine favor.

The Zhelezo, hailing from the Elemental Domain of Water, are led by the resolute Tricrown, three Sea Princes who founded this formidable mercenary group. Known for their highly-trained enforcers specializing in eradicating pirates, the Zhelezo are relentless in their pursuit, often tracking their prey for months until justice is served. This group, renowned for their ferocity, embodies an unwavering commitment to the eradication of piracy, reflecting the Tricrown's resolve. As a royally chartered enterprise, they run the largest trading company in the world, flying the Tricrown symbol. The tricrown can be seen emblazoned on every Zhelezo flag and piece of property, even occasionally on the sails of their trade vessels. The tricrown is a radially symmetrical symbol featuring three crowns emblazoned around a thrice segmented centre. Each crown represents one of the three ruling figures of the City of Pearl, the three Sea Princes. Their fleet, consisting of Tidekeepers — large, armed vessels capable of traveling under the seas — is the most significant naval force in the world, operating with letters of marque that allow them to legally engage in piracy.

2. Zafir - Perched upon the Glassea, an expansive salt flat that mirrors the celestial dance of sun and stars, the City of Glass stands as a marvel. Its exquisite balconies extend daringly over immense cliffs, plunging two thousand feet to the tumultuous waters of the Whipweed Gulf below. In early Ches, the Whipweed in the gulf unleashes a captivating spectacle—a week-long event where millions of luminous seeds rise, crack open, and release feathery stems carried by the wind. Birds, bats, fish, and other creatures partake in this radiant ballet, spreading seeds across the North. Within this vibrant city, the Air Genasi once held a sacred duty—guardians of the Whipweed Gulf, a portal to the elemental plane of air. However recent economic ties with the Caliph of the Air Domain of Aluer transformed Zafir into a bustling airship port, surrounded by floating islands that dance around the Whipweed portal. The city now buzzes with life and commerce, fueled by the whimsical dance of air, sea, and sky. The clockwork technology of Aleur has greatly influenced the city, as now clockwork devices can be found on every street corner.

At the heart of Zafir lies a unique center of governance—the Silken Squall Debate Hall. This vibrant space serves as a forum for open discourse on philosophy, morality, and metaphysics. Citizens gather to passionately advocate for their viewpoints, engaging in lively debates that shape the very fabric of Zafir's society. Here, the air is thick with the exchange of ideas, as individuals articulate their visions for a better community. The hall operates on a democratic principle: if a proposed change garners the support of more than half the attendees, it is swiftly implemented. This participatory system fosters an atmosphere of shared responsibility and active citizenship, turning Silken Squall into not just a symbol of power but a living testament to the democratic spirit that fuels the City of Glass.

Zafir's culture deeply values age and wisdom. The older one is, the more respect and authority they command, translating into a greater weight in the deliberations of the hall. Elders are revered for their experience and knowledge, and their voices carry significant sway in shaping the direction of Zafir's society. Thus, while formal governance may not explicitly favor the elderly, the cultural reverence for age ensures that wisdom and experience play a crucial role in the decision-making process within the city.

The Shantivayu, or Tranquiline Winds, are more than just priests—they are the trading company of Zafir and the keepers of its devotion to the Caliph of Aelur. The minstrels glide across Wessel on sky sails, graceful flying vessels powered by brumstone, trading rare goods from Aelur's floating isles while filling the air with songs of reverence to the Caliph. Though they hold a letter of marque from the Quorum and their ships are well-armed, the Shantivayu rarely pursue pirates. Instead, they prefer to avoid conflict, believing it disrupts their sacred mission. If attacked, they offer their would-be foes an unusual choice: redemption as minstrels, spreading the Caliph’s blessings, or to be stripped of their weapons and left alone.

