Mistridge
Legends of Starryn
The History and Legends of Mistridge
The First Age – The Age of Elves and Dwarves
The First Shadow War (1000 years / 26,000 years before present)
Rinzo of nightmares set forth to conquer all that which existed in the Mortal Realms. Riding forth with his/her minions he/her did do battle with the armies of the Elves and Dwarves. The Great War lasted for 75 years but with the aid of the Sehei (Minions of Solaris) the forces of Rinzo could not conquer the mortal realms. The actual details of this war have faded into legend and then into ancient lore, so specifics are sketchy at best. The elves do sing songs of these long lost battles, with great pride and warning.
Rinzo was defeated and the elves and Dwarves placed great binding spells and magical doors to the realm of shadow. These doors locked the minions of Rinzo and Rinzo it self out of the mortal realms, but this measure had a great price. The power that the Sehei drew upon was now blocked from them, locked away in the Realm of Light. The doors blocked all Outer Realm beings from freely drawing their power into the Mortal Realms. The Sehei now blocked from their sources of power would eventually weaken.
Though the paths to and from the outer realms were now locked the paths to the 13 other Mortal Realms and the Astral Realms remained open. The paths from realm to realm at this time are easy to traverse and only requires the knowledge of the path to walk it.
The Key to Shadow, now a powerful magical artifact was hidden long ago, and the elves intelligently sing not of the location of the key. Hidden by the most powerful sorcerers and wizards no one who found the key would ever suspect it is nothing more than a key to an ancient lock. Some records among the delving of Human seekers have accounts of the forging of the doors and depictions of the key, but these are hard to find and fanciful if one was to believe them.
The First Exodus (16,000 years before present)
The doors to the realms of light closed the Sehei became weak to the point they could not stay in the mortal realms. Slowly the Sehei left the land, taking with them their followers and making their homes in the Realm of Light. Using their power over the All-Knowledge to make kingdoms and cities to live in.
At this time many elves also left the mortal realms, these elves went out into the Outer Realms making there own Refuge from all, including Rinzo. Their realms proximity to Chaos allows them to manipulate their environment freely, and their binding wards block all who are not of Elven decent from entering.
With the Sehei gone the laws and order their presence created began to dwindle. Solaris then created Elementals that drew their power from realms that were not blocked behind the Doors that blocking light and shadow from the Mortal Realms. The Elemental Realms were only half formed realms in the Astral Drift, Solaris took these half formed realms and gave them status of their own. Then Solaris created the Elemental Lords to rule their respective realm and maintain the order of the Mortal Realms. This was the beginning to the Second Age.
The Second Shadow War (14,000 years before present)
After the Elementals were created, Rinzo attacked the mortal realms a second time. Rinzo of Nightmares could force his way past the Dwarves Doors, there in the mortal realms he/she could plot his/her invasion. Rinzo’s power allowed him/her to open pathways large enough for an invasion, but his/her forces would be at to great a strategic disadvantage for the effort. So cunning and strategy would be needed for his/her schemes to work. First Rinzo need to corrupted 7 agents, who would eventually become his archdukes. Seven Elemental spirits of some force were touched by his corrupting finger and transformed into beings of hate and deceit. The 7 then worked with in the Elemental hierarchy to destabilize the forces of the Elemental lords in preparation for the 2nd invasion.
The second part of Rinzo’s plan worked in the same fashion the Dwarves Door’s did. Rinzo using powerful magic’s created a barrier between the Elemental Realms and the Mortal Realms. A barrier known as the Ethereal zone that already existed, this barrier simple functioned to keep the pure forces of the elemental realms from surging out into the Astral Drift or one of the 13 Mortal Realms. Rinzo took the Ethereal zone and strengthened it into a wall, The Ethereal Divide, blocking the Elemental Lords form traversing to the mortal realms and blocking the Elemental Spirits form their source of power. The strengthening or the Ethereal Zone caused great destruction and havoc.
The third step of Rinzo’s plan happened in tandem with the creation of the Ethereal Divide. In great numbers, the forces of Rinzo surged forth from shadow through paths created by Rinzo. The Genishi, the mortals of the Elementals, gathered their forces with the Elves and Dwarves and prepared to take up arms against shadow once again. The battles began in favor of the mortal armies, until Rinzo’s 7 revealed their true nature and tore great rifts in the organization of the mortal armies. Swiftly the minions of shadow took the upper hand and walked across the Mortal Realms in victory.
The Second Exodus (13,875 years before present)
As the minions of Rinzo conquered the remaining free lands the elves and dwarves gathered in numbers. The elves opened great pathways and left for the Refuge created by their brethren long ago. The dwarves closed the great doors to their underground mines and cities and locked them. Taking refuge in their near impregnable underground homes. The dwarves then dug deep into the earth, were strange forces had changing effects on many of these strongholds.
At the time of the Exodus the Genishi had to also find a way to protect their race. The Elves and the Dwarves had great refuges to fall back on, while the Genishi only created a civilization that shadow was quickly devouring. The Genishi made a fateful decision to release much of their elemental birth right and absorb traits to allow them to survive with in the wilds and hide from the shadow trying to destroy them. The Genishi fell into factions as no one group could agree how to protect their race, so many different but similar races were formed. These races were named the Elendar, and took on traits of the wild animals that lived and hide in the deep forests. These deep forests were the few places were the Elendar could hide and protect themselves from shadow. Even then, some felt that the clouds held the best protection, and many flew off into the sky to make great floating cities and fortresses.
The Dark Times (from 14,000 to 12,000 years before present)
These are the times when Rinzo’s 7 Archdukes and his shadow followers controlled the 13 Mortal Realms. This time is filled with misery and sorrow, but little record of events from this time exists. Additionally almost no record can be traced back before this time, because the shadows ravaged and destroyed all the ancient cites of the Elves and Genishi.
The power of Rinzo fueled the 7 and their minions but eventually like the Sehei, this power began to weaken. Rinzo eventually had no choice but to return to shadow and eventually his 7 and armies of shadow also returned. With out the power of shadow, the armies could not keep control.
Finally after 2000 years the Elendar could walk the fields and plains with out fear of minions of shadow. The age of splendor under the Elemental Lords and as the Genishi was long past, but the Elendar, remaining elves and the dwarves set out to repair the damage shadow had caused to the once beautiful land.
The Titans (3000 years before present)
The beginning of the Third Age is marked by the creation of the Titans. With the Ethereal Divide blocking the power of the Elemental Lords, Solaris had to create new beings to maintain the laws and order for the universe. The Titans would draw power from the elements and their own emotions allowing them close proximity to the Material Realms. Second their would be numerous Titans so they could not all be easily cut off from the mortal realms. This strategy satisfied Solaris, and the Titans were formed. With the Titans a new mortal race was formed, Man or The Hindar race. The Titans and Hindar were created with the express purpose to have variety to protect against Rinzo’s influence affecting the whole or his ability to separate the Titans from the mortal realms and the titan’s power base. This diversity created conflict and no two Titan or Hindar civilization could find agreement. Wars raged across the lands as Hindar fought with Hindar for 500 years.
Ayden the Thunder (2500 years before the present)
Solaris and the Elemental Lords knew that the Hindar constantly warring amongst themselves served them not, so a champion was sent to rally the Hindar under one banner. Ayden was granted four gifts one from each of the Elemental Lords. The most powerful was that of Tor, the power of Change. Ayden could affect a powerful change of heart and mind within those he spoke too, and great armies flocked to his banner. Slowly Ayden traversed the 13 realms and slowly he brought every Hindar land and civilization under one banner! 75 years passed before his mission saw completion, and while he was changing the hearts of Hindar, the Titans saw a change amongst themselves. Groups of Titans gathered into Pantheons and worked together and among the Hindar who were their followers.
The Third Shadow War (2425 years before the present)
Ayden no sooner had his goals under control than his destiny would confront him. The Powers that be knew that the warring factions of the Hindar only helped Rinzo and his minions. Again Rinzo set his sights on destroying that which took thousands of years repairing and building. Also again, Rinzo set out to use his cunning and deceit to infiltrate the Hindar before he would actually invade. The barriers to Rinzo’s plans were great, after the Titans were formed Solaris strengthened the Ethereal Divide against Rinzo. Rinzo was now not able to manifest into the mortal realms with out being summoned, and even then it could not summon a vast amount of its power to its side. Rinzo had to bind some of its power to the mortal realms.
During dark storms and in dark furnaces 10 rings of Rinzo’s power were forged. These rings were scattered among the 13 realms and among servants who worked their way into key positions and waited. Also at this time, avatars were chosen for Rinzo’s archdukes. These avatars would allow the 7 to move across the Ethereal Divide and fight the Titans on the Titans level. When the time of war came the 13 realms were only caught slightly unawares.
The Grey Lords suspected Rinzo’s intentions and plans, so they formed a pact with 12 other Titans. The 12, as they are known, prepared for the day when Rinzo would spring its trap and waited. Additionally the Grey Lords devised a plan to imprison Rinzo and stop his campaigns completely. Using the Chalice of Order and the forge of Tor, the Grey Lords turned a piece of crystallized Mana into Pure Mana again. This pure mana was poured into the Chalice where it was protected from the influences of Order and given to Ayden to carry into battle.
Rinzo’s plans called for his 10 ring bearers to gather at the Tower of Lunaris, and their using forgotten lore used the Tower to make an Eclipse. The 10 could then cast enchantments and summon Rinzo, to their surprise he used all of them as his Avatar. The 10 combined into a great One person with 10 rings upon their fingers. Again Rinzo would open Doors to the realm of shadow and for the 3rd time shadow invaded the mortal realms. This time, contrary to previous ages, Rinzo’s power was permanently bound to the mortal realms; so a victory for Rinzo would see a second age of Darkness that would see no end!
Ayden and his armies arrived too late to stop the summoning of Rinzo and just after, a massive army traveled from shadow to do battle and protect Rinzo. Ayden carried the Chalice into battle and with incredible skill never spilled a drop of pure mana even while fighting the throngs of shadow. His 15 son’s turned Generals, followed behind him and all battled they’re way to the Tower of Lunaris.
While mortal’s battle Titans also did war, the 7 archdukes in avatar form did battled the 12 as they attempted to subdue Rinzo long enough for Ayden to bring the chalice to the tower. The 12 battled long and hard, but Rinzo was summoned as they expected. The 12 did claim victories over the archdukes and defeated nearly all of them before Rinzo could be fully summoned to the 13 realms. Standing their ground, they called upon their remaining reserves only to see Rinzo knock them aside. Then as Rinzo prepared to strike his foes dead with the power of his rings a 13th Titan appeared or at least was seen as he fled at great speed. Guyron the Titan of thieves had performed the most miraculous of thefts! As Rinzo prepared to strike down the 12 his rings of power were gone. Wolfhelm stood up and with a newfound strength and did battled with Rinzo once again. Their duel lasted for hours no one taking the upper hand, when Rinzo finally struck him to the ground taking Wolfhelm’s left eye with that final blow.
The duel had lasted so long that Ayden did reach the tower, and during the final commotion threw the chalice at Rinzo. The contents of the Chalice finally spilled forth, and poured over the Avatar Rinzo, the Pure Mana began to crystallize as the laws of order dictated and Rinzo was imprisoned in a nearly indestructible crystal created by the laws of the universe itself!
The Battle was won, and the paths to shadow closed. There armies quickly fled to shadow or found shelter deep underground when the paths closed to quickly for them to get through. Lastly the defeated archdukes were imprisoned into the crystal with their master, all but 2 that fled when Rinzo was imprisoned.
The War of the 10 Rings (2400 years before present)
After the long battle of the 3rd Shadow War, Ayden was given the Dark Crystal to guard and keep safe. The Crystal had to be hidden so that no minion of shadow would release Rinzo upon the Realms again. Ayden from his most trusted Honor Guard created a secret society and they took the Crystal someplace secret and far away. With the aid of Coldbringer they did make defenses and protection so that the crystal would never be found.
