Player's Guide to the World of Purath by Andy Manson

Overview

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 17:35:45 UTC

"Discovery. Loyalty. Service."
Arid deserts, oasis, and savannas. An academic power ruled by a theocratic monarch backed by wealth of gold, jewels, and salt.

Culture

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 17:37:04 UTC

Nhajran culture is characterized by the Aalya-Saulian Divide, and rival Sultanates loyal to the Qaliphate. Loyalty defines Nhajran ethics: elders and authorities deserve respect, and debts must be repaid. In return, those in power should be generous and kind to their servitors. Nhajran is rich in mineral wealth, so its nobility build great academies and fund expeditions to compete for renown and prestige.

Faith

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 18:06:49 UTC

Nhajran citizens value orderly gods, while their academics value those offering insight and knowledge. This has created a schism between the Saulian Clan, who follow the Sauleic Cult, and the Aalia Clan, who worship Aldaibaoth and Laumeya. Out in the deserts, dark cults dedicate themselves to the Anadai.

Government

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 18:12:32 UTC

Nhajra is ruled by the Qaliphate: a sacred monarch, known as a Qali, supported by a bureaucratic court of advisors. The Qali is of royal blood and rules by divine right. The Qaliphate offers opportunity for upward mobility, and provides stability to the nation. The strength of Nhajra reflects the strength of its Qali. However, it can be nepotistic, resistant to change, and dismissive of other cultures.

Persons of Interest

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 18:19:18 UTC

Eunas - Qali

Places of Interest

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 18:19:53 UTC

Shar-ith-Naan - Capital

Overview

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 18:23:06 UTC

"Industry. Individualism. Ambition."
Misty moors, highlands, and marshes. A colonial republic modeled on the Agyan Empire, powered by the discovery of steel.

Culture

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 18:24:50 UTC

Industry defines Marevi, and its population is full of individualists stoically insisting hard work yields great rewards. Discovery of steel led to a technological renaissance, and many Marevians believe their "progress" and "civilization" must be spread across the world. Marevians can be clannish and condescending of other cultures, but despite their ideals it is often neither the best nor brightest that rise to the top of their society.

Faith

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 18:30:46 UTC

The Sauleic Cult is the official state-sponsored religion, and worship of Saule's enemies is heretical. However in the wilds, Qol and Yhqol tribes are said to worship Morrihain and Baalulf, while the most savage and vile honor Anadai and pagan deities.

Persons of Interest

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 18:39:56 UTC

Salvius Aurelio VIII - Chancellor

Government

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 18:41:28 UTC

The Marevi Republic is the political power of the region and successor to the Agyan Empire. Government consists of a Senate elected by Freeholds, a Chancellor anointed by the senate, and an Ecclesial Court to evaluate prospective laws against the Godhand Edicts. With a strong chancellor and senate the Empire is reactive, with unmatched central power and foreign policy. Otherwise, it tends to overvalue nobility at the expense of the poor.

Overview

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 18:49:26 UTC

"Trade. Harmony. Tradition."'
Majestic forests, steppes, and tundras. A trade dynasty controlled by military generals propping up a puppet emperor.

Culture

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 18:56:49 UTC

Trade is the heart of shaiandean culture, and many civilians are either merchants or craftsmen. Group harmonics are idealized: good citizens attends to the needs of others first and keep their own problems quiet unless asked. Shaiandeans value tradition and are loathe to change them, even when those traditions protect its draconian caste system, which provides little opportunity for societal advancement.

Faith

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 19:07:35 UTC

Elkmene and Sauleon are popular with the masses, however those with power or ambition often prefer Demyr, or may even worship Laumeya and Aldaibaoth in secret. Followers of Baalulf, Sauleme, and Eztul are often persecuted as being dangerous upstarts.

Government

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 19:13:21 UTC

Shaiande pretends to be a constitutional monarchy, but the military is the real political power. Shaiande is ruled by a dynastic male Emperor who curries the favor of his generals. The current Shen Dynasty possesses strong military and trade, but is marred by oppression, lack of representation, and poor human rights.

Persons of Interest

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 19:29:45 UTC

Rian Shen - Emperor

Places of Interest

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 19:30:03 UTC

- Capital

Places of Interest

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 19:30:29 UTC

Orethir - Capital

Overview

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 19:32:45 UTC

"Agriculture. Duty. Sacrifice."
Rainforests, floodplains, and semiarid deserts. Rich farmlands are controlled by tribes loyal to one of three great houses.

Culture

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 19:39:00 UTC

Tlaca'luumians believe they are responsible not only to each other, but for the land and all living things. They pride themselves on subsistence lifestyle, taking only what is needed and replenishing what they can. They see no reason to stockpile or hoard resources. Some tribes still practice blood sacrifice, believing life must be given for the land to return life. The people live in poverty by the standards of other nations, yet almost always have shelter over their head and rarely ever starve.