Kingdom of Estium

A kingdom known for its military might and dueling culture, stands as a bastion of unwavering resolve. Ruled by King Cornellius Cromwell and his ten children, Estians believe that a soldier's duty is the highest religious calling, Estians embrace the rigors of combat, with the War of the Roses against the Archeran Dominion holding an esteemed place in their cultural tapestry. The streets echo with the clash of blades as citizens frequent dueling schools and alehouses, engaging in dawn and dusk street challenges that symbolize their commitment to martial excellence

The nation's true might lies around the Sapphire Bay, a deep well of water encrusted with rings of dense coral and bordered by much of Estium's southern coast. The entire bay was rich with sea and plant life, enough to support a trio of influential trade cities: the Gal-Haldirian city of Skyhaven, the Keldiharian built city of Volantis, and ancient capital of Anderlaste.

The city would serve as both a trade hub and a governing body for the kingdom, and it is second in size and population only to the great city of Mystara. The lake Franto, rich with minerals flows down from the cliffs and into the sapphire bay, an inlet so deep and blue that some believe it to have no bottom. An abundance of life swirls about in these waters, enriching the coast and the people who live along it.

The Scoia'tael, a rebel group of non-human guerilla fighters, predominantly elves but also including halflings and dwarves, navigate the Ironwood Forest. Dubbed "Squirrels," they add squirrel tails to their attire. Their rebellion targets the Kingdom of Estium for mistreating non-humans, particularly the Ironwood Elves who suffered from a rapacious takeover of their once-thriving land.

Common Races: Human, Elf, Half-Elf, gnome, halfling, goblin, Dwarf, tiefling, half orc, every other race

The Holy Kingdom of Archera

Archera, a nation born from the survivors of the divine conflict of Elysium and the Crimson War, grapples with a landscape marred by the echoes of the fiendish invasion through the Hellmouth.

Governed by the monotheistic Church of the Silver Flame, Archera's faith revolves around the belief that anyone, from commoner to noble, can worship the Silver Flame and be reincarnated in its light. The church enforces a strict caste system determined by the number of times one has been reincarnated; the ones who have not been reincarnated are known as Pilgrims, while the one reincarnated the most is honored as the "Pontifex" or "Pure Soul," appointed as the Keeper of the Flame. Stationed in the capital, Flamekeep, the Keeper becomes the interpreter of the Silver Flame's will, guiding the faithful to seek out and destroy evil wherever it may lurk.

In the militant arm of the Church, known as the Rose Orders, a schism has formed. The Rose Orders each specialize in combating specific extraplanar evils. The Red Rose fights fiends, the Grey Rose battles lycans, the Black Rose contends with undead, the White Rose confronts dragons, the Green Rose combats Fey, and the Blue Rose opposes evil mages. A schism arose when the Order of the Red Rose introduced blood magic to combat evil, a practice supported by the Grey and Black Roses but vehemently opposed by the Blue, Green, and White Roses. The Pontifex of the Silver Flame sanctioned blood magic, leading to the excommunication of the opposing orders. This ignited the War of the Roses —a conflict between the Kingdom of Estium (with the White, Green, and Blue Roses) and the Kingdom of Archera (with the Red, Black, and Grey Roses).

Common Races: Tiefling, Human, Aasimar, any other race

Mystara

An island kingdom created by the god of their own creation, Zavan the god of inspiration. The thriving metropolis stands as a beacon of progress where art, science, trade, and innovation intertwine. The city's shimmering towers radiate a magical glow, reflecting the prosperity born from Zavan's creation. Its enchanted waters, purifying and fertile, sustain a populace often characterized by its haughtiness and wealth. Mystarans, sometimes pretentious, view themselves as divine beings, and in a way they are correct. Zavan embedded fragments of his divine essence within them, elevating their status. The Council of Mystara, guided by elected officials and Archmages oversees the city's affairs while the Godking commands the military. The Godking Jakub Kladivo is an immortal being chosen by Zavan himself to rule the city, an angel of the imprisoned god who walks the mortal realm, bringing miracles to the people of Mystara. The Whitechapel Church of Zavan, dubbed "Wallites" venerates the city's walls as sacred extensions of their god.