Guyron returned with the 10 Rings of Power and also gave them to Ayden. The rings would need to be protected from shadow also so that they could not be used for evil again. Ayden gave them to his 10 remaining sons, they would be protectors and guardians of the rings.
The time of war had long past and Ayden ruled his empire with wisdom and clarity. Having lived a long time and having completed his mission of destiny, died 10 years after the final battle. He took his empire and split it among his 10 sons, who would start their own bloodlines and rule as wisely as their father. The Sons formed into a council and voted one who would head the council. Ilithiad was the oldest and most skilled at governing so he was chosen to lead this council of kings. The council ruled wisely as their father had once did and for 10 years the peoples say continued peace.
The council of Kings continued to protect the Rings of Power, but ill judgment saw the sons of Ayden use those rings. The remaining minions of shadow forged their own empires deep in the earth and on occasion attacked the surface world. The council decided to use the power of shadow against them, and wielded the Rings of Power into battle. This was their fatal mistake, for few foresaw that the rings would have a corrupting effect. For 5 more years the council fell into paranoia and fear, till finally the council was broken and the 10 sons went to war with each other.
Illithiad made his kingdom in Midland Mistridge; there he gathered great armies and marched on his own brothers. The Ring he wore turned him cruel and power hungry. This pattern was repeated in all the brothers and great wars were waged. The War of the 10 Rings lasted for 6 years, until all the resources and reserves of each kingdom were used to their fullest. Brother was slain and kingdom was conquered till only 2 brothers remained, Ilithiad and his younger brother Marcus.
The power mad ring bearers then did the most heinous of crimes. Ilithiad searched for the protectors of the Dark Crystal, that prison which held Rinzo. Using the power of the Rings he thought to destroy the source of the rings power leaving all the power to be his solely. Ilithiad did reach the crystal and smote it with his mighty sword, and shattered it into 50 shards. The Protectors of the crystal then rallied quickly, driving Ilithiad back they gathered the shards and scattered them to the winds. The 50 shards were taken far and fast to be hidden from the schemes of Ilithiad.
The Titans had for the most part grown tiresome of this war, but only the Grey Lords understood it’s true motivations. They knew that the Rings were the cause of this folly. So they conspired with Guyron and his followers, to steal the Rings again. The Grey Lords then set out to form soldier who would fulfill their plans and aid Guyron’s followers. The Grey Order was formed when the Lords convinced the Leader of Ilithiad’s Honor guard of Ilithiad’s evil and folly. The Grey Order was formed, they aided the Thieves of Guyron and saw all 5 rings were stolen from Marcus. The corrupting effects on Marcus wore down a bit and Marcus began to realize the gravity of his mistakes. Ilithiad on the other hand protected himself well, and required delicate planning to steal his Rings of Power. Marcus was forced to still do battle with Ilithiad, because the war was already begun.
The final battle was planned and all the pieces were put into place. The final battle was huge and bloody. Army upon army laid siege to Marcus’s stronghold, and eventually the walls fell. Brother took up sword against brother, Ilithiad and Marcus did fight a tremendous battle. Then the leader of Ilithiad’s honor guard betrayed him, and Thieves leaped forth from the battling soldiers and stole 4 of the remaining Rings. Ilithiad did slay the last thief before the ring could be taken, and stood before his enemies. The shock of his honor guards betrayal faded, he called upon all the power of the ring! Marcus though begged his brother to release the ring, to let the corrupting effects of that ring go. Ilithiad laughed, but the effects had faded just slightly. A glint of reason shown in Ilithiad’s eyes and as the fatal blow slowly killed him, he did end the war by releasing the ring to his brother. Ilithiad died asking for forgiveness for his actions and deeds.
The Thieves of Guyron took the last 5 rings and with all 10 in hand went into hiding. They hid the rings so that no man or titan could ever find them, and placed great binding and protection devices around the rings. Guyron and his thieves then went into a quasi retirement, the greatest of thefts were now theirs and no other deeds could be so great.
Marcus the last of the council did try to bring peace back to the lands but only was able to stave off further war for most of his lifetime. The various kingdoms did fall into war again and splintered into smaller and smaller kingdoms. Thousands of years have seen many Kingdoms rise and fall and then take the place of old kingdoms, but a legend did come from Marcus’ dying lips. Marcus said with his last breath that only a man who could drink from the Chalice of Power could lead the Hindar into glory and peace. How he knew this no one was sure, but scholars believe Solrem gave Marcus a vision of the future were he saw the new King of all the Hindar drink from the Chalice of Power used to imprison Rinzo.
The Chalice was left in the abandoned castle and still sits upon an alter, were it gathers rain water to be drank by someone to prove they are the one who would lead all the Hindar.
The Dark War (50 years before present)
The years past, kingdom rose and fell to then be replaced by another kingdom. After long sleep the 2 archdukes of Rinzo still free revealed themselves. They corrupted a kingdom and renamed it the Dark Empire. This Empire conspired with the hidden shadow kingdoms deep in the earth and set out to conquer the land of Midland Mistridge. A Great War machine was gathered and the Dark Empire marched on small kingdom and village. No man or woman was left unaffected in their path. The Kingdoms further away did not suspect the threat the Dark Empire posed. Only rumors of dark magic and shadow creatures aiding the armies reached their doorstep, they did not listen. The Dark Empire did grow till no choice was left to the other empires but to fight back.
Volur the kingdom of Wizards and Sorcerers did suspect the workings of Shadow but left well enough alone. They bided their time till suitable response could be mustered on their side. The armies of Kaster Knights were formed and trained. Using arcane skill and fighter sword, Kaster Knights were the most powerful defenders Volur had. When the Dark Empire reached the nearest kingdoms, spies and diplomats were sent to the other kingdoms to gather support for their eventual campaign. The King and the Wizards Council knew that the support of other Kingdoms would be needed to stop the armies of the Dark Empire. Negotiations took long and were difficult, agreement was only reached when the Dark Empire stood poised to commit to their final assault on the various Kingdoms.
The wars that raged when the Dark Empire did attack were unlike any seen before. Great war machines from Engrand cut paths of devastation not seen in any war, the War Golems of Engrand particularly were a most frightening sight to see. Many tales were spun those days as hero and soldier did fight on those fields of battle.
The armies of the Dark Empire were driven back, back to the Kingdom that did spawn them. The alliance armies fought the battle all the way to the Kings castle were all was smashed to the ground. The Mightiest of Volur’s wizards gathered to imprison Malefont the archduke of Rinzo orchestrating this nightmare. The wizards did cast the ancient spells that imprisoned Malefont into a shard of the Dark Crystal hidden in the city of Volur for years long since forgotten. With the Kings power imprisoned the King of the Dark Empire was slain along with all his heirs to end any threat they may present in the future.
The Dark War ended with the complete annihilation of a kingdom and the death of hundreds of thousands.
The universe is believed to have been created by the two Celestials known as Solaris and Lunaris. Solaris took Lunaris the entity of chaos, and in loving embrace the two formed the 13 Realms.
Lunaris: The Celestial of chaos, and represented by the moon. Lunaris is the chaotic essence of the universe. Her body is made up of mana, and this mana can still be found through out the lands. The pure form of her essence is rare indeed to find; only that which is crystallized can exist with in the form of Solaris’ order. Lunaris is represented by the moon, as she watches over the land she observes that which her essence was formed into and created.
Solaris: The Celestial of Order, and represented by the Sun. Solaris took the mana of Lunaris and formed it into the 13 Realms, combining his order to her chaos. He took her mana and created the land, skies, and seas. He then ordered his minions the Sehei to use the All-Knowledge to form life and to populate the land, sea, and skies. The sehei performed their job well using the All-Knowledge to form the mana (chaos) into trees, birds, fish, and all the life of the land. They then created the first sentient and mortal life, per Solaris’ direction they created the Elves and the Dwarves. After all was created Solaris took the remaining mana and crystallized it, because pure mana cannot coexist with the order of the universe.
The universe went on in this fashion for as long as the elves can remember, and after a fashion one by one the Sehei traveled to the Realm of Light. Their conection to the Order of Solaris caused them to have a draining effect when they existed to close to chaos. So Solaris created the Elemental Lords, beings who could coexist with the mixture of chaos and order of the material realms. He gave them a portion of the All-Knowledge allowing them complete power over their domain.
Hawkimas: The elemental of air and wind. His thunder can rain down judgment, and his rains can provide sustenance. He is part of the Triumvirate of the Elementals and Highest of all of them. His will provides Law and Order to the universe.
The Ice King: The elemental of water and ice. He judges the dead and reigns in the underworld. Brother of Hawkimas and brings justice after death. The true name of The Ice King is unknowable to those who live, for to know his true name the living would die. Also a member of the Triumvirate, he is Justice.
Mistridune: The elemental of stone and earth. She is the life that fills the universe, nurturer of plants and animals. She is life and creation. The last member of the Triumvirate, her essence can be seen in all that walks or grows on the land.
Tor: The elemental of fire and entropy. Tor is the wanderer, he walks the lands and 13 realms of the universe, continually affecting change on the universe. He is not part of the Triumvirate, for how can entropy exist with in order without destroying it.
The minions of the Elemental Lords or the Elemental spirits exist with in all things maintaining and sustaining the universe. Mistridune continually made new life and in her creations she formed the second mortal species of the lands, the Genieshi. These were part elemental part humanoid mortal. The Genieshi, as a race, did not last long for after the 2nd shadow war the Genieshi transformed themselves into the Elendar. Part nature, and part civilized mortals, the Elendar exhibited the most useful traits of many species across the lands. This allowed them to more easily hide in the forests and plains during the Dark Times, when Rinzo ruled the Realm of Mistridge.
After the 2nd Shadow War the Elemental Lords could not traverse to the 13 Realms, so another being with the power of the All-Knowledge was created. This group was to be the closest to the emotional Mortals they would be driven by emotion and by the All-Knowledge. Their emotions put them closest to the 13 Realms and allowed them to exist in the Astral Drift itself. These new beings were known as the Titans, striding across the land as gods would and wielding awe-inspiring power. The Titans also created a third race of Mortals the Human race, also known as the Hindar.
The Titans were given domain over a portion of All-Knowledge, they granted their will as gifts to the Hindar. The Titans are anthropomorphic beings holding domain over the winds, war, and various other aspects of the 13 Realms.
Volurdoon (Zeus) Magic, Law, Knowledge
Patron of Volur, the Titan of Wizardry and Magic, the most powerful and Leader of the 12, Volurdoon provides law and Stability. With his Staff of Light made by Terradon, Volurdoon holds council over the 12. As the most powerful Titan of The 12 he is the representative force to all the other Titans of Mortal Realms. He is constantly experimenting in magic and is obsessed with finding a way to survive the fabled negation Solarius and Lunarus will make when their experiment is complete. Married to the Lady of Destiny. His Alignment is Neutral Good, and his weapon of choice is a staff or spear.
Rayhera; Lady Destiny (Hera) Luck, Death, Healing (life), Chaos
Lady Destiny is a fickle Titan who spends her time amongst mortals choosing lovers right and left. Wife to Volurdoon, she sees her vow as more of an inconvenience that was needed in a time long past. Volurdoon’s obsession has turned her against him, and flaunts her lovers to simply get a rise out of him. Her jealousy of Volurdoon’s obsession raged across the fates of all mortals, causing all mortals from that time forth to rage at unrequited love. Her power extends over the “The Fates”, and are represented by her “Strings” of fate that run through and connect everyone! Rayhera is Lawful Evil and she has no preferred weapon, for her power over fate is all she needs.
Coldbringer (Hades) Water, Law, Death, Chaos
Son of the Ice King; The Coldbringer summons the icy winds of winter and rules the Realm of Shadow. Coldbringer became the ruler of the Realm of Shadow after the 3rd Shadow war when the Realm was taken from Rinzo itself. He also wields the Scales of Death, or The Scales of Justice. Coldbringer weighs all of a person’s evil and bad works against the weight of a feather. If their evil is less than a feather they go onto the Realm of Light, if their evil works are equal to or slightly greater than a feather they are reincarnated to continue working towards good works. Lastly if they tip the scales radically with their evil they are sent to the realm of Shadow for punishment in a form of purgatory. The Coldbringer is Neutral (decided Neutral, he cannot hold opinion over the mortals he has to judge), and his preferred weapon is the scythe.