Faith

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 19:53:49 UTC

Eztul and Morrihain are traditional, but the Sauleic Cult is gaining popularity through missionary work. Some outland tribes still insist on traditional spiritualism or AQXVKH worship. Isolationists and extremists are drawn to Baalulf and the bad Anadai.

Government

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 19:58:40 UTC

Government consisted of local tribes, most of which are loyal to the Great Wasis: three allied city states governed by royal families and their priest-sage advisors. Wasi Yahuitl regulates commerce, Wasi Tecpatl levies armies, and Wasi Sitlalin divines prophecy from the stars. The Great Wasis are trade powerhouses, and localized needs tend to be well met, but the lack of central authority leaves them disorganized and prone to infighting in a crisis.

Persons of Interest

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 20:10:53 UTC

Iuctli - Yahuitl Priest King
Mictlapoca - Sitlalin Priest King
Oquichotl - Tecpatl Priest King

Places of Interest

andydm4684 — 2022-02-07 20:11:01 UTC

Wasi Sitlalin ]
Wasi Tecpatl |- The Great Wasis
Wasi Yahuitl ]

Overview

andydm4684 — 2022-04-03 16:04:22 UTC

The Anadai (Children of Breath), or Daemons, were the first beings of the Cosmic Dream. Their mere presence shapes reality to the abstract extremes they embody.

Overview

andydm4684 — 2022-06-18 21:38:01 UTC

"Warfare. Purity. Dominion."
A cursed wasteland of fissures, caverns, and magma rivers surrounding a sacred volcano. A fanatical magocracy of diabolists.

Culture

andydm4684 — 2022-06-18 21:38:11 UTC

War sustains Pyyre, as captured slaves fuel blood magic used to preserve their genetic hierarchy, as well as spread the influence of Aghrdayak and the Ash Curse. Pureblood pyyreans reign, but the race degenerates with each new generation, born cooler, smaller, and weaker than the last. The arrival of Crossbreeds revitalized the dying race with cheap labor and disposable troops. Other races exist only as slaves, or chattel for experimentation. Pyyreans need not eat, and only farm or hunt to maintain slave populations. Art is practically non-existent. All efforts are directed towards advancing Pyyre's military or arcane power.

Faith

andydm4684 — 2022-06-18 21:38:18 UTC

The Pyyrean faith is labelled heresy by the Sauleic Cult for its veneration of Aldaibaioth, Baalulf, and Laumeya. Yet Pyyreans claim they are the only true adherents of Saule, who they idolize foremost as a conqueror. Power, no matter the source, is considered righteous if it secures victory, and the three Great Antagonists are who Pyyre perceives as the most powerful.

Government

andydm4684 — 2022-06-18 21:38:26 UTC

Pyyre is a magocracy: Pureblood pyyreans with magical aptitude compete to rule. All spellcasters belong to the priestly Sarbragni, or the Raktavm occultists. Sarbragni study fire and death, overseeing sacrifices and ceremonies, as well as managing all matters of state. Raktavm learn the power of blood and shadow, supplying Pyyre with crossbred monsters and bound fiends. While they do not dabble openly in politics, they are the true masters of Pyyre. Should one masters all four disciplines they become a Molek, a master of sacrifices, and the authority to which all others defer. Few, if any, dare challenge a Molek's authority.

Persons of Interest

andydm4684 — 2022-06-18 21:38:37 UTC

Khasmodeus - Molek
Ingbal - Raktavm Archmage

Places of Interest

andydm4684 — 2022-06-18 21:38:54 UTC

Aghrdayak - The Smouldercore
Bhaubhgya - Capital

Overview

andydm4684 — 2022-06-19 03:51:21 UTC

The Agnidai (Children of Flame), or gods, are ancient beings empowered by the First Flame. The first god Saule created Purath and banished the Anadai from it.

Sauleon

andydm4684 — 2022-06-19 03:54:31 UTC

The firstborn of Saule, and prince of Arz Ravi. Sauleon is the god of justice, chivalry, and martyrdom. He is considered the sun incarnate and the foe of all evil.

Elkmene

andydm4684 — 2022-06-19 04:00:28 UTC

The second wife of Saule and queen of Arz Ravi, a being of painful beauty who found godhood through enlightenment. She is the goddess of mercy, absolution, and benevolence. Elkmene holds all living things have a right to life, and that no sentient creature is beyond redemption.

Sauleme

andydm4684 — 2022-06-19 04:02:52 UTC

The second born of Saule, half-sister of Sauleon, and princess of Arz Ravi. Sauleme is the goddess of freedom, protection, and righteousness. She is considered the moon incarnate, opposing Laumeya and all forms of tyranny.

Demyr

andydm4684 — 2022-06-19 04:06:05 UTC

The spirit of the first forge and loyal advisor to Saule. He is the god of industry, lawfulness, and honorable conduct in war. Demyr is currently entrusted as regent of Saule's throne in Arz Ravi.