Underneath Mystara lies a lawless city called Undermoor. Ruled by anarchy, crime in Undercity runs rampant. What light reaches below is filtered through fumes leaking from tangles of corroded pipework and reflected from the stained glass of its industrial architecture. At the end of the Warforged rebellion of Mystara, the Warforged were exiled from the city, so they founded their own separate society underneath. Though it exists in perpetually smogged twilight, Undermoor thrives, with its people vibrant and its culture rich. Mystara's wealth has allowed Undermoor to develop a tandem, dark mirror to the city above. Many of the goods coming into Mystara find their way into Undermoor's black markets, and dangerous magical research is welcome in Undermoor. Unfettered development of volatile technologies and reckless industry has rendered whole swathes of Undermoor polluted and dangerous. Streams of toxic runoff stagnate in the city's lower reaches.

Common Races: Aasimar (Mystaran), Warforged Elf, Half- Elf, Human, Gnome, ratfolk, vedalken, Owlin, Giff, any other race.

Keske

The people who lived on the life giving banks of the river Rhoyne surrounded by a harsh desert climate. The capital of Keske, Turtle Bay, is a melting pot of all races and remains the most used trading port in the Rhoyne, serving as the major trading port between the Material Plane and the Feywild through the river's path to the Feyshore Forest. The majority of the population is dark-featured, with smooth olive skin and black hair, and tends to be short and lithe in build. They are fishermen and sailors, who practice a number of customs that differ from the cultures of other nations. The Keskish have a reputation for being hot-blooded and sexually open minded. Polyamory is not only accepted but embraced as the norm, transcending gender boundaries and fostering a rich tapestry of relationships.

At the heart of Turtle Bay, the renowned Houses of Pleasure beckon, famed for hosting some of the world's most skilled courtesans. Additionally, Keske proudly upholds the practice of equal primogeniture, ensuring that inheritance rights are bestowed upon the eldest child, regardless of gender. The people of Keske are also known for their spiritual connection to the life giving waters of the Rhoyne, with their children often learning how to swim before they learn to walk. This has led to Keske having the strongest navy in the world.

Turtle Bay comes alive during the annual Turtle Festival, attracting global participants with games, competitions, and turtle-themed activities. During Turtlefest, residents fervently assist little turtles on their journey to the river. Children run along the beach, adults dig tunnels, and priests don bright emerald-green suits, wielding tortoise-shell canes to enact a symbolic battle between the Mother of Rhoyne and the Crab King.

Common Races: Triton (Keskish), Human, Half Elf, Half Orc, Dwarf, Gnome, Orc, Goblin, Tiefling, Elf, Bugbear, Centaur, Eladrin, Fairy, Firbolg, any other race.

How Sponsors Work

At the start of the campaign, the party has the opportunity to select a Sponsor, be it a conglomeration, or wealthy benefactor. These central benefactors not only shape the characters' shared background and purpose but also contribute to the campaign's overarching themes.

Wealthy Benefactors

Conglomerations

The Lamplighters

"Shadows from the Light"

In the shadows that dance behind the glow of Wessel's grand casinos and arcane spires, there exists a covert fraternity known as the Lamplighters. Unlike typical thieves' guilds that prefer secrecy and subterfuge, the Lamplighters operate in plain sight, utilizing the very society they exploit to thrive. They are notorious smugglers, their fingers in every lucrative trade that skirts the edge of legality. Operating in the open yet shrouded in subtlety, they are seamlessly intertwined with the daily life of Wessel. Their legitimate fronts are establishments that specialize in selling Luminary Lanterns and other magical lighting magitek. In these seemingly innocuous stores the Lamplighters conduct their shadowy affairs, skillfully navigating detection from the law. Their influence thrives beneath the surface, manipulating the intricacies of politics, acquiring forbidden artifacts, and orchestrating covert transactions that leave no discernible trace. Masters at hiding in the open, most people remain oblivious to the true nature that lies underneath. With a presence in every city, the Lamplighters adeptly navigate the societal light, casting shadows where secrets are bartered and covert fortunes unfold.