Aphasia (Aphrodite) Trickery, Law, Healing, Chaos
Aphasia the Titan of Love and Lust, Passion and Attraction. She was spawned when Rayhera exploded with rage upon Volurdoon’s rebuking of her for his obsession. Aphasia is Lawful Evil, and her favored weapon is a short sword.
Solrem (Apollo) Sun, Knowledge, Luck (time), Healing
Solrem is the son of Rayhera and a river elemental; Solrem has a twin sister Feyran. Solrem contains a great part of the All-Knowledge allowing him to perceive Futures. While Rayhera could tell a mortal’s destiny, it might not detail that mortal’s future. Solrem sees the permutations of time and possible futures. Solrem is Lawful Neutral, and his favorite weapon is the Long sword.
Feyran (Artemis) Animal, Chaos, War, Plant
Feyran is the daughter of Rayhera, and twin to Solrem. The protector of Nature and Animals; she has a strong link to Mistridge, but feels her role is more protective. Many cults fall under her influence, and live by a strict co-existence with nature. A terrorist group of Chirn known as the Red Talon falls under her known cults! She is also the wife of Wolfhelm; she married him after the 3rd Shadow war. Feyran is Lawful Evil, and her favorite weapon is the Bow.
The Grey Lords (Athena) War, Healing, Law, Knowledge Hawksoar, Archolus
Titans of balance, Healing and War and the sons of Volurdoon and Rayhera! They are patrons of civilization, but are received by no specific city. The Grey Lords seek a balance of Chaos and Order, while most of the time their actions can be perceived as good many times they perform acts of evil for the greater good. The Grey Order is an established Knight order dedicated to the Grey Lords. Specialized training and granted powers make them a force to be reckoned with. The Grey Lords are Neutral, and their favorite weapon is the Bastard Sword.
Terradon also Herarune (Hephestus) Earth, Fire, Magic, Strength
Master of forging and enchanting. Terradon’s Volcano is rife with enchanted weapons he makes for the various Titans. Terradon is Chaotic Good, and his favorite weapon is the War Hammer.
Wolfhelm (Aries) War, Strength, Destruction, Chaos
Wolfhelm is the Titan of War and tactics. His followers are the Knights of Wolfhelm, additionally even his clerics become apart of the Order. Wolfhelm is clearly the best warrior, and greatest tactician of all the Titans. His skill aided in the defeat of Rinzo but cost him his left eye in the process. As apart of his Oath to help in the 3rd Shadow war he won the hand of Feyran and married her at twilight the day after the war. Wolfhelm is of Chaotic Neutral, and his favorite weapon is a great sword.
Endenfur (Hermes) Travel, Death, Air, Protection
Endenfur is the half brother of Coldbringer; they both have the same mother. Endenfur is the Titan of travel and is the psychofont, leading the dead to the afterlife and courts of The Ice King. Endenfur is Chaotic Good, and his favorite weapon is the Rapier.
Sturmdoon (Poseidon) Water, Destruction, Law, Protection
Sturmdoon is the Titan of Oceans and brother to Volurdoon. He protects the oceans and provides it’s bounty for mortals, and asks little in return. His many half brothers and sisters make up the various rivers and lakes that are scattered across the land. A legend of Sturmdoon suggests he is the reason Promethium works so difficulty across the seas, his mother Mistridge herself became angry that he allowed the mortals to take so freely from his seas. She raged and stormed across his oceans, creating creatures that were more violent and hunted all the creatures of the sea. In retaliation he cast a powerful spell never allowing her to cross her seas again. Thus Promethium, which is believed to be from Mistridge herself, travels oceans very difficulty. Sturmdoon is Lawful Neutral, and his favorite weapon is the trident.
Acantra (Dionysus) Animal, Healing, Earth, Plant
Acantra is the Titan of feasts; she is also a harvest Titan and is celebrated when a good harvest is brought in. These usually turn into large celebrations and her holidays are the most revered for their atmosphere of fun and enjoyment. Acantra was spawned the day Feyran renounced any mortal who would not live by her strict code of coexistence. Acantra is Chaotic Neutral, and her favorite weapon is the Great Axe!
CaSaphier Knowledge, Trickery, Chaos, Animal
CaSaphier is a feline Titan who is the keeper of secret knowledge. She is not apart of any specific pantheon of Titans but mingles with all of them. Her shrines occur in unusual places with no indication as to who built them. As an independent she claim no loyalty to anyone, but avoids alienating herself by not interfering; too much. CaSaphier hoards knowledge and secrets, her lore books are a treasure trove of secrets and truths. Clerics who follow her are usually loners who are highly regarded and hated for their vast network of information. CaSaphier's favored weapon is the short sword.
Metroon Good, Law, War
Metroon is a Titan of Valor who travels in select circles of good Titans. Metroon promotes justice, valor, chivalry, and honor. His followers contain paladins and other good oriented combatants. His favored weapon is the long sword.
Guyron Trickery, Travel, Luck, Knowledge
Guyron is the Titan of thieves and artisans. After the 3rd shadow war Guyron has retired to the life of an Artist. His abilities as a thief allowed him to steal the very power of Rinzo it self. His favored weapon is the rapier.
Rubia Trickery, Luck, Chaos
Rubia is the daughter of Guyron and is the new Titan of thieves. As a thief she is said to rival her father, but that has never been clearly decided. Rubia’s holy symbol is the symbol the thief guild is recognized by; her white rose replaced the soaring eagle of Guyron when he retired as a thief. Rubia’s favored weapon is also the rapier.
Engra Travel, Protection, Law, Luck
Engra is the Titan of commerce and trade. He code is the code that all merchants live by and a stature of her is always found in every shop across the land. She is believed to bring good luck to a business and her rituals are strictly obeyed in kingdoms like Engrand were merchants are the ruling class, and commerce is as important as military defense. Her favored weapon is the long sword.
Rinzo
The Doom of Mistridge
The dark celestial of nightmares, Rinzo has no gender and can take any form it chooses to. Rinzo was formed at the time of universal creation. That time when Solaris and Lunaris joined to create all that is. Lunaris, who is the essence of chaos, had to cast off her hatred of order so that her essence could be formed into the universe. This cast off hatred became intelligent and performed its only function, to destroy order. Rinzo was formed. Rinzo is Lunaris' darker half, the part of her that makes nightmarish forms and creatures. Rinzo immediately formed a place for himself and created the realm of shadow for him to make his grotesque creations and minions. The realm of light formed in the response to Rinzos blatant manipulation of creation.
Rinzo's only thought is to return all creation to the chaos it was once before. Over time Rinzo's personality has become more faceted and total destruction faded from its mind. While Rinzo is immensely powerful total destruction of all creation is just outside its power limit. After failed attempts Rinzo became focused on controlling creation, more with in its power limits, and bringing a nightmarish chaos upon everything.
Rinzo used the realm of shadow to create and gather vast armies under its control, and savagely invaded the material realms many times. Rinzos first attempt to invade failed. He gathered his forces and stormed reality, only to be finally thwarted by the combined effort of the Sehei, Elves, and Dwarves. The battle took nearly 75 years, but the dwarves finally won by cutting Rinzo off from its power base. The realm of shadow serves as Rinzos conduit into the universe, through shadow Rinzo can draw upon its full might. The Dwarves and Elves cast powerful magics and created a barrier between Shadow and The Material Realms. This barrier blocked Rinzo from using its full might.
The second invasion, Rinzo bided its time and planned. Rinzo corrupted 7 elemental spirits to be Dukes of Chaos and Shadow. He used these powerful minions to help corrupt the power base of Geneishi civilization and prepare for Rinzos second invasion. Rinzo also used the trump card that the elves and dwarves used against him. To stop the elemental lords from aiding the Geneishi, Rinzo created a barrier between the elemental realms and the material realms. This time Rinzo won and with an iron first cast an age of darkness across all the lands, that lasted for 2000 years.
The Seven Dukes of Shadow
Domains
Malafont Chaos, War, Strength, Hatred, Evil
Malafont is Rinzo's Duke of Strength and War. Malafont favors direct confrontation and shows of force, he never backs down from a fight and almost never loses. During the 3rd War of Shadow, Malafont was one of the Dukes to not be defeated and escaped to plan new schemes of evil. He was eventually defeated to at the battle of Darkholm and imprisoned along with his brethren in the Dark Crystal. Malafont has dedicated followers like every other Titan; his followers dedicate themselves to savagery and combat. His followers the Knights of Malafont are only knights in name and tend to fight in a loose unpredictable style that uses dirty tactics and ruthless brutality. Malafont's favored weapon is the Great Sword.
Diablys Evil, War, Magic, Knowledge
Diablys is a tactician and sorcerer. He is Rinzos general and leadership among the Seven. Diablys studies both magic and war, to be a master of them in the field of battle. Though not as great a fighter as Malafont, of wizard as Tirainyus he knows both so he can lead them more effectively in battle. Diablys was the mastermind behind the majority of the invasion of the 2nd War of Shadow and his plans gave victory to Rinzo. Diablys' favored weapon is the Bastard Sword.
Shardoon Trickery, Protection, Darkness, Evil
Shardoon is the Black Jester. Trickery and stealth are his greatest weapon. Not the best fighter, or wizard Shardoon is the secret hand of Rinzo and Diablys. Using stealth and shadow to his advantage, Shardoon is the Duke of Assassins. His cults were among the most ruthless and deadly. Often a cult of Shardoon would simply wander as a band of killers or hire themselves as assassins but then kill their unsuspecting patron. Shardoon's favored weapon is the Dagger.
Tirainyus Destruction, Magic, Undead, Death, Evil
Tirainyus is the master of undead and magic. Magic was his domain and mastering it his responsibility. Tirainyus also craft powerful magical weapons for the Seven, to use in Rinzo's name. Tirainyus' cults used undead monsters and wielded powerful magics cruelly and brutally.
Tiarune Luck, Plant, Spider, Evil
Tiarune is the master of spiders and dark forests. Her sworn enemies were Wood Elves who saw her as the antithesis of their life in the forests of Mistridge. She formed cults of worshipers who corrupted pristine forests into dens of evil and fear. Her favored weapon is the Long Sword.
Nerallus Water, Evil, Destruction, Storm
Nerallus is the master of water and a plague to sailors and coastal cities. His hurricane storms and tsunami waves destroyed ship upon ship and city after city. Very few cults existed under him and those that did were among water breathing species that ravaged shipping lanes and were blight on coastal cities. Nerallus' favored weapon is the Trident.
Grumrish Fire, Evil, Death, Mentalism
Grumrish is the master of fire and anarchy. He is a destabilizing force and burns brightest during riots of random violence and destruction. Grimrish's favored weapon is the Long Sword.
The Wars of Shadow are dark time in the history of Mistridge, the darkest being the second war when Rinzo won and the time of darkness began. The time of darkness came to an end when Rinzo's power could not be sustained and Rinzo and its minions returned to shadow determined to return. When the Hindar ruled the land Rinzo saw this as his opportunity to strike again, his energy refreshed Rinzo sought out those to conspire with it. Through them he crafted a plan to bind his power to the material realms so this age of darkness would not have an end. Ten rings were forged each containing a portion of his power, and given to his most loyal minions. As Rinzo had done to the Geneishi, it sought to corrupt from with in the Hindar civilization in preparation for the invasion. When the time for the invasion finally arrived the 10 ring barriers were summoned and magically bound into an avatar for Rinzo, but his victory was short. When the Titans and Hindar armies attacked he was defeated, his rings striped from him by Guyron and imprisoned in a Dark Crystal never to be freed. Rinzo's threat of terror seemed to be ended.