Morrihain

andydm4684 — 2022-06-19 04:07:52 UTC

Morrihain is the goddess of natural order, of earth and sky and stars. She rises each morning a young girl, grows into a nubile woman by midday, and ages into a hairy crone by sunset. She is the eternal foe of Aldaibaoth and the undead.

Saule

andydm4684 — 2022-06-19 04:09:13 UTC

Saule is the first god, the first great king, and the undisputed master of fire. He is the god of conquest, glory, and civilization. Saule has presently abdicated his throne, and no longer answers the prayers of his faithful.

Eztul

andydm4684 — 2022-06-19 04:11:35 UTC

Eztul was a Tlacalu'umian warrior elevated by Morrihain to godhood for his deeds. He is a mischievous god of blood and rain, bringing fertility to the earth and testing the wisdom of the other gods.

Laumeya

andydm4684 — 2022-06-19 04:14:47 UTC

Laumeya is the many-headed serpent god of treachery, tyranny, slavery and domination. They birthed Sauleme to steal the throne of Arz Ravi, and were banished. Laumeya is obsessed with hierarchy and contracts.

Aldaibaoth

andydm4684 — 2022-06-19 04:28:02 UTC

Aldaibaoth is a small fragment of Khryz Hecat that escaped the Black Sigil and stole the secrets of death. He is the god of corruption, forbidden knowledge, black magic and undeath.

Baalulf

andydm4684 — 2022-06-19 04:34:39 UTC

Baalulf is the monster she-wolf, the first wife of Saule, and the goddess of passion, destruction, and revenge. When she refused to give up the old ways of conquest Saule left her crippled and chained in the underworld, where she still dreams of revenge. Natural disasters and massacres are blamed on her stirrings.

AQXAVM

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 16:58:16 UTC

Lord of Proliferation

CYKPHOS

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 16:59:32 UTC

Lord of Midway

DXCVMYS

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 17:00:30 UTC

Lord of Desolation

KHTOYOTHK

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 17:01:06 UTC

Lord of Patterns

KHYRZ HECAT

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 17:02:12 UTC

Lord of Strife

OQPAKN

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 17:03:40 UTC

Lord of Senescence

XVMUA

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 17:04:07 UTC

Lord of Configuration

Overview

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 19:18:53 UTC

The Age of Water and Wind. The Anadai breach Nihility from beyond space and time, creating a conflux of energies that will one day birth the Agnidai gods.

Overview

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 19:19:20 UTC

The Age of Earth and Wood. The First Flame births the Agnidai. Saule, the first god, banishes the Anadai. A kingdom of immortals is founded: the Agyptosim Empire.

Overview

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 19:19:38 UTC

The Age of Metal and Fire. The Agyptosim propagate Mortalkin, then vanish after attempting to usurp the gods. New kingdoms emerge from the aftermath.

Overview

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 19:57:50 UTC

The Age of Blood and Ash. Saule did not return, and the gods are silent. Pyrre has risen to power by unleashing the Ash Curse, as the world suffers crises after crises.

The Time Before Time

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 21:20:24 UTC

In the time before there was only Nihility, the infinite waters of the Cosmic Dream. Unformed and unchanging, its emptiness waited to be filled.

A Breath Enters Nihility

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 21:21:58 UTC

From beyond reality a breath entered Nihility, the first wind, and that wind bore KHTOYOTHK, first of the Anadai, who set about her function: to establish order where there was none.

The Two Reflections

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 21:28:22 UTC

KHTOYOTHK peered into the waters of Nihility, and saw her two reflections: AQXAVM and XVMUA. Together they were the AQXVKH, a trinity of creative energies.

The First Disparity

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 21:32:13 UTC

The AQXVKH create light to fill Nihility, but the light casted shadows, their opposing selves: the destroyers OQPAKN, KHYRZ HECAT, DXCVMYS, and also CYKPHOS who wandered between them. This was the first disparity: Light and Dark.

Reign of the Anadai

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 21:35:48 UTC

The Anadai were the masters of Nihility, creating and destroying on whims. From the waters they churned clay to mold and shape. Their opposing natures kept the cosmos in a state of paradox: orderly yet chaotic, full and empty, existing yet not existing at all.

The First Flame

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 21:45:57 UTC

The conflicting natures of the Anadai created the First Flame. Fire reflected the sum total of their natures: to grow or wither, to create or destroy, to be sacred or profane. This was the second disparity: Heat and Cold.

Birth of the Agnidai

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 21:50:45 UTC

From the cold crawled half-formed ideas, abandoned by their Anadai creators who'd hidden in the small places of the Cosmic Dream. Drawn to the First Flame, they found the most precious treasure within it: a soul. Who claims a soul claims an identity, and will to shape the Cosmic Dream. These beings were the first Agnidai gods, and the first among them was called Saule. Saule looked upon the worlds of the Anadai with his newfound imagination, and was dissatisfied. He dreamed of a new world, of a kingdom where he would reign eternal, and so with a cry declared war on the Andai...