The Maelstrom Alliance

"Liberty, Equality, Fraternity"

In the tumultuous Blackfangs, the Maelstrom Alliance, a coalition of pirates advocating for liberation, emerges to challenge the oppressive rulers of Wessel. Amid relentless Aetherstorms transforming the islands into inhospitable refuges, the Alliance defies the established order, instigating the Storm's Rebellion with pirate captains rumored to command Aetherstorms. Utilizing iconic pirate ships as symbols of both liberty and terror, they engage in internal conflicts, purges, and societal upheaval, echoing the intricate nature of revolutionary movements at sea.

The Zhelezo

"One Pirate Down, Until It's Done"

The Zhelezo, hailing from the Elemental Domain of Water, are led by the resolute Tricrown, three Sea Princes who founded this formidable mercenary group. Known for their highly-trained enforcers specializing in eradicating pirates, the Zhelezo are relentless in their pursuit, often tracking their prey for months until justice is served. This group, renowned for their ferocity, embodies an unwavering commitment to the eradication of piracy, reflecting the Tricrown's resolve. As a royally chartered enterprise, they run the largest trading company in the world, flying the Tricrown symbol. The tricrown can be seen emblazoned on every Zhelezo flag and piece of property, even occasionally on the sails of their trade vessels. The tricrown is a radially symmetrical symbol featuring three crowns emblazoned around a thrice segmented centre. Each crown represents one of the three ruling figures of the City of Pearl, the three Sea Princes. Their fleet, consisting of Tidekeepers — large, armed vessels capable of traveling under the seas — is the most significant naval force in the world, operating with letters of marque that allow them to legally engage in piracy.

Shardbearer Houses

"Family First"

The Shardbearer Houses, comprising Wessel's fifteen most influential families, distinguish themselves through their possession of Aetherblade, Aetherplate, or both – powerful magical artifacts that descend unpredictably from the tumultuous Aetherstorms. Exceptionally rare and exorbitantly priced, these items bestow unparalleled power and influence upon their owners. Each of these prestigious houses commands vast wealth and holds a monopoly over a specific industry, solidifying its economic dominion. The constant inter-house conflicts are marked by intense infighting as they vie for control over the wealth emanating from the Wellspring of Avandra.

Shardbearer Houses

• Maison Sivius - Communication and Media

• Maison LeFluer - Air Transportation

• Maison Charlemagne - Ground Transportation

• Maison Rochefort - Sea Transportation

• Maison Vanderlay - Weapons and Security

• Maison Fontaine - Arcane Education and Magitek Services

• Maison Dupont - Textiles and Fashion

• Maison Patfolio - Agriculture and Farming

• Maison Vintmire - Real Estate

• Maison Auvergne - Energy

• Maison Terravel - Healthcare and Medicine

• Maison Martel - Banking and Mining

• Maison Amoram - Tithes and Reliquaries

• Maison Beaumont - Restaurants

• Maison Blanchard - Trade

The Righteous Brand

"United in Strength"

Joining Estium's esteemed Righteous Brand is the highest honor for any Estian, and fighting in the War of the Roses is the greatest cause to fight. The Righteous Brand fights alongside the White Wings (Order of the White Rose), skilled in dragon combat; the Inquisition (Order of the Blue Rose), adept at fighting mages; and the Delian Order (Order of the Green Rose), experts in Fey confrontation. These orders have renounced themselves from the Church of the Silver Flame due to its adoption of blood magic in the fight against evil. Viewing this schism as an opportunity to dissolve longstanding tensions, the Kingdom of Estium strategically leverages this alliance to decisively address the historical discord with their counterparts and emerge victorious once and for all.

The kingdom directs a significant portion of its tax revenue into funding the Righteous Brand, and soldiers receive compensation commensurate with this investment. Those stationed on the perilous Blood Marsh, facing the brunt of danger, receive a remarkable monthly salary starting at an extraordinary 100 gold pieces—an unprecedented remuneration in the realm of warriors. This lavish pay reflects both the Kingdom's commitment to its military strength and the esteemed status of those who serve in the Righteous Brand.