Hundreds of years later in the land of Volur a young fighter named Tennakugan released a portion of Rinzo to spread nightmares across the land once again. The Crystal prison was shattered into 50 shards during the War of 10 and quickly hidden far across the lands. Shattered each shard was weak, and could be destroyed. Tennakugan in the direst of accidents did destroy shard. Thinking he would be destroying an evil forever he released a greater evil upon the land. That day Rinzo leveled the great city of Volur Rose, leaving a great scar upon the land.
The crystal prison of Rinzo is a marvel of ingenuity. Formed of the stuff of chaos, the pure chaos quickly turned into crystal form; per the laws set down by Solaris himself. This prison is formed of the laws of the universe, for Mana Crystal cannot be changed back to pure chaos nor destroyed with any ease. This prison contains all of Rinzos power; creatures of shadow and chaos can call upon this power. Many a power mad creature has tried to wield this power and been destroyed by it. The Seven through powerful magic were also imprisoned in this Crystal with Rinzo. After the 3rd War of Shadow only two Dukes of Shadow escaped. Malafont and Shardoon, both of whom hid until the war of Darkholm when the Dukes corrupted the King to wage war and conquer the Material Realms. They failed and the last two Dukes were finally imprisoned in the Dark Crystal.
The Universe of Mistridge
The universe of Mistridge is debated by the best philosophers and explored by the most intelligent adventurers. Amongst these individuals is the most recognized explanation of the universe, which puts the various Outsider realms as layers around the 13 Material Realms. With a powerful Ethereal Divide created by Rinzo making travel from the Outsider realms to the Material Realms difficult, if not impossible at times.
The Universe by Layer
The Realm of Order and Chaos – The furthest realms from the Material Realms, access is difficult and often dangerous. Those that have traveled to these realms describe environments that no creature could exist in.
Order – The Realm of Order is a static land where change does not exist. All that is and all that could be, exists at once in unmoving stasis.
Chaos – The Realm of Chaos is a constantly changing environment, were the landscape continually changes and pure Chaos Energy permeates as storms across this place.
The Intermediary Realms – These Realms are a buffer between Pure Order and Chaos, and the inner realms. The intermediary realms, as they get further away from Order and Chaos, become more hospitable to material creatures. The Order Intermediary Realms begin to allow chaos to have a small influence and let change/entropy effect the environment. The Chaos Intermediary Realms begin to allow order to take influence and do not have the constant change that Pure Chaos does.
The Realm of Shadow and Light
Shadow – The Realm of Shadow is a realm of continual change, and little stability. Natives of the Realm of Shadow can only tenuously be called races. Many creatures roam the changing landscape, and many more new residents have made the Shadow Plain their home. The Sea of Purgatory is one of the few non-changing features of the Realm. The Sea of Purgatory is where The Ice King banishes those souls that are to be punished before being reincarnated.
Light – The Realm of Light is the home of the Sehei, a realm of order and stability the Sehei made it their home after the Elemental Lords were given domain over the Material Realms. The Garden of Tranquility is where the Ice King Sends those who’s good works in life are deserving of reward. Also the Garden is a waypoint for the transition to a Buddhist like Nirvana.
The Elemental Realms
Air – The Realm of Hawkimas and also the elemental plane of the forces of wind and storm. Hawkimas’ realm is a vast open sky where clouds act as landmass and the inhabitants build their societies in relative ease among those clouds. The most prominent structure is the Cloud like Nebulous of Hawkimas’ Sky Castle.
Earth – The Realm of the Lady Mistridge who rules the realmof Earth. This realm is a vast collection of animals and fauna that inhabits all the realms the Lady Earth touches. She does not allow structures to be made, but great temples and cites have been grown.
The Realm of Ice - This is the domain of the Ice King, the ruler of the dead. His realm is the waypoint to reincarnation or the eternal after life of darkness or light. The Ice King is believed to stand judgment over all the dead, and decides where he or she is to go in the afterlife. If one is to lead a good life then the Light can be expected for them, if they lead an evil life then Darkness await them. Reincarnation is for those who did not fulfill that which they need to or because their soul is not ready for the Light. Additionally after a period of time in the Darkness the soul is reincarnated to see if they learned what they needed and is ready for the Enlightenment.
Fire – The realm of Tor is a leaderless world of constant entropy. The pure elemental fires create and destroy indiscriminately. Tor has no court and has no temples, he simple wonders all the Realms, Outsider and material.
The Ethereal Divide - Created when the universe was created, the ethereal divide simply stood as a membrane between the Outsider Realms and the Materiel Realms. After the Second Shadow War, Rinzo has strengthened the membrane into a barrier. This barrier prevents the most powerful of Outsiders from having full influence on the Material Realms. Which ultimately lead to Rinzo’s victory in that war.
The Astral Drift - The Astral Drift is the sub-space between the 13 Material Realms. The Astral Drift can be sensed by those of sufficient skill and can even be traversed. Traveling the Astral drift is a difficult task and can only be undertaken by someone in a spirit form! The Astral Drift provides another potent property. Through out the drift are Bubbles of reality, a tiny realm with properties established by its creator. The drift is the realm of dreaming and one theory holds that all the bubbles are the dreams of every mortal in existence, whether mortals created all the Bubbles is debatable because some bubbles could not have ever been dreamed by a mortal. A traveler of skill and strong will could create a bubble of reality in the Astral Drift, creating a place he could travel to in physical form. Bubbles have properties according to their creator, also it can be manipulated by its creator. The bubble is linked to who ever created it
After the Ethereal Divide was strengthened the Elemental Lords could not aid or interact with the Genishi or Elendar. The Titans sprang up and filled this void, so to speak. Taking residence in the Astral Drift each Titan created their own bubble of existence to reside in. The multitude of bubbles continually traverses the spaces between the 13 Realms, “Drifting” among the 13 realms aimlessly.
The 13 Material Realms - The 13 Material Realms are the Prime Material Realms. All Philosophers have guessed the material existence is the closest to perfect harmony between Chaos and Order, thus the placement of the 13 Realms at the center of the Cosmology. The Realms themselves are vast places, with different cultures, animals and plants, even some Universal Laws vary slightly. At the center of all these realms sits Mistridge, Lady Mistridune’s chosen Realm, named after her to give honor and prestige.
Mistridge is a world of history and beauty. Her soil has seen many civilizations rise and fall. The Elves were the first to spread across you land, their ancient cities long gone, can only be recognized for the occasional ruins that still stand or the labyrinth of tunnels that monsters and villains use to hide. Then the Genieshi took the place of the elves and made incredible cities, cities that the forces of shadow took great delight in pillaging and ravaging to the ground. When the first Hindar (human) walked the land, many remnants of ancient and glorious civilizations littered the landscape to inspire and strike fear. As the Hindar gained in age they to created civilizations that most Hindar do not remember. As a whole the job of remembering all the pasts has been left to the Titans, for no Mortal Hindar could study long enough to understand the many histories that overlap on the landscape. The only thing that remains the same is the common history of the Realm and The Titans who stand guard against the Shadow.
The landscape of Mistridge is vast and varied. The whole of the 7 lands covers all climates imaginable and then some. Its inhabitants refer to the Central Continent of Mistridge, as Starryn. The Central Continent is the primary focus of our story.
Starryn has a staggering degree of diversity for environments. From snow capped peaks to humid jungles, Starryn puts the vitality of a man to test. Her plains stretch far and wide, while her forests are dark and ancient. Mountains hide ancient temples and monasteries, were skills are passed down from Sensei to Students. The Castles are often old and expansive. Built so long ago that its current inhabitants may not remember the secret passages and rooms made by her architects.
Farming has the largest percentage of workers because feeding the dizzying number of inhabitants creates a vast economic machine, that can have a life of it own and bring more misery than the most evil of enchanted items.
The Starryn Mountains are vast and tall, her majesty holding vast wealth. Mining is the next largest operation in Starryn. Wholes cites spring up around a wealthy mine, and subsist their entire economy on that mine. The Dwarves and Stone Giants may be the most adapted to mines but the Hindar make up this disadvantage with ingenuity. Old mines can stretch far and deep, and often find ancient places best left buried. Many a mine has been abandoned cause they dug up or dug to deep and found something in the dark places to frightening to behold.
Starryn’s forests are ancient forests with trees that stretch so far into the sky some of them have tops that cannot be seen. These forests are deep and foreboding, holding secrets no Hindar has seen. Civilizations of unimaginable scale have fallen to the wayside and overwhelmed by the forces of nature. The forests also contain the secret cities of the Elves and Elendar. Cities hidden from the eyes of shadow, but now are havens from the new civilizations of the Hindar.
Mistridge is a land of history and legend. Scattered all over her surface, are ruins of past kingdoms and civilizations. The Elves and the Elendar both have seen their day come and go, and with it gone leave their mark in the ruined cities. If this was not enough older things exist, older than even the elves. Machines, as they are called, sit upon the landscape as monuments to a civilization no one remembers. All attempts to study them have turned up nothing and determining their age puts their creation before the existence of the Elves. The machines are scattered through out the 13 Realms and are only found in the material realms. No Machine has been found in any astral bubble or in any of the Outsider Realms. They become more numerous the closer to the “Center” of the Universe one reaches. The Realm of Mistridge being the decided center has hundreds of these artifacts scattered across her 7 lands. Some Machines of note include.
The Eye of Solaris – this Machine in appearance is continually changing, it is a bright silver object that changes into any shape imaginable. This process of transformation takes 6 hours and stays in one form for 8 hours. The Eye itself is more massive than belief, its size dwarfs the largest castles made by the hands of men. The most prominent and unchanging feature is the Eye pattern that combines into a sun pattern. Ancient text from the Elvish Lords calls this Machine the Eye of Solaris, but it function or reason for existence is unclear. Folk tales and children’s stories have the eye placed as a watchful being, so that no evil or good deed goes unseen.
The Tower of Lunaris – A massive tower sits in the vast desert wastelands beyond the mountains of Harkoon. This tower is a magnificent piece of architecture that has only one discernable door. This door leads into a vast open central courtyard. A special password passed down among the Priestess’ of the Elements activates a bubble like elevator and takes the occupant to the top most observatories. It is suggested that the observatory serve as a control room, but to control what and why no one knows. Once a year on the lunar equinox when both the moons are aligned the Priestess’ perform a sacred and secret ritual. This ritual has stayed secret because the location of the tower is unknown and word amongst the loosest lipped Priestess’ is the Tower moves every year.
The People
The average person of Starryn is best described as a peasant. While their life may be better then those of a peasant during the Middle Ages they are still a lesser class and often treated that way. Recent times has seen the rise of slavery again, often associated with economic restitution, many see this as a portent of future troubles. The average person only peripherally gains the fruits of the high level of Magical Technology that exists in this world. Even so the life of a peasant can often be uneventful and see little of the wonder of what goes on around him. Except for the occasional Air Ship seen in the sky the average person may never know more about the world than what is passed on in legends or from friends and family.
The above average person falls into the heroic ideal, destined for heroic deeds or legendary journeys. A vast land such as Mistridge contains many trials and perials for a would be hero to prove himself, or he might join one of the guilds to reach economic glory. Old legends are spoken and passed along, while new legends are born to replace those lost.
Blessed with a strong economic system, Mistridge is a land of prosperous trade and magic driven commerce. Each of the kingdoms within the sphere of Starryn could be self-sustaining, but over centuries of trade agreements most kingdoms have become specialists with in a craft or profession of some type. This has created an interdependent trade society that transports 100,000’s of tons of cargo through out the land.