The Heart of DXCVMYS

andydm4684 — 2022-06-21 21:51:08 UTC

DXCVMYS was first to answer the call to war, and came to unmake what the First Flame spawned, but Saule, enraged at the thought of loosing what he had, defied desolation by his sheer will to exist. DXCVMYS could not undo the newborn god, and the two became locked in struggle. With bare hands, Saule tore the heart of DXCVMYS from her breast and cast it into the First Flame as the archdaemon fled. The heart was transformed, reborn a monster wolfess of fire and rage, named Baalulf. This was the third disparity: Order and Chaos.

Saule and Baalulf

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:05:36 UTC

Disgusted by the sight of each other Saule and Baalulf warred for eternities, but war made them recognize the other's passion, and they made love for eternities more. So it was that Saule took Baaluf as his first bride: his loyal companion and ultimate weapon in the war against the Anadai.

The First Forge

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:07:58 UTC

Saule understood he could not defeat the Anadai with only his hands. He reached into the waters of the Cosmic Dream and formed a great oven from its clay. Baaluf breathed her fire into it, creating the first forge, and when it was lit a spirit of iron sprang up from the ashes. The spirit called himself Demyr, and pledged his service to Saule. Demyr showed Saule the secrets of the forge, and together they forged mighty armaments.

The Serpent's Bargain

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:10:54 UTC

Saule desired a battlefield for his war against the Anadai, and a many-headed serpent named Laumeya rose up from the darkness. Laumeya too had been touched by the First Flame, and promised to share the secrets of the earth with Saule, if Saule accepted a debt in return. Saule agreed and was led above the water to a field of pure, dried earth, which Saule named Purath.

The Guardian of the Earth

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:12:28 UTC

When Saule and his entourage touched their feet upon the dry earth a guardian appeared to defend it. She was Morrihain, an Agnidai armed with lightning and armored in feathers. The two forged an understanding: Saule would use Purath as his battlefield, but when the war was over Morrihain would have a place in Saule's new kingdom as the steward of the natural order.

Saule Ennobles His Armies

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:14:16 UTC

Saule needed an army to face the Anadai, so Morrihain introduced Saule to the lesser denizens of earth. Saule chose the best among them to serve in his armies, but his favorites were the Agyptosim, the future progenitors of the mortal races, and when the gods shared fragments of their soul with them they became tall, powerful, beautiful, and immortal.

Battle of the Black Sigil

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:16:21 UTC

Saule lured the Anadai to Purath, the battle beyond comprehension, for the Anadai embodied the cosmos, eternal and indestructible. They could not lose. Yet Saule's forces fought with such fervor that the Anadai, for just a moment, doubted themselves, and in that moment the gods gained power over them. They tore open a portal above the earth, the Black Sigil, banishing the Anadai and separating Purath from Nihility. The sigil was then drawn in quarters, becoming the two suns and two moon of the new world.

The Bird of Khyrz Hecat

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:19:57 UTC

Though the Anadai had been banished beyond the Black Sigil, a small fragment of Khyrz Hecat broke free. That fragment was Aldaibaoth, A winged being of evil. While the gods celebrated their triumph, Aldaibaoth descended upon the battlefield and stole the souls of the first Agyptosim to fall in battle, learning the secrets of death. This was the final disparity: the separation of Life and Death.

The Agyptosim Empire

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:24:35 UTC

On the sight of his victory Saule founded Arz Ravi, a heaven on earth to be enjoyed by him and his divine allies. The Agyptosim built their own capital, Arz Maanav, and went forth to conquer Purath in Saule's name, establishing the Agyptosim Empire.

Maiden of the Moon

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:35:23 UTC

A stranger came to Arz Ravi from the east, following the path of the rising moon. She was Elkmene, and Saule was captivated by her beauty. Elkmene became Saule's favorite advisor, and through her wisdom and patience, Saule began to tire of conquest, imagining a new future for his kingdom.

The World-Eater

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:37:47 UTC

Baalulf refused to abandon the old ways of conquest. Her bloodthirst was too great, and when Saule denied her Baalulf rampaged across Arz Ravi, and threatened to consume all of Purath.

Saule Chains Baalulf in Hell

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:39:41 UTC

Saule rallied the other gods to fight Baalulf, and with heavy hearts they smote their old companion. Yet even if Saule had the heart to kill his wife, Baalulf's rage was so great that all her wounds would close. With no other option, Saule beheaded Baalulf, pinned her jaws closed with a sword, and chained her body to a mountain in the underworld. Baalulf remains imprisoned there. Because of the sword she cannot eat, and so she is always hungry. Neither can she vomit the molten metal that bloats her innards, and so she is always in pain.

Saule Spurns Laumeya

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:42:30 UTC

With Baalulf imprisoned, Laumeya approached Saule to honor the oath he had made long ago. For their services Laumeya demanded only on thing: marriage. Yet Saule's heart already belonged to another. Saule refused Laumeya's request and took Elkmene for his second wife. For this slight, the serpent nursed a foul grudge.