The Archeran Dominion

"For the Glory of the Silver Flame!"

Joining the Archeran Dominion entails becoming a combatant for the Church of the Silver Flame in the ongoing War of the Roses. Upon enlistment, individuals have the option to dedicate themselves to the Silver Flame and become part of the Rose Orders or, alternatively, choose to forgo joining the church and instead become infantry for the Church. Among the three Rose Orders aligned with the church regarding the use of blood magic are the Dominion (Order of the Red Rose), specializing in combating Fiends; the Huntsmen of Saint Perrault (Order of the Grey Rose), specializing in combating Lycans; and the Champion's Vigil, specializing in fighting Undead. Each Order employs a unique blood magic technique known as the Blood Hunter.

The Inquisition (Order of the Blue Rose)

"For the People."

Originally created to combat evil mages through the Rose Orders, the Inquisition has evolved into the enforcers of ethical magic use, operating under the guidelines established in the Principia Magika by the Snowspire Academy. These guidelines, legally binding within any League nation, aim to ensure responsible and ethical magic practices in society. The Principia Magika includes strict regulations on use of Enchantment, Necromancy, and Evocation magic without consent and imposes stringent rules against tampering with time.

Headquartered in Volantis, known as Scantum Veritas, the Inquisition, particularly the members of the Order of the Blue Rose, often comprises individuals who have personally suffered from unjust magic use. Their mission is to prevent such harm from befalling others. Employing anti-magic strategies, wielding magical weapons, and utilizing magic sensors to detect nearby magical activities, the Inquisition has faced criticism for its perceived extreme methods. Despite this, the organization has been notably successful in enforcing magical ethics.

The Miva Institute of Arcana

"Pursue the Unknown"

The Miva Institute of Arcana stands as a beacon of knowledge and discovery in the realm of Arcana. As an esteemed institution of higher learning, it is dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the Aetherstorms that sweep across the skies. They provide accurate forecasts of these tempests and spread the information around Wessel. The institute employs daring individuals who venture into the heart of these tempests, braving the unpredictable forces of the Aetherstorms to collect invaluable data. These fearless data collectors play a crucial role in the institute's mission to understand the origins and mechanisms behind these magical phenomena. The Miva Institute of Arcana is at the forefront of magical research, driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to unlocking the secrets hidden within the chaotic storms that shape the world.

The Scoia'tel

"Uproot Tyranny"

A rebellious faction formed in response to the unjust treatment of non-human races by the kingdom of Estium, primarily consists of wood elves who once inhabited the now-destroyed city of Riverrun. Fleeing to the Ironwood, they adopted the name "Scoia'tel," derived from the elven word for squirrel, as a response to the derogatory term "Squirrels" used by Estium. The kingdom's oppressive policies, forcing different races into designated cities, led to escalating tensions. Estium's demand for Ironwood during the recent War of the Roses sparked conflict as the elves resisted excessive logging, resulting in heightened taxes and a brutal intervention by the White Wings. The conflict escalated further when Estium, seeking Ironwood for war machines, recklessly destroyed the elves' Ironwood homes. In retaliation, the displaced Scoia'tel vowed to fight back, employing guerilla tactics against their overwhelming adversary.