The revolutionizing factor of this trade-based society is the Sky Ship. The Sky Ship provided the ability to transport large amounts of cargo that could not be done previously with the horse drawn cart. The skyways, as they have been called, are full of ships moving cargo to and from the various kingdoms and the largest controlling factor amongst these ships is the Air Shipman’s Guild (ASG). The ASG provides training and a universal control of the various Sky Ship organizations; a trained local to provide the unique services of that city or kingdom mans each ASG office. The ASG’s support comes from the universal recognition of the various governments the ASG deals with. Years of fair and evenhanded dealings have provided a respectable and trustworthy base that governments can deal with. To inhibit corruption, each office is more like a “Franchise” of the larger guild itself. The office does not pay any fees to the guild itself but charges “Docking and Loading” fees to the various ships to pay overhead costs. This would seem to have little advantage since Shipman also pay fees to the guild directly, but the presence of a Guild office provides a sense of stability and accountability that merchants can count on and thus provides business to guild ships.
The Air Shipmans guild is not the only organized Sky Ship society, but by and large it is the biggest. The Landrian Guild is the next largest sky ship guild and originates form the kingdom of Latlakor. The Landrian Guild originally started as a Ship guild because Latlakor’s largest industry is ship making and transport. It’s location on the eastern ocean provided it as the largest port to the eastern lands across the ocean. When the Shy Ship was first invented hundreds of years ago, the Landrian guild had no worries that their industry would ever go away. Over the years the Sky Ship became more reliable and use of it increased. As new guilds formed to fill this vacuum the Landrian Guild almost disappeared, but new leadership saw the advantage of hybrid sky ships also capable of being sea worthy. These ships are not actually sky ships, they are sea vessels but the Promethium used in the construction of the sky ship was capable of making massive ships that could traverse the eastern seas and move massive amounts of cargo to and from the eastern Kingdoms. These new hybrid ships revolutionized the transport of cargo and reinvigorated the Landrian Guild. To expand their operations they began taking in Sky ships into their guildhalls and worked to make Sky Ships capable of making the journey to the eastern Kingdoms. While not being able to transport the massive amounts of cargo that the hybrid ships could, sky ships were able to make the journey quicker. This created a niche the Sky Ship could perform for oversea transport.
Note: While the Sky Ship is a versatile ship traversing the oceans was a difficult and arduous trip to make. Most ships did not even make the trip, unruly winds and weather was only the beginning of the sky ships problems. It is currently believed the open ocean disrupts the anti-gravity properties of the Promethium that is built into the ship. With special modifications a sky ship can traverse the oceans and only experience minor difficulties from this disruption of it’s most important aspect, it’s flying abilities granted from Promethium. This phenomenon is theorized to be caused by the origin of Promethium. It is believed to be a product of Lady Mistridge herself, and that Promethium is repelled from her physical form the land itself. Over the ocean you enter the domain of The Ice King and the land is not there, only giving Promethium a slight push into the sky.
Other more minor Sky Ship guilds exist but the Air Shipmans Guild and the Landrian Guild are the largest.
The other guilds of the land, the smithy and others, are all organized in a similar fashion. Only the Sky Guilds are organized in a different fashion. The guild itself is a loose net organization that provides a standard of price and training. Each guild shop is an independent entity, and only pays a small fee to a head Guild office. The head Guild Office is an administrative organization whose sole purpose is to organize all the guilds of a given region. The tithe to the Guild Office simply covers the expenses the office occurs in hiring and maintaining employees. The head of a given guild region is usually voted on by all the guild members of that region. This creates a union like environment, and performs the same function. If someone was to start a shop and not join an appropriate union, there have been cases of that shop being muscled out of the way for the guild shop.
The Guilds of Starryn
The Hammer of Engra: a smithing guild that covers the kingdom of Engrand and a large region around that Kingdom. With very close ties to the Merchant Guilds and Councils of Engra, The Hammer has quite a bit of influence. Also because most of Engra’s exports are refined tools and equipment Smiths are a large part of that society as a whole.
The Artificers Guild: also a guild out of Engra, this guild actually has a seat on the merchants governing council. The Artificers are the most important commodities the Kingdom has and is given quite a bit of power, even among the tight fisted Merchant Lords.
The Textile Guilds: by no means a powerful guild but worth mentioning since everyone deals with them on a daily basis. Though it is rumored that the textile guild is a powerhouse in disguise, waiting for only the right moments to wield its financial power. If one desires proof of these roomers, one only has to remember that people buy clothing and fabric only slightly more then they buy food.
The Wizards Guilds of Volur: the most powerful wizard guild of the land. Volur contains the most wizards and sorcerers in one kingdom. Volur has the most prestigious and knowledgeable wizard’s colleges, and Volur has a Wizards council that advises the King of Volur. The guild is not a tight nit organization like many of the commerce driven guilds but the guild provides in a college fashion, a place for wizards to go and develop new techniques. The advisory council is also the head of the guild itself, and all those guild members present during voting periods, vote members of the council on, in the capitol.
The Dungeoneers Guild: a terribly unique guild with in the Kingdom of Volur. The Dungeoneers Guild is a guild started by wizards to serve a function commerce could not keep up with. For wizards to experiment with new spells or make enchanted and magical devices, unique and rare items are needed. These items are often hard to find and not in the local area, while it is possible to get unique items from far off lands transporting becomes a costly endeavor. The guild was established for fearless Dungeon explorers to gather together and provide a service to wizards. A wizard through some arcane fashion discovers the location of an item he needs, but this item is guarded or is within a stronghold of some sort. The wizard now hires the services of the Dungeneers Guild; he makes a contract with a group of guild members. The explorers as their fee can either be paid a strait fee, or be allowed to keep all items found, besides certain items laid out in the contract. This has performed quite well for the needs of wizards and sorcerers in and around the capital of Volur. This would seem to preclude the need to import components to spells and magic items, but it has not. Not all components are difficult to find and hard to find items might be acquirable by a merchant, if the cost of said item is not too high. For the Wizard has to pay the guild itself a fee to acquire the services of Guild explorers. Being a member of the guild is also a risky business, so the guild has a high turn over on members!
Carpentry Guilds: this guild is actually many smaller guilds spread around the land. Maybe only 6 guilds among 4 cities will actually be organized together. The guild itself is pretty strait forward and provides a wide range of services. Depending on what a city has in it a carpenter guild member shop could simply be a small wood working shop or a large stable house of carpenters that all work for a shipwright. So the cities that have large-scale ship or other type of wood working production usually have the largest and most powerful Carpentry Guilds. Latlakor and Engra are the two largest because of their large Ship production facilities!
Artisan Guilds: a new force within the guild system. The Artisan guilds have only been in existence for the past 178 years, while seeming long they are young in comparison to some of their brother guilds. The artisans used to just be a sub-skill with in any other guild itself, but the rise of wealth increased the amount of patronage that went on. This inevitably led to a breaking from the old craft oriented guild into forming an artisan guild that simply provided a product only desirable from an economically elite. Their organization is loose but enough monetary power provides a nasty bite for their simple bark. Rumors abound that the Artisan Guild also specializes at a less art like skill, but all those who speak such non-sense can only gain audience with the disenfranchised and weak minded.
The Jeweler’s Guild: a loose nit guild that specializes in the acquisition, cutting, and selling of precious jewels and stone. While plagued by the thief’s guild their monetary influence insures that they can get the best help or protection to guard their valuable commodities.
The PeaceKeepers: The peacekeepers were formed as a way to organize law enforcement among the varied kingdoms of Starryn. This system was specifically designed to find and capture criminals who flee the kingdom they commit crimes in and hide in a more relaxed kingdom. The peacekeepers also train expert investigators and justicators, who specialize in magical crimes and criminals.
Artificing
The practice of arcane magic is a delicate skill requiring years of training and experience to master and some times to even use. This gap left the average mortal lacking in the highly magical environment of Mistridge. Artificing was created many hundreds of years ago as a bridge between average mortals and magic, using the same or similar principles as arcane magic Artificer devices produce similar effects. Limited quantity made these devices scarce and even harder to maintain because a valuable Crafter was not always available to fix an item. Kingdoms such as Engrand saw the potential of this technology and invested heavily in the schooling of her people in this art. Limited manufacturing sprung up in this small mining and commerce community and quickly transformed Engrand into an economic power house. The trend quick spread until good size Artificer communities sprung up in nearly every kingdom.
Artificing transformed every part of Starryn culture raising the over all living standard of the peasent and elevating the rich and affluent into a new stratosphere. Scientists believe anything could be accomplished with artificing, given time and resources. Inventions such as the Skyship add to this mystique. The greatest advances, as always, were in warfare and combat. A “modern” warrior could now rely on Flame Lances, Enhanced Armor, Night Vision Goggles, and an array of other devices to make a single warrior into a formidable foe. The shear expense of these devices leaves wide spread use limited to elite forces of small kingdoms or to a single legion in the richest nations.
Mana is the lifeblood of the universe. Running through everything and apart of all life, mana allows for the manipulation of reality through arcane spell and Artificer machinery. The first and clearly oldest form of magic is Arcane. First developed by the Elves, arcane spells allow for the will of the caster to be forced upon the world around him. The Elves also developed a form of Magic known as The Word. Word magic is a powerful form of magic, believed to be derived from the All – Knowledge and also based on the principles of Order. Human sorcerers and wizards have been using Arcane magic for the past 3000 years and refined the form into a delicate science that’s split between several colleges and schools. The main school of thought only splits magic between two themes, Order and Chaos, both the creators and manipulators of the universe. Wizards are trained in their art, in schools and often treated as an upper class because of their education and power. Though real power still remains in the hands of the noble classes. It was once spoken that a wizard coup tried to rip power from the nobles, but support by the peasants drove the wizards from their lands and proved that the peasants did not trust the educated elite of the Magical society.
The manipulation of magic through arcane sources led to the development of Artificing. Artificing is a type of mechanical science, often incorporating magical principles. The skills of a wizard are learned over long years and a valuable commodity not wasted making simple things like Sky Ships or Swords. Seeing a needed commodity, smithies began learning arcane arts and principles. They then took these skills and developed a method of making mechanical items capable of mimicking magical feats, that could be produced at a cheaper and quicker rate then wizards. Smithies are more dedicated to making a product and profit, while wizards simple made magic items to satisfy his/her cost for experimenting. Artificing is the manipulation of magical minerals and metals such as Mana-Crystals and Promethium.
Promethium is a steel substance with one additional property, anti-gravity ability. Promethium can be found deep in the earth often running closely to a vein of gold or silver. It is believed that Promethium was one of the magical arteries of the world as it was first being created. When dug up Promethium immediately floats toward the sky, over centuries specialized mining techniques have been invented for the extraction and processing of Promethium. Sky Ships were one of the first real uses for Promethium after reliable processing procedures came about. Now capable of processing a large quantity of Promethium, this steel was used to form the skeleton of a ship. These Ships revolutionized travel and commerce among the kingdoms halving the time needed to travel among the distant kingdoms. Another interesting discovery was that Promethium had already dislodged itself from the earth and could be found in large quantities simply floating among the clouds. The lucky discoverers had finally found the answer to the phenomenon of the daystars.
Mana-Crystal is a crystal of concentrated magical energy, known as mana. Wizards had used this concentrated form of magic energy for the past thousand years. These crystals can be tapped for energy or transformed into spell storing devices. Mana-crystals are found in veins deep in the earth and scholars have debated if these veins are the magical veins of the universe. Debating if man should even be removing them for fear that too much mining would have catastrophic consequences. Refined Mana-crystals have a high value for while it takes specialized skill to make them anyone with the proper training can draw upon the power locked inside. Effectively allowing armies or small groups to be outfitted with vast firepower.
Mana Crystals
A crystal substance that is understood to be crystallized chaos energy. With the right magical knowledge a spell caster can write a spell into a crystal, this new crystal can then be used to cast that spell drawing upon the chaos energy with in it.
Casting a spell crystal requires special knowledge and a weapon designed to have spell crystals socket into them. These Socket Weapons are masterwork weapons with additional “wiring” so that the wielder can focus and cast the spell stored with in the crystal.
Creation - A raw Mana crystal has not been altered or cut. Raw crystal can be tapped for it's magical power, but has no special powers in this form. Refining a crystal usually requires a master cutter, called a Crystal Cutter, to cut and shape the crystal. Cutting the crystal alters the properties of the magical energy with in, and makes them produce specific effects. The preciseness of the cut determines the power of the spell like effect. Only Master cutters with years of effect can draw out a truly powerful spell.