The Birth of Sauleon

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:44:00 UTC

Shortly after the wedding, Elkmene bore an heir. The child was named Sauleon, the firstborn son of Saule. Though a true immortal, Sauleon's was born with the knowledge of pain and death, and so Saule grew into a just and kind-hearted prince. Under the tutelage of Demyr, Sauleon would one day inherit his fathers throne.

Laumeya's Scheme

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:46:00 UTC

Desiring revenge for how Saule had spurned them, Laumeya consorted with Aldaibaoth to form a plot. Under the cover of night, Aldaibaoth sent great demon ravens to abduct Elkmene while Laumeya used their magic to steal her form. The ravens took Elkmene far away to a prison atop the highest mountain peak. Disguised as Elkmene, Laumeya attended a grand banquet, seducing Saule to mate with them.

The Birth of Sauleme

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:47:24 UTC

When Saule unknowingly bedded Laumeya, a second child was born. At the moment of conception the child emerged fully grown, a woman, with skin like night sky, and hair like starlight, having cut herself free of Laumeya's belly with a sword made from their rib. With her first act the newborn disowned her progenitor and revealed their treachery, and Laumeya fled Arz Ravi in shame. With her second act the newborn declared herself Sauleme, the one true daughter of Saule.

The Maze of Stars

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:50:44 UTC

Angered by her impudence, Saule cast Sauleme into a maze in the stars. Yet true to her claim Sauleme was divine, and the stars took her for one of their own. Sauleme easily escaped the maze by walking through its walls, returning to the banquet. Impressed, Saule grudgingly accepted her as his second heir.

The Gods Rescue Elkmene

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:52:04 UTC

Saule rallied his pantheon to rescue Elkmene. They found her in her prison, calm and at peace, for when the demon ravens of Aldaibaoth ate her eyes and tongue they were instantly overcome by guilt for having tarnished such beauty, and became redeemed. In the cell atop the mountain Elkmene had reached enlightenment, becoming the only being to attain godhood without aid of the First Flame.

Aghrdayak Erupts

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:53:41 UTC

Cataclysm befalls the world when Aghrdayak suddenly erupts into a storm of unnatural death. Tens-of-thousands die in a single day, as much of the continental heartland is reduced to an uninhabitable waste called the Ashen Vale. Both Marevi and Nhajra suffer greatly from the sudden loss of lives, farmland, and revenue.

Children of the Agyptosim

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:54:26 UTC

The Agyptosim took consorts from among the tribes they conquered. Children born of these unions inherited small fragments of the First Flame, ennobled as the Agyptosim had been by Saule before them. Unlike their immortal progenitors, these offspring were frail creatures who lived only for short times. Over the centuries, these descendants became the Mortalkin races, submissive vassals of the Agyptosim Empire.

The Agyptosim Fall

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:55:30 UTC

When the Raviyarvaza was complete, the Agyptosim kings demanded Sibylla Ava tell them how to activate it, but only then did she reveal the tower had not been meant for them, and that its activation would spell their doom. Ignoring her warnings, the Agyptosim burned the seeress at the stake for her treachery where, before perishing, she foretold her final prophecy: The Pattern of Fire. The Agyptosim successfully activated the tower, but whatever followed after is unclear. All that is certain is that both they, and their tower, vanished from the face of Purath. In the aftermath, the gods once again partitioned the world, divorcing the spiritual world from the physical one, that none might ever intrude upon Arz Ravi again.

Mortalkin Kingdoms

andydm4684 — 2022-06-22 00:55:56 UTC

While the Marevi Empire took control of the wintry lands in the north, the warring states of the continental heartland united into the dynastic kingdom of Shaiande. Far to the west, nomads gathered at the site of a fallen star, and built the desert kingdom of Nhajra, while across the sea the tribes of Tlaca'luum thrived under the leadership of three Great Wasis. Over centuries these kingdoms would thrive, compete, and come into conflict with one another over resources and dominion.

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andydm4684 — 2022-06-23 14:22:49 UTC

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andydm4684 — 2022-06-23 15:21:48 UTC

The Godhand

andydm4684 — 2022-06-23 15:26:57 UTC

When the Agyptosim Empire fell, Saule became troubled by what had transpired at the Raviyarvaza, and abdicated his throne to seek answers in places unknown. In his absence, Saule's remaining allies became The Godhand, a pentad of gods meant to enforce his will on earth. Together they entrusted Demyr to act as steward, until Sauleon was deemed worthy of the title of prince-regent. The Godhand watched from afar as the orphaned Mortalkin emerged from the wreckage of the Agyptosim Empire, and began to rebuild. Admiring their resilience and spirit, the Godhand revealed themselves, accepting mortals as their new disciples, vowing to cherish and protect them.

