The traders in the east are unable to provide the same quantities as last year. They blame the vermin. As you know, in parts of Sagarika, men and rats live side by side, oblivious to the clear danger. Until recently, these vermin worshipped rat gods – twisted versions of the gods of old Avras. But when plague struck the land, they say a rat went among them, preaching of a new god, the Plaguebringer, who offers salvation through the touch of disease. The pestilence lingered around those who (...)
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The Plague Cult
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The Prophecy
A caelo usque ad centrum. We have always known the world was ours, from the skies to its very heart. We know we will inherit the legacy of Avras, a world united under our paw, for the benefit of all. In time, the world must come to know its rightful masters. Quod cito fit, cito perit. We must be patient. Our kings once sought to walk before they could scurry. Now we take care to keep our strength hidden, and embrace mastery of the world below. Beneath notice, beneath secrecy, and (...)
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The Ritual of Blades
Cold Blood
Waves as tall as sky,
Mountains in the wind,
Light that burns and breaks
And then came cold blood.
No people did they scorn,
Vengeance bright as flame,
Gave sanctuary as prison
And did it in cold blood.
Oh bring harmony ye gods
Balance to their wrath
We will tend these gardens always,
And protect them from cold blood. -
The Swing and Thrust
Dread Elves train and work at perfecting the art of the “swing” (thrust, etc.) Starting at a young age, it isn’t uncommon for a Daeb parent to drill their children for hours each evening. Talking about glorious kills in combat to their children, parents pass on the ideals of military service, and their hope that one day their child will deliver the perfect killing blow to a wild beast or savage human. Once on the battlefield as adults, swinging a sword or spear is a trusted act perfected over (...)
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The Time I Lost an Ear...
How did I lose my ear? I’ll tell you, but you need to speak up on this side!
My master once took me to serve her at the great arena of Caen Dracin. I spent the afternoon pouring wine while she conversed with her peers. As the great iron doors rumbled open for the final combat, I was awestruck. Out came a monstrosity I could only imagine in my wildest dreams! The thundering of the crowd was as intense as my horror. I assumed the beast was a dragon but for its lack of wings. It had a great (...) -
The Totem
To the Beast Herds there is a strength to each herd, which is focused upon their totem. The belief of each member of the herd gives the totem a significance which a Soothsayer can tap into and bond to a group. But whether Beast magic comes from totems or the Soothsayer’s own skill, there is always a focus on gaining advantage in the hunt – moving swiftly, ambushing and seizing their prey by the (...)
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The Trewi
The sylvan elves, who call themselves Trewi, are now known to be far more widespread than originally thought. Though their power is undoubtedly centred on Wyscan, there are many different tribes and cultures of faerie folk found across the forests and jungles of the world, and it is unclear to what extent they are connected. It is theorised that they can travel great distances by magic linking these woodland realms. Many are the tales of a terrible mist that appears from nowhere, often (...)
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The Vermin Swarm and Magic
The rise of the Vermin was the result of a magic ritual, they are in many ways the children of magic. The survival and thriving of the swarm is the primary focus of all the Vermin’s activities – always pitted against their drive for individual achievement. The Magisters and Prophets who wield this power among the Vermin are driven by a conviction to find the right future for the Swarm, while the Vermin Daemons who rise for a time to rule use magic to guarantee their position and (...)
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The Warborn
Like the great primates of the jungles of Taphria, orcs are strong and robust beings. In battle they seem able to resist the most terrible wounds and still continue fighting. Distinctive features include large fangs and the earthy hues of their hide - from ochre to green to darkest brown - all combining to give them a terrifying and wild aspect.The goblins, while sharing certain traits with their larger kin, are very different. Smaller in size and less physically powerful, they demonstrate (...)
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Tribulations of a Trader
Yeah, I worked the silk road. It’s true what they say: never be in debt to an ogre. I’ve seen men left to die on freezing mountainsides because their legs...well, they weren’t just broken. It’s not just the money. Ogres really bloody hate debt, any debt. Once offered an ogre on my caravan a sip from my hip flask, and he insisted on giving me a coin for it - this was a guy I was pals with. Still, they’re good blokes, most of them, once you get to know them and you don’t owe them anything. Never (...)