Legends abound that some Crystal Cutters can draw out the magical power of a crystal simply by willing. Shaped in this way the crystal is never cut and can perform incredible magical might, because non-of the mass of the crystal was lost from cutting. These is considered a lost art and believe to be one of the many secret arts practiced by the Harkoon elven nation.
Properties - Mana crystals are made of pure crystallized Chaos energy. As such it's properties are meaningless, but through application of simple methods the crystal can gain a polarity. This polarity is a Positive or Negative, which acts like magnetic energy. Unusually enough by spinning the crystal in a clockwise (positive) or counter clockwise (negative) fashion, the crystal gains a charge. This charge works in a magical way, positive having a healing and rejuvenating effect, while negative has draining and harmful effects. These effects are often used as a, poor mans healing agent or used to power many Artificer constructs. Several crystals spun in the right manor can create a magical engine, capable of powering a War Golem for years or change the state of Promethium from floating to falling.
Promethium is a steel like substance that has all the properties of steel with an additional property of anti-gravity. Promethium is a substance believed formed at the creation of all matter, but it’s specific purpose is unknown. The refining and mining of Promethium is a difficult process involving pressurized and sealed furnaces, so that the melted mana steel does not float away before it can be molded.
Promethium is also like steel in that it can be combined with other metals to make alloys. These alloys combine to with the ant-gravity properties to make Very light weight and useful metals.
Commodity Cost Type
1 lbs. Promethium 300 gp Pure
1 lbs. Mithral 500 gp Promethium with silver
1 lbs. Adamantine 1000 gp Promethium with iron
1 lbs. Gliterum 1500 gp Promethium with gold
Note: Mithral, Adamantine, and Gliterum are all substances that can be found in natural veins, but inquisitive dwarves found a long time ago that these substances can be made by combining silver, steel, and gold with Promethium.
Weapons and armor made from promethium a valuable and useful items. Promethium equipment has all but no weight, and all of its weight is from cheap metals like aluminum added into the forging process. All Promethium equipment is in actuality an alloy substance with aluminum or some other cheap metal, so that the equipment has enough weight to not fly away. These cheap metals also do not seem to have any beneficial effect on Promethium, but they can bond well enough so as to be forged.
Promethium Weapons: Treat the weapon as one size category smaller than it is, also the effective weight of the weapon is 1/3.
Promethium Armor: Similar to mithral with out any of the enhancement bonuses. Promethium armor has its weight reduced to 1/3, and the check penalty reduced by 2. Spell failure is also slightly better, the penalty is reduced by 5%.
Promethium is also used in the construction of Socket Weapons; Promethium is applied in a wire like fashions from the hilt to the socket were the Mana Spell Crystal would go. Along with a couple other alchemical steps the Promethium acts as a conductor for the impulse of the weapon wielder.
Mistridge
Legends of Starryn
The History and Legends of Mistridge
The First Age – The Age of Elves and Dwarves
The First Shadow War (1000 years / 26,000 years before present)
Rinzo of nightmares set forth to conquer all that which existed in the Mortal Realms. Riding forth with his/her minions he/her did do battle with the armies of the Elves and Dwarves. The Great War lasted for 75 years but with the aid of the Sehei (Minions of Solaris) the forces of Rinzo could not conquer the mortal realms. The actual details of this war have faded into legend and then into ancient lore, so specifics are sketchy at best. The elves do sing songs of these long lost battles, with great pride and warning.
Rinzo was defeated and the elves and Dwarves placed great binding spells and magical doors to the realm of shadow. These doors locked the minions of Rinzo and Rinzo it self out of the mortal realms, but this measure had a great price. The power that the Sehei drew upon was now blocked from them, locked away in the Realm of Light. The doors blocked all Outer Realm beings from freely drawing their power into the Mortal Realms. The Sehei now blocked from their sources of power would eventually weaken.
Though the paths to and from the outer realms were now locked the paths to the 13 other Mortal Realms and the Astral Realms remained open. The paths from realm to realm at this time are easy to traverse and only requires the knowledge of the path to walk it.
The Key to Shadow, now a powerful magical artifact was hidden long ago, and the elves intelligently sing not of the location of the key. Hidden by the most powerful sorcerers and wizards no one who found the key would ever suspect it is nothing more than a key to an ancient lock. Some records among the delving of Human seekers have accounts of the forging of the doors and depictions of the key, but these are hard to find and fanciful if one was to believe them.
The First Exodus (16,000 years before present)
The doors to the realms of light closed the Sehei became weak to the point they could not stay in the mortal realms. Slowly the Sehei left the land, taking with them their followers and making their homes in the Realm of Light. Using their power over the All-Knowledge to make kingdoms and cities to live in.
At this time many elves also left the mortal realms, these elves went out into the Outer Realms making there own Refuge from all, including Rinzo. Their realms proximity to Chaos allows them to manipulate their environment freely, and their binding wards block all who are not of Elven decent from entering.
With the Sehei gone the laws and order their presence created began to dwindle. Solaris then created Elementals that drew their power from realms that were not blocked behind the Doors that blocking light and shadow from the Mortal Realms. The Elemental Realms were only half formed realms in the Astral Drift, Solaris took these half formed realms and gave them status of their own. Then Solaris created the Elemental Lords to rule their respective realm and maintain the order of the Mortal Realms. This was the beginning to the Second Age.
The Second Shadow War (14,000 years before present)
After the Elementals were created, Rinzo attacked the mortal realms a second time. Rinzo of Nightmares could force his way past the Dwarves Doors, there in the mortal realms he/she could plot his/her invasion. Rinzo’s power allowed him/her to open pathways large enough for an invasion, but his/her forces would be at to great a strategic disadvantage for the effort. So cunning and strategy would be needed for his/her schemes to work. First Rinzo need to corrupted 7 agents, who would eventually become his archdukes. Seven Elemental spirits of some force were touched by his corrupting finger and transformed into beings of hate and deceit. The 7 then worked with in the Elemental hierarchy to destabilize the forces of the Elemental lords in preparation for the 2nd invasion.
The second part of Rinzo’s plan worked in the same fashion the Dwarves Door’s did. Rinzo using powerful magic’s created a barrier between the Elemental Realms and the Mortal Realms. A barrier known as the Ethereal zone that already existed, this barrier simple functioned to keep the pure forces of the elemental realms from surging out into the Astral Drift or one of the 13 Mortal Realms. Rinzo took the Ethereal zone and strengthened it into a wall, The Ethereal Divide, blocking the Elemental Lords form traversing to the mortal realms and blocking the Elemental Spirits form their source of power. The strengthening or the Ethereal Zone caused great destruction and havoc.
The third step of Rinzo’s plan happened in tandem with the creation of the Ethereal Divide. In great numbers, the forces of Rinzo surged forth from shadow through paths created by Rinzo. The Genishi, the mortals of the Elementals, gathered their forces with the Elves and Dwarves and prepared to take up arms against shadow once again. The battles began in favor of the mortal armies, until Rinzo’s 7 revealed their true nature and tore great rifts in the organization of the mortal armies. Swiftly the minions of shadow took the upper hand and walked across the Mortal Realms in victory.
The Second Exodus (13,875 years before present)
As the minions of Rinzo conquered the remaining free lands the elves and dwarves gathered in numbers. The elves opened great pathways and left for the Refuge created by their brethren long ago. The dwarves closed the great doors to their underground mines and cities and locked them. Taking refuge in their near impregnable underground homes. The dwarves then dug deep into the earth, were strange forces had changing effects on many of these strongholds.
At the time of the Exodus the Genishi had to also find a way to protect their race. The Elves and the Dwarves had great refuges to fall back on, while the Genishi only created a civilization that shadow was quickly devouring. The Genishi made a fateful decision to release much of their elemental birth right and absorb traits to allow them to survive with in the wilds and hide from the shadow trying to destroy them. The Genishi fell into factions as no one group could agree how to protect their race, so many different but similar races were formed. These races were named the Elendar, and took on traits of the wild animals that lived and hide in the deep forests. These deep forests were the few places were the Elendar could hide and protect themselves from shadow. Even then, some felt that the clouds held the best protection, and many flew off into the sky to make great floating cities and fortresses.
The Dark Times (from 14,000 to 12,000 years before present)
These are the times when Rinzo’s 7 Archdukes and his shadow followers controlled the 13 Mortal Realms. This time is filled with misery and sorrow, but little record of events from this time exists. Additionally almost no record can be traced back before this time, because the shadows ravaged and destroyed all the ancient cites of the Elves and Genishi.
The power of Rinzo fueled the 7 and their minions but eventually like the Sehei, this power began to weaken. Rinzo eventually had no choice but to return to shadow and eventually his 7 and armies of shadow also returned. With out the power of shadow, the armies could not keep control.
Finally after 2000 years the Elendar could walk the fields and plains with out fear of minions of shadow. The age of splendor under the Elemental Lords and as the Genishi was long past, but the Elendar, remaining elves and the dwarves set out to repair the damage shadow had caused to the once beautiful land.
The Titans (3000 years before present)
The beginning of the Third Age is marked by the creation of the Titans. With the Ethereal Divide blocking the power of the Elemental Lords, Solaris had to create new beings to maintain the laws and order for the universe. The Titans would draw power from the elements and their own emotions allowing them close proximity to the Material Realms. Second their would be numerous Titans so they could not all be easily cut off from the mortal realms. This strategy satisfied Solaris, and the Titans were formed. With the Titans a new mortal race was formed, Man or The Hindar race. The Titans and Hindar were created with the express purpose to have variety to protect against Rinzo’s influence affecting the whole or his ability to separate the Titans from the mortal realms and the titan’s power base. This diversity created conflict and no two Titan or Hindar civilization could find agreement. Wars raged across the lands as Hindar fought with Hindar for 500 years.
Ayden the Thunder (2500 years before the present)
Solaris and the Elemental Lords knew that the Hindar constantly warring amongst themselves served them not, so a champion was sent to rally the Hindar under one banner. Ayden was granted four gifts one from each of the Elemental Lords. The most powerful was that of Tor, the power of Change. Ayden could affect a powerful change of heart and mind within those he spoke too, and great armies flocked to his banner. Slowly Ayden traversed the 13 realms and slowly he brought every Hindar land and civilization under one banner! 75 years passed before his mission saw completion, and while he was changing the hearts of Hindar, the Titans saw a change amongst themselves. Groups of Titans gathered into Pantheons and worked together and among the Hindar who were their followers.
The Third Shadow War (2425 years before the present)
Ayden no sooner had his goals under control than his destiny would confront him. The Powers that be knew that the warring factions of the Hindar only helped Rinzo and his minions. Again Rinzo set his sights on destroying that which took thousands of years repairing and building. Also again, Rinzo set out to use his cunning and deceit to infiltrate the Hindar before he would actually invade. The barriers to Rinzo’s plans were great, after the Titans were formed Solaris strengthened the Ethereal Divide against Rinzo. Rinzo was now not able to manifest into the mortal realms with out being summoned, and even then it could not summon a vast amount of its power to its side. Rinzo had to bind some of its power to the mortal realms.
During dark storms and in dark furnaces 10 rings of Rinzo’s power were forged. These rings were scattered among the 13 realms and among servants who worked their way into key positions and waited. Also at this time, avatars were chosen for Rinzo’s archdukes. These avatars would allow the 7 to move across the Ethereal Divide and fight the Titans on the Titans level. When the time of war came the 13 realms were only caught slightly unawares.
The Grey Lords suspected Rinzo’s intentions and plans, so they formed a pact with 12 other Titans. The 12, as they are known, prepared for the day when Rinzo would spring its trap and waited. Additionally the Grey Lords devised a plan to imprison Rinzo and stop his campaigns completely. Using the Chalice of Order and the forge of Tor, the Grey Lords turned a piece of crystallized Mana into Pure Mana again. This pure mana was poured into the Chalice where it was protected from the influences of Order and given to Ayden to carry into battle.