The Tower of Raviyarvaza

andydm4684 — 2022-06-23 15:29:07 UTC

After conquering the known world the Agyptosim quickly became arrogant and unruly, malcontented by their subservience to Saule and the gods. When a mortal priestess named Sibylla Ava came to their kings, espousing a great heresy by which the very gods could be overthrown, their hearts swelled with ambition. Following the seeress' instructions, they erected Raviyarvaza, a divine tower with which they could usurp heaven.

Battle for the Raviyarvaza

andydm4684 — 2022-06-23 17:12:27 UTC

When the gods saw the rebellious intentions of the Agyptosim they were enraged, and descended upon the world to destroy the Raviyarbaza, and punish their wayward sons and daughters. Though the Agyptosim were not nearly as powerful as a god, they had become numerous and battle-hardened by their conquest of the world. Providing fierce resistance, they successfully held the line until the tower's completion. The corpses of these Agyptosim who fell in battle remain to this day.

The Leonayama

andydm4684 — 2022-06-23 20:09:05 UTC

To prepare for his role as prince-regent, Sauleon self-imposed a journey in exile from Arz Ravi, an act known as the Leonayama. During this time Sauleon battled powerful evils, and accomplished many great deeds. Under his guidance mortals established the Sauleic Cult, a religion adherent to The Godhand Edicts: holy laws that, if followed, grant righteous dead admission to Arz Ravi. Though the faith altered as it spread from land to land, there was no part of Purath that was unaffected by its presence. The time of the Leonayama ended with Sauleon reforming the barbarian Marqol tribe into the virtuous Marevi Empire, before reascending at last to his home of Arz Ravi.

Overview

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 00:01:04 UTC

The year is 1107 AA, in the final days of autumn. The fate of Purath is uncertain, when heroes emerge, ignorant of the roles they were to play in the Cosmic Dream...

The Beastfolk Emerge

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 00:34:13 UTC

Birds and beasts begin to take humanoid forms. These beastfolk, called Mazako'uya, are well received by the peoples of Tlaca'luum, and form Wasi Yahuitl.

Rise of the Nanzhatli

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 01:41:37 UTC

Demonic ogres from Shaiande fly across the sea to make contact with disenfranchised Mazako'uya in Tlaca'luum. They form infernal cults, breeding demon-beastfolk daughters called Nanzhatli.

Wasi Yahuitl Fractures

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 01:43:04 UTC

A power struggle occurs among the Mazako'uya dissatisfied with the feathered races' rulership of Wasi Yahuitl. The furred races form Wasi Sitlalin and the scaled races form Wasi Yahuitl.

A Grudgeful "Nation"

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 01:57:59 UTC

A large orc warband establishes a fortified enclave, the Krovghaz, on a key mountain pass bordering Nhajra and Shaiande, raiding nearby settlements for slaves.

Smokeless Flame

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:09:06 UTC

Nhajran scholars discover an ancient buried temple containing a being of intangible fire. When a scholar questions the creature, the largest oasis in Nhajra magically disappears overnight. Soon Smokeless Flame becomes a subject of superstition and fear.

The Foreign General

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:14:09 UTC

A Shiandean family adopts a child of uncertain birth. The child, Hijiang, ages into a mighty warrior, climbing the ranks of the Shiandean military with his martial prowess and tactical genius.

Man of the People

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:16:11 UTC

General Hijiang repels a Marevi incursion into Shaiandean territory, becoming a famous war hero. Despite being a foreigner, he proves popular with the masses.

The Frankincense Trees

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:18:46 UTC

Nhajrans discover gum trees that can be harvested for valuable Frankincense. Unfortunately, the trees are natural habitats for aggressive winged serpents called Igwnku. Nhajrans struggle to control Igwnku populations.

Secrets of Frankincense

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:19:47 UTC

Scholars of the Aalya Clan secretly learn Frankincense wards off the Smokeless Flame. Aalya sultans aggressively buyout gum tree groves to control of the market, advertising frankincense as a spiritual cure-all.

The Road War

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:21:14 UTC

Shaiande invades Nhajra with the stated purpose of freeing citizens captured by the Krovghaz and sold to the Aalya Clan as slaves. However the contested territory also features numerous critical trade routes.

The Young Qali

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:22:20 UTC

Qali Bakhtiar dies and foul play is suspected but never proven. His only daughter inherits the throne, becoming Qali Eunas at age 18.

The Great Qali Eunas

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:25:56 UTC

Qali Eunas proves a popular and competent leader, keeping the Aalya Clan and Saulia Clan united in a strong military campaign against Shaiande. She earns the respect of the Qaliphate, and adoration of the general public.

The Qali Disappears

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:31:37 UTC

While touring amongst her subjects Qali Eunas vanishes without a trace. Without central leadership the war against Shaiande turns disastrous. Nhajra surrenders, looses control of the trade routes, and are forced to play large reparations.