The Accord of Singorn

"Harmony in Nature"

The Accord of Signorn is a far-ranging group that opposes threats to the natural world and helps others survive the many perils of the wild. A ranger might hired to lead a caravan through a treacherous mountain pass. A druid might volunteer to help a small village prepare for a long brutal winter. Barbarians might hunt down wild monsters to keep their populations at check. They are not opposed to civilization or progress, but they strive to prevent civilization and wilderness from destroying one another. This balance of civilization vs nature is what binds the Feywild to the Material plane. The balance must be kept strong for the bindings will break

The Crimson War

The Age of Enlightenment

The Ogun Calender

The Ogun year consists of 360 days over the course of 12 months. Each month has 30 days, and weeks contain 10 days, each named after a constellation: Maskday (The Lover), Towerday (The Castle), Wineday (The Chalice), Thornsday, (The Rose), Fireday (The Dragon), Stoneday (The Mountain), Crownsday (The King), Feastday (The Cornucopia), Arrowday (The Archer), and Swordsday (The Warrior). Crownsday, Feastday, Arrowday, and Swordsday are considered the weekend for many people in Ogun. Established by the demigods of Elysium, this calendar, now in the year 1648 AR (After Rifts), is widely used by civilizations worldwide.

The Gods

Prime Gods Worshiped in Wessel

"The Starlit Visionary"

Not much is known of Llira, as she never took form - be it mortal or divine. The very select few who worship her have seen a field of stars as far as the eye can see, twinkling as she speaks to them as if she is the stars themselves. Her domain is that of the boundary between the planes, and the space of the universe. She acts as a conduit for all travel between the planes, and without her help planar travel of any kind would be impossible. Her dogma is that of liberty and removal of societal constraints.

"The Cloaked Serpent"

Yanou, once a yuan-ti bard/rogue and a celebrated member of the Crew of the Rising Sun, achieved godhood through rather unconventional means — by forcibly seizing the power of Tiamat with the infamous Godstealer Dagger. In contrast to his ascended peers, Yanou chose not to adopt the responsibilities of his predecessor but instead assumed the role of the patron deity of thieves, embodying principles of theft and greed. Upon ascending, he liberated the Chromatic dragons from Tiamat's dominion, granting them freedom. Yanou's followers consist of people who prioritize their own personal gain. He is the patron of thieves guilds and the open flow of commerce in a marketplace. Due to the illicit nature of his worship, devotees of Yanou often conduct their rituals in the shadows.

"The Steelclaw Lancer"

Kord is normally depicted as a human man, barrel chested and with massive muscles. In one hand he carries a huge silver lance crackling with red electricity, in the other a metal claw hand. He is worshiped by those who want victory in battle and those who want the strength to survive an obstacle. Fighters, bodyguards and bruisers of all kinds worship him in hopes of gaining some fraction of his divinity. He abhors the weak, as well as those who impose limits on their natural abilities. His followers all revel in tests of strength, and his blessings find those who prove themselves on the battlefield. He has sired the most demigod offspring out of all of the gods, many of them wander Ogun to this day.

"The Mourning Storm"

Talia, also known as The Bereaved, the Weeping Sky, and the Torrential Anguish, is the goddess of storms. A spectral visage, her eyes heavy with sorrow, and a cascade of disheveled grey hair that mirrors the tempests she commands, Talia's divine realm is one of perpetual lamentation. Her tears flow for a daughter lost to the deity Behemoth, Ulaa, the goddess of Music. This inconsolable grief has enshrouded her mind in madness, resulting in sporadic fits of destructive rage that manifest as tumultuous storms upon the surface of Ogun. Each tempest that surges upon Ogun resounds with the laments of a mother bereft of her child. Sailors, navigating the ever-restless seas, extend prayers to assuage the Mourning Storm, seeking mercy in their maritime pursuits. Beyond the billowing clouds and raging winds, a tragic saga unfolds —an immortal narrative of love lost and the tumultuous forces within a grieving goddess, orchestrating destinies for mortals beneath the watchful gaze of the heavens.

The Domains

The Domains are four astral bodies that exist in the same Material Plane, in a solar system called Realmspace. Iris is in the center of this solar system, heating the rest of the other domains. Ogun orbits closest to Iris, while Aelur and Lys orbit further away. Until recently, scholars thought the Domains to be Elemental Planes, but a planar explorer named Volo Bismark discovered the true nature of the Domains. Natural portals between these domains exist all around the surface of Ogun. Teleportation between Domains is possible, although quite dangerous.

Inner Planes

Demiplanes