Rinzo’s plans called for his 10 ring bearers to gather at the Tower of Lunaris, and their using forgotten lore used the Tower to make an Eclipse. The 10 could then cast enchantments and summon Rinzo, to their surprise he used all of them as his Avatar. The 10 combined into a great One person with 10 rings upon their fingers. Again Rinzo would open Doors to the realm of shadow and for the 3rd time shadow invaded the mortal realms. This time, contrary to previous ages, Rinzo’s power was permanently bound to the mortal realms; so a victory for Rinzo would see a second age of Darkness that would see no end!
Ayden and his armies arrived too late to stop the summoning of Rinzo and just after, a massive army traveled from shadow to do battle and protect Rinzo. Ayden carried the Chalice into battle and with incredible skill never spilled a drop of pure mana even while fighting the throngs of shadow. His 15 son’s turned Generals, followed behind him and all battled they’re way to the Tower of Lunaris.
While mortal’s battle Titans also did war, the 7 archdukes in avatar form did battled the 12 as they attempted to subdue Rinzo long enough for Ayden to bring the chalice to the tower. The 12 battled long and hard, but Rinzo was summoned as they expected. The 12 did claim victories over the archdukes and defeated nearly all of them before Rinzo could be fully summoned to the 13 realms. Standing their ground, they called upon their remaining reserves only to see Rinzo knock them aside. Then as Rinzo prepared to strike his foes dead with the power of his rings a 13th Titan appeared or at least was seen as he fled at great speed. Guyron the Titan of thieves had performed the most miraculous of thefts! As Rinzo prepared to strike down the 12 his rings of power were gone. Wolfhelm stood up and with a newfound strength and did battled with Rinzo once again. Their duel lasted for hours no one taking the upper hand, when Rinzo finally struck him to the ground taking Wolfhelm’s left eye with that final blow.
The duel had lasted so long that Ayden did reach the tower, and during the final commotion threw the chalice at Rinzo. The contents of the Chalice finally spilled forth, and poured over the Avatar Rinzo, the Pure Mana began to crystallize as the laws of order dictated and Rinzo was imprisoned in a nearly indestructible crystal created by the laws of the universe itself!
The Battle was won, and the paths to shadow closed. There armies quickly fled to shadow or found shelter deep underground when the paths closed to quickly for them to get through. Lastly the defeated archdukes were imprisoned into the crystal with their master, all but 2 that fled when Rinzo was imprisoned.
The War of the 10 Rings (2400 years before present)
After the long battle of the 3rd Shadow War, Ayden was given the Dark Crystal to guard and keep safe. The Crystal had to be hidden so that no minion of shadow would release Rinzo upon the Realms again. Ayden from his most trusted Honor Guard created a secret society and they took the Crystal someplace secret and far away. With the aid of Coldbringer they did make defenses and protection so that the crystal would never be found.
Guyron returned with the 10 Rings of Power and also gave them to Ayden. The rings would need to be protected from shadow also so that they could not be used for evil again. Ayden gave them to his 10 remaining sons, they would be protectors and guardians of the rings.
The time of war had long past and Ayden ruled his empire with wisdom and clarity. Having lived a long time and having completed his mission of destiny, died 10 years after the final battle. He took his empire and split it among his 10 sons, who would start their own bloodlines and rule as wisely as their father. The Sons formed into a council and voted one who would head the council. Ilithiad was the oldest and most skilled at governing so he was chosen to lead this council of kings. The council ruled wisely as their father had once did and for 10 years the peoples say continued peace.
The council of Kings continued to protect the Rings of Power, but ill judgment saw the sons of Ayden use those rings. The remaining minions of shadow forged their own empires deep in the earth and on occasion attacked the surface world. The council decided to use the power of shadow against them, and wielded the Rings of Power into battle. This was their fatal mistake, for few foresaw that the rings would have a corrupting effect. For 5 more years the council fell into paranoia and fear, till finally the council was broken and the 10 sons went to war with each other.
Illithiad made his kingdom in Midland Mistridge; there he gathered great armies and marched on his own brothers. The Ring he wore turned him cruel and power hungry. This pattern was repeated in all the brothers and great wars were waged. The War of the 10 Rings lasted for 6 years, until all the resources and reserves of each kingdom were used to their fullest. Brother was slain and kingdom was conquered till only 2 brothers remained, Ilithiad and his younger brother Marcus.
The power mad ring bearers then did the most heinous of crimes. Ilithiad searched for the protectors of the Dark Crystal, that prison which held Rinzo. Using the power of the Rings he thought to destroy the source of the rings power leaving all the power to be his solely. Ilithiad did reach the crystal and smote it with his mighty sword, and shattered it into 50 shards. The Protectors of the crystal then rallied quickly, driving Ilithiad back they gathered the shards and scattered them to the winds. The 50 shards were taken far and fast to be hidden from the schemes of Ilithiad.
The Titans had for the most part grown tiresome of this war, but only the Grey Lords understood it’s true motivations. They knew that the Rings were the cause of this folly. So they conspired with Guyron and his followers, to steal the Rings again. The Grey Lords then set out to form soldier who would fulfill their plans and aid Guyron’s followers. The Grey Order was formed when the Lords convinced the Leader of Ilithiad’s Honor guard of Ilithiad’s evil and folly. The Grey Order was formed, they aided the Thieves of Guyron and saw all 5 rings were stolen from Marcus. The corrupting effects on Marcus wore down a bit and Marcus began to realize the gravity of his mistakes. Ilithiad on the other hand protected himself well, and required delicate planning to steal his Rings of Power. Marcus was forced to still do battle with Ilithiad, because the war was already begun.
The final battle was planned and all the pieces were put into place. The final battle was huge and bloody. Army upon army laid siege to Marcus’s stronghold, and eventually the walls fell. Brother took up sword against brother, Ilithiad and Marcus did fight a tremendous battle. Then the leader of Ilithiad’s honor guard betrayed him, and Thieves leaped forth from the battling soldiers and stole 4 of the remaining Rings. Ilithiad did slay the last thief before the ring could be taken, and stood before his enemies. The shock of his honor guards betrayal faded, he called upon all the power of the ring! Marcus though begged his brother to release the ring, to let the corrupting effects of that ring go. Ilithiad laughed, but the effects had faded just slightly. A glint of reason shown in Ilithiad’s eyes and as the fatal blow slowly killed him, he did end the war by releasing the ring to his brother. Ilithiad died asking for forgiveness for his actions and deeds.
The Thieves of Guyron took the last 5 rings and with all 10 in hand went into hiding. They hid the rings so that no man or titan could ever find them, and placed great binding and protection devices around the rings. Guyron and his thieves then went into a quasi retirement, the greatest of thefts were now theirs and no other deeds could be so great.
Marcus the last of the council did try to bring peace back to the lands but only was able to stave off further war for most of his lifetime. The various kingdoms did fall into war again and splintered into smaller and smaller kingdoms. Thousands of years have seen many Kingdoms rise and fall and then take the place of old kingdoms, but a legend did come from Marcus’ dying lips. Marcus said with his last breath that only a man who could drink from the Chalice of Power could lead the Hindar into glory and peace. How he knew this no one was sure, but scholars believe Solrem gave Marcus a vision of the future were he saw the new King of all the Hindar drink from the Chalice of Power used to imprison Rinzo.
The Chalice was left in the abandoned castle and still sits upon an alter, were it gathers rain water to be drank by someone to prove they are the one who would lead all the Hindar.
The Dark War (50 years before present)
The years past, kingdom rose and fell to then be replaced by another kingdom. After long sleep the 2 archdukes of Rinzo still free revealed themselves. They corrupted a kingdom and renamed it the Dark Empire. This Empire conspired with the hidden shadow kingdoms deep in the earth and set out to conquer the land of Midland Mistridge. A Great War machine was gathered and the Dark Empire marched on small kingdom and village. No man or woman was left unaffected in their path. The Kingdoms further away did not suspect the threat the Dark Empire posed. Only rumors of dark magic and shadow creatures aiding the armies reached their doorstep, they did not listen. The Dark Empire did grow till no choice was left to the other empires but to fight back.
Volur the kingdom of Wizards and Sorcerers did suspect the workings of Shadow but left well enough alone. They bided their time till suitable response could be mustered on their side. The armies of Kaster Knights were formed and trained. Using arcane skill and fighter sword, Kaster Knights were the most powerful defenders Volur had. When the Dark Empire reached the nearest kingdoms, spies and diplomats were sent to the other kingdoms to gather support for their eventual campaign. The King and the Wizards Council knew that the support of other Kingdoms would be needed to stop the armies of the Dark Empire. Negotiations took long and were difficult, agreement was only reached when the Dark Empire stood poised to commit to their final assault on the various Kingdoms.
The wars that raged when the Dark Empire did attack were unlike any seen before. Great war machines from Engrand cut paths of devastation not seen in any war, the War Golems of Engrand particularly were a most frightening sight to see. Many tales were spun those days as hero and soldier did fight on those fields of battle.
The armies of the Dark Empire were driven back, back to the Kingdom that did spawn them. The alliance armies fought the battle all the way to the Kings castle were all was smashed to the ground. The Mightiest of Volur’s wizards gathered to imprison Malefont the archduke of Rinzo orchestrating this nightmare. The wizards did cast the ancient spells that imprisoned Malefont into a shard of the Dark Crystal hidden in the city of Volur for years long since forgotten. With the Kings power imprisoned the King of the Dark Empire was slain along with all his heirs to end any threat they may present in the future.
The Dark War ended with the complete annihilation of a kingdom and the death of hundreds of thousands.
The universe is believed to have been created by the two Celestials known as Solaris and Lunaris. Solaris took Lunaris the entity of chaos, and in loving embrace the two formed the 13 Realms.
Lunaris: The Celestial of chaos, and represented by the moon. Lunaris is the chaotic essence of the universe. Her body is made up of mana, and this mana can still be found through out the lands. The pure form of her essence is rare indeed to find; only that which is crystallized can exist with in the form of Solaris’ order. Lunaris is represented by the moon, as she watches over the land she observes that which her essence was formed into and created.
Solaris: The Celestial of Order, and represented by the Sun. Solaris took the mana of Lunaris and formed it into the 13 Realms, combining his order to her chaos. He took her mana and created the land, skies, and seas. He then ordered his minions the Sehei to use the All-Knowledge to form life and to populate the land, sea, and skies. The sehei performed their job well using the All-Knowledge to form the mana (chaos) into trees, birds, fish, and all the life of the land. They then created the first sentient and mortal life, per Solaris’ direction they created the Elves and the Dwarves. After all was created Solaris took the remaining mana and crystallized it, because pure mana cannot coexist with the order of the universe.
The universe went on in this fashion for as long as the elves can remember, and after a fashion one by one the Sehei traveled to the Realm of Light. Their conection to the Order of Solaris caused them to have a draining effect when they existed to close to chaos. So Solaris created the Elemental Lords, beings who could coexist with the mixture of chaos and order of the material realms. He gave them a portion of the All-Knowledge allowing them complete power over their domain.
Hawkimas: The elemental of air and wind. His thunder can rain down judgment, and his rains can provide sustenance. He is part of the Triumvirate of the Elementals and Highest of all of them. His will provides Law and Order to the universe.
The Ice King: The elemental of water and ice. He judges the dead and reigns in the underworld. Brother of Hawkimas and brings justice after death. The true name of The Ice King is unknowable to those who live, for to know his true name the living would die. Also a member of the Triumvirate, he is Justice.
Mistridune: The elemental of stone and earth. She is the life that fills the universe, nurturer of plants and animals. She is life and creation. The last member of the Triumvirate, her essence can be seen in all that walks or grows on the land.
Tor: The elemental of fire and entropy. Tor is the wanderer, he walks the lands and 13 realms of the universe, continually affecting change on the universe. He is not part of the Triumvirate, for how can entropy exist with in order without destroying it.