The Aalya-Saulia War

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:34:21 UTC

Without a Qali, the Aalya Clan and Saulia Clan both make claims to the Qaliphate, resulting in civil war.

The Giant Spider Attack

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:35:37 UTC

Wasi Tecpatl is suddenly attacked by giants spiders, killing the royal family and triggering a war of succession that leads to the death of many Tecpatl advisors.

Strange Abductions

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:36:14 UTC

All across Purath, individuals vanish in the night without trace. Rumor spreads of boogeymen with manes of writhing hands, and strange shrines built by them.

Domestic Hamsters

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:36:56 UTC

Tlaca'luum farmers successfully domesticate hamsters as livestock. Hamsters enter trade markets as meat, fur, and exotic pets.

Shaiande Taxes Trade

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:37:58 UTC

Having secured all major inland trade routes within their borders, Shaiande levies heavy taxes on all trade, especially on foreign goods.

Invasive Species

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:40:42 UTC

Hamsters from Tlaca'luum infested with giant spider eggs are released on a Shaiandean trade route. Contact is soon lost with rural Shaiandean villages...

The Marevi Wine Trade

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:41:47 UTC

Marevi develops a thriving wine industry. To avoid Shaiandean taxation, Marevi invests in ships and costal ports, becoming a naval trading power.

Whispers of Acconite

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:51:51 UTC

Trade carts travelling from Marevi to Shaiande are reported to suddenly steer off the roads and disappear into the woods, usually near the borders of Acconite. The drivers are always female.

The Qali's Return

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 02:56:31 UTC

Qali Eunas suddenly returns and reclaims her throne. She replaces her entire royal court without explanation, and places aggressive restrictions on Frankincense harvesting, causing severe financial harm to the Aalyah Clan. Rumor circulates a dismissed advisors saw the Qali with a lantern of Smokeless Flame.

The Shapeshifter Plot

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 03:06:58 UTC

A nobleman is poisoned and degenerates in front of the Senate, revealing the existence of a shapeshifter cabal. Investigation uncovers shapeshifters have been systematically killing and replacing Marevi nobles, plotting to replace key senators with their agents. Paranoia causes civil unrest and a slew of arrests on flimsy evidence.

Elkmene's Blossom

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 03:11:50 UTC

Nhajran priests of Elkmene uncover a divine artifact from the marriage of Elkmene and Saule: Elkmene's Blossom. The artifact is housed in a Saulia Clan temple, and pilgrims from all over come to admire the holy relic.

The Blossom Wars

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 03:15:08 UTC

The Marevi army is sent to recover Elkmene's Blossom from the Saulia Clan temple on behalf of the Sauleic Cult. When the temple refuses to relinquish the relic, a diplomatic incident escalates into a lengthy holy war between Marevi and Nhajra, culminating in a siege on the temple. After the battle, Elkmene's Blossom is nowhere to be found.

Wasi Tecpatl Reborn

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 03:16:47 UTC

After years of strife only one last living heir is left to the Tecpatl royal bloodline, Petlazoli, who is quickly crowned priest-king. Unfortunately, Petlazoli is old and senile, with no blood heir. In a highly unorthodox move Petlazoli adopts an ordinary peasant girl, Iuctli, to be raised as a prince.

Trials of Succession

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 03:22:43 UTC

Believing Iuctli to be an unworthy prince, the Tecpatl sages devise a series of difficult trials meant to test the child. To their suprise, Iuctli succeeds at all of them, and is crowned priest-king.

The Ash Curse

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 04:14:38 UTC

Those who survive the eruption of Aghrdayak, or who dare venture into the Ashen Vale contract a foul contagion called Ash Curse. Those afflicted by it die within a matter of weeks, while the rest begin to march, under strange compulsion, towards the heart of Pyyre.

The War of Cleansing

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 04:19:02 UTC

Pyyre launches a well-coordinated blitzkrieg, seizing large swaths of territory from Marevi and Nhajra in a matter months. Defending armies are unprepared for the Pyyrean army, and battles suffer high attrition due to the Ash Curse. Shaiande, removed from the threat of invasion, refuses to offer aid or reinforcements.

Rise of the Molek

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 04:20:26 UTC

Khasmodeus, a young Sarbragni, swiftly climbs the ranks of the Pyyrean magocracy, attracting the attention of Ingbal. After nearly being assassinated, he abandons the Sarbragni to join the Raktavm as Ingbal's apprentice. Mastering both disciplines, he is crowned as Molek: a master of sacrifices and supreme ruler of Pyyre. Challenges to his rule are quickly silenced.

A New Mage Order

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 04:24:15 UTC

A Pyyrean mage named Inbal arrives in Bhaubhgya, her origins shrouded in mystery, and convinces their leaders she can serve them, and grant them great power. She is permitted to form a new order of mages in the lowest caverns below Aghrdayak: the Raktavm. Her adepts soon begin experimenting with dark magics under her watchful eye. As the fledgling order grows in influence, paranoid Sarbragni begin to fear they may be usurped from power.

Colonists in Tlaca'luum

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 05:52:19 UTC

In dire need of resources, farmland, and a place to rid themselves of dissidents and criminals, Marevi establishes penal colonies in Tlaca'luum. Border skirmishes quickly erupt over territory disputes with natives.

The Rainland Wars

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 06:02:04 UTC

The Great Wasis ally to present a unified response against Marevi. Tlaca'luum mounts a full scale counter invasion of Marevi, but the campaign ends in total disaster. Troops sent to Marevi return afflicted by the Ash Curse. Marevi pushes deep into the Tlaca'luum, and the natives surrender to avoid total annihilation.

The Armistice of 1022 AA

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 06:06:50 UTC

Having won the Rainland Wars, Marevi forces Tlaca'luum to sign an armistice agreement as part of the provisional terms to their surrender. The armistice lets Tlaca'luum remain self governed, but the land is now a vassal state of the Marevi Empire and subject to taxation, military occupation, and further colonial development.

Turning the Tide of War

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 06:10:06 UTC

The tide of war shifts when an early-onset winter stalls the Pyyrean invasion, providing Marevi critical time to reorganize and resupply. Marevi begins to field Alwhite Plate, consecrated armor that protects the wearer from the Ash Curse, as well as deploying Bondsmen: experimental super soldiers connected to a psychic network called Mosaic. Bondsmen prove nearly unstoppable, thanks to their seamless coordination, enhanced reflexes, and most importantly, complete lack of fear. Sending reinforcements to Nhajra, the Pyyreans are driven back into their homeland.

Fate of the North Tribes

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 06:13:05 UTC

As the Marevi Empire expanded it subjugated the neighboring cannibal tribes of Qol and Yhqol. Though Marevi disproved of their practices, they had been kinsman once. So it was these tribes were made vassal states: independently governed, but tributary to the empire. However there was a fourth tribe, the Aqol tribe, who refused to submit. They were the most wicked and profane of the tribes. To deny themselves from the Empire they cursed their own lands in a foul ritual, transforming it into a dark overgrowth of aberrant life: the Fields of Acconite.

New Maanav (RENAME?)

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 13:36:10 UTC

Desiring a seat of religious power, the Sauleic Cult rebuilt the ruins of Arz Maanav into a sovereign city-state. This holy city, New Maanav, was recognized by Marevi, Nhajra, and Shaiande as a holy ground, and has become a center to maintain international relations.

Children of Aghrdayak

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 16:36:05 UTC

One final kingdom emerged, home to a people of living rock and flame. They made their home in the shadows of Aghrdayak, a sacred volcano, where others dared not tread: the desolate lands of Pyyre. Reclusive, and clannish, they sequestered themselves from the others races, never seen outside their territory, except to offer volcanic riches in exchange for rare and unusual artifacts.

Logistical Problems

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 18:25:37 UTC

Though driven back, a counter-push into Pyyre proves impossible. Hostile climate, deadly terrain, and lack of food cripple even well-prepared armies, while a dragon, Artakhshathra, patrols the skies. Mosaic proves unable to manage more than a single battalion of Bondsmen, limiting their numbers. Realizing Pyyre is constrained by its mountainous geography, the allied nations instead construct an impregnable fortress at the mouth of the southern mountain pass, bottlenecking Pyre from deploying large armies.

Ashes are Spreading

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 19:32:03 UTC

Storms have been spreading the curse of the Ashen Vale, in a phenomenon called the Ashening. No one knows how to stop it. Anxiety increases across Purath as valuable lands are rendered useless, and the Ash Curse spreads like wildfire.

Invading Pyyre

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 19:39:31 UTC

Despite Pyyre remaining contained, Qali Eunas has redoubled Nhajran military efforts in the region despite the warnings of Marevi strategists. The war has been going poorly.

Marevi Revolution

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 19:42:43 UTC

Marevi politicians have been gripped by paranoia and fear surrounding the Shapeshifter Plot for years, and have been neglecting the peasantry. The common folk have risen up in a bloody revolution, where lynchings are an almost daily occurrence.

Smokeless Flame Sighted

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 19:43:10 UTC

Glimmers of Smokeless Flames sightings in the deserts of Iram are reported by ordinary civilians with increasing frequency.

Song of the Sea

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 19:44:04 UTC

Marevi sailors tell tales of eerie singing coming from beneath the waves. Any ships that follow the songs disappear without a trace.

Unrest in Shaiande

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 19:47:01 UTC

Threatened by his rising popularity, the current Shiandean emperor Rian Shen has exiled general Hijiang. Mass protests occurring against the current regime are suppressed with brutal military crackdowns. Revolutionary propaganda written by a famous satirist have become increasingly popular.

Krovghaz Slave Raids

andydm4684 — 2022-06-24 19:48:12 UTC

Orcs from Krovghaz raid border settlements in Marevi and Shaiande, kidnapping villagers and selling them to slavers.