The minions of the Elemental Lords or the Elemental spirits exist with in all things maintaining and sustaining the universe. Mistridune continually made new life and in her creations she formed the second mortal species of the lands, the Genieshi. These were part elemental part humanoid mortal. The Genieshi, as a race, did not last long for after the 2nd shadow war the Genieshi transformed themselves into the Elendar. Part nature, and part civilized mortals, the Elendar exhibited the most useful traits of many species across the lands. This allowed them to more easily hide in the forests and plains during the Dark Times, when Rinzo ruled the Realm of Mistridge.
After the 2nd Shadow War the Elemental Lords could not traverse to the 13 Realms, so another being with the power of the All-Knowledge was created. This group was to be the closest to the emotional Mortals they would be driven by emotion and by the All-Knowledge. Their emotions put them closest to the 13 Realms and allowed them to exist in the Astral Drift itself. These new beings were known as the Titans, striding across the land as gods would and wielding awe-inspiring power. The Titans also created a third race of Mortals the Human race, also known as the Hindar.
The Titans were given domain over a portion of All-Knowledge, they granted their will as gifts to the Hindar. The Titans are anthropomorphic beings holding domain over the winds, war, and various other aspects of the 13 Realms.
Volurdoon (Zeus) Magic, Law, Knowledge
Patron of Volur, the Titan of Wizardry and Magic, the most powerful and Leader of the 12, Volurdoon provides law and Stability. With his Staff of Light made by Terradon, Volurdoon holds council over the 12. As the most powerful Titan of The 12 he is the representative force to all the other Titans of Mortal Realms. He is constantly experimenting in magic and is obsessed with finding a way to survive the fabled negation Solarius and Lunarus will make when their experiment is complete. Married to the Lady of Destiny. His Alignment is Neutral Good, and his weapon of choice is a staff or spear.
Rayhera; Lady Destiny (Hera) Luck, Death, Healing (life), Chaos
Lady Destiny is a fickle Titan who spends her time amongst mortals choosing lovers right and left. Wife to Volurdoon, she sees her vow as more of an inconvenience that was needed in a time long past. Volurdoon’s obsession has turned her against him, and flaunts her lovers to simply get a rise out of him. Her jealousy of Volurdoon’s obsession raged across the fates of all mortals, causing all mortals from that time forth to rage at unrequited love. Her power extends over the “The Fates”, and are represented by her “Strings” of fate that run through and connect everyone! Rayhera is Lawful Evil and she has no preferred weapon, for her power over fate is all she needs.
Coldbringer (Hades) Water, Law, Death, Chaos
Son of the Ice King; The Coldbringer summons the icy winds of winter and rules the Realm of Shadow. Coldbringer became the ruler of the Realm of Shadow after the 3rd Shadow war when the Realm was taken from Rinzo itself. He also wields the Scales of Death, or The Scales of Justice. Coldbringer weighs all of a person’s evil and bad works against the weight of a feather. If their evil is less than a feather they go onto the Realm of Light, if their evil works are equal to or slightly greater than a feather they are reincarnated to continue working towards good works. Lastly if they tip the scales radically with their evil they are sent to the realm of Shadow for punishment in a form of purgatory. The Coldbringer is Neutral (decided Neutral, he cannot hold opinion over the mortals he has to judge), and his preferred weapon is the scythe.
Aphasia (Aphrodite) Trickery, Law, Healing, Chaos
Aphasia the Titan of Love and Lust, Passion and Attraction. She was spawned when Rayhera exploded with rage upon Volurdoon’s rebuking of her for his obsession. Aphasia is Lawful Evil, and her favored weapon is a short sword.
Solrem (Apollo) Sun, Knowledge, Luck (time), Healing
Solrem is the son of Rayhera and a river elemental; Solrem has a twin sister Feyran. Solrem contains a great part of the All-Knowledge allowing him to perceive Futures. While Rayhera could tell a mortal’s destiny, it might not detail that mortal’s future. Solrem sees the permutations of time and possible futures. Solrem is Lawful Neutral, and his favorite weapon is the Long sword.
Feyran (Artemis) Animal, Chaos, War, Plant
Feyran is the daughter of Rayhera, and twin to Solrem. The protector of Nature and Animals; she has a strong link to Mistridge, but feels her role is more protective. Many cults fall under her influence, and live by a strict co-existence with nature. A terrorist group of Chirn known as the Red Talon falls under her known cults! She is also the wife of Wolfhelm; she married him after the 3rd Shadow war. Feyran is Lawful Evil, and her favorite weapon is the Bow.
The Grey Lords (Athena) War, Healing, Law, Knowledge Hawksoar, Archolus
Titans of balance, Healing and War and the sons of Volurdoon and Rayhera! They are patrons of civilization, but are received by no specific city. The Grey Lords seek a balance of Chaos and Order, while most of the time their actions can be perceived as good many times they perform acts of evil for the greater good. The Grey Order is an established Knight order dedicated to the Grey Lords. Specialized training and granted powers make them a force to be reckoned with. The Grey Lords are Neutral, and their favorite weapon is the Bastard Sword.
Terradon also Herarune (Hephestus) Earth, Fire, Magic, Strength
Master of forging and enchanting. Terradon’s Volcano is rife with enchanted weapons he makes for the various Titans. Terradon is Chaotic Good, and his favorite weapon is the War Hammer.
Wolfhelm (Aries) War, Strength, Destruction, Chaos
Wolfhelm is the Titan of War and tactics. His followers are the Knights of Wolfhelm, additionally even his clerics become apart of the Order. Wolfhelm is clearly the best warrior, and greatest tactician of all the Titans. His skill aided in the defeat of Rinzo but cost him his left eye in the process. As apart of his Oath to help in the 3rd Shadow war he won the hand of Feyran and married her at twilight the day after the war. Wolfhelm is of Chaotic Neutral, and his favorite weapon is a great sword.
Endenfur (Hermes) Travel, Death, Air, Protection
Endenfur is the half brother of Coldbringer; they both have the same mother. Endenfur is the Titan of travel and is the psychofont, leading the dead to the afterlife and courts of The Ice King. Endenfur is Chaotic Good, and his favorite weapon is the Rapier.
Sturmdoon (Poseidon) Water, Destruction, Law, Protection
Sturmdoon is the Titan of Oceans and brother to Volurdoon. He protects the oceans and provides it’s bounty for mortals, and asks little in return. His many half brothers and sisters make up the various rivers and lakes that are scattered across the land. A legend of Sturmdoon suggests he is the reason Promethium works so difficulty across the seas, his mother Mistridge herself became angry that he allowed the mortals to take so freely from his seas. She raged and stormed across his oceans, creating creatures that were more violent and hunted all the creatures of the sea. In retaliation he cast a powerful spell never allowing her to cross her seas again. Thus Promethium, which is believed to be from Mistridge herself, travels oceans very difficulty. Sturmdoon is Lawful Neutral, and his favorite weapon is the trident.
Acantra (Dionysus) Animal, Healing, Earth, Plant
Acantra is the Titan of feasts; she is also a harvest Titan and is celebrated when a good harvest is brought in. These usually turn into large celebrations and her holidays are the most revered for their atmosphere of fun and enjoyment. Acantra was spawned the day Feyran renounced any mortal who would not live by her strict code of coexistence. Acantra is Chaotic Neutral, and her favorite weapon is the Great Axe!
CaSaphier Knowledge, Trickery, Chaos, Animal
CaSaphier is a feline Titan who is the keeper of secret knowledge. She is not apart of any specific pantheon of Titans but mingles with all of them. Her shrines occur in unusual places with no indication as to who built them. As an independent she claim no loyalty to anyone, but avoids alienating herself by not interfering; too much. CaSaphier hoards knowledge and secrets, her lore books are a treasure trove of secrets and truths. Clerics who follow her are usually loners who are highly regarded and hated for their vast network of information. CaSaphier's favored weapon is the short sword.
Metroon Good, Law, War
Metroon is a Titan of Valor who travels in select circles of good Titans. Metroon promotes justice, valor, chivalry, and honor. His followers contain paladins and other good oriented combatants. His favored weapon is the long sword.
Guyron Trickery, Travel, Luck, Knowledge
Guyron is the Titan of thieves and artisans. After the 3rd shadow war Guyron has retired to the life of an Artist. His abilities as a thief allowed him to steal the very power of Rinzo it self. His favored weapon is the rapier.
Rubia Trickery, Luck, Chaos
Rubia is the daughter of Guyron and is the new Titan of thieves. As a thief she is said to rival her father, but that has never been clearly decided. Rubia’s holy symbol is the symbol the thief guild is recognized by; her white rose replaced the soaring eagle of Guyron when he retired as a thief. Rubia’s favored weapon is also the rapier.
Engra Travel, Protection, Law, Luck
Engra is the Titan of commerce and trade. He code is the code that all merchants live by and a stature of her is always found in every shop across the land. She is believed to bring good luck to a business and her rituals are strictly obeyed in kingdoms like Engrand were merchants are the ruling class, and commerce is as important as military defense. Her favored weapon is the long sword.
Rinzo
The Doom of Mistridge
The dark celestial of nightmares, Rinzo has no gender and can take any form it chooses to. Rinzo was formed at the time of universal creation. That time when Solaris and Lunaris joined to create all that is. Lunaris, who is the essence of chaos, had to cast off her hatred of order so that her essence could be formed into the universe. This cast off hatred became intelligent and performed its only function, to destroy order. Rinzo was formed. Rinzo is Lunaris' darker half, the part of her that makes nightmarish forms and creatures. Rinzo immediately formed a place for himself and created the realm of shadow for him to make his grotesque creations and minions. The realm of light formed in the response to Rinzos blatant manipulation of creation.
Rinzo's only thought is to return all creation to the chaos it was once before. Over time Rinzo's personality has become more faceted and total destruction faded from its mind. While Rinzo is immensely powerful total destruction of all creation is just outside its power limit. After failed attempts Rinzo became focused on controlling creation, more with in its power limits, and bringing a nightmarish chaos upon everything.
Rinzo used the realm of shadow to create and gather vast armies under its control, and savagely invaded the material realms many times. Rinzos first attempt to invade failed. He gathered his forces and stormed reality, only to be finally thwarted by the combined effort of the Sehei, Elves, and Dwarves. The battle took nearly 75 years, but the dwarves finally won by cutting Rinzo off from its power base. The realm of shadow serves as Rinzos conduit into the universe, through shadow Rinzo can draw upon its full might. The Dwarves and Elves cast powerful magics and created a barrier between Shadow and The Material Realms. This barrier blocked Rinzo from using its full might.
The second invasion, Rinzo bided its time and planned. Rinzo corrupted 7 elemental spirits to be Dukes of Chaos and Shadow. He used these powerful minions to help corrupt the power base of Geneishi civilization and prepare for Rinzos second invasion. Rinzo also used the trump card that the elves and dwarves used against him. To stop the elemental lords from aiding the Geneishi, Rinzo created a barrier between the elemental realms and the material realms. This time Rinzo won and with an iron first cast an age of darkness across all the lands, that lasted for 2000 years.
The Seven Dukes of Shadow
Domains
Malafont Chaos, War, Strength, Hatred, Evil
Malafont is Rinzo's Duke of Strength and War. Malafont favors direct confrontation and shows of force, he never backs down from a fight and almost never loses. During the 3rd War of Shadow, Malafont was one of the Dukes to not be defeated and escaped to plan new schemes of evil. He was eventually defeated to at the battle of Darkholm and imprisoned along with his brethren in the Dark Crystal. Malafont has dedicated followers like every other Titan; his followers dedicate themselves to savagery and combat. His followers the Knights of Malafont are only knights in name and tend to fight in a loose unpredictable style that uses dirty tactics and ruthless brutality. Malafont's favored weapon is the Great Sword.
Diablys Evil, War, Magic, Knowledge
Diablys is a tactician and sorcerer. He is Rinzos general and leadership among the Seven. Diablys studies both magic and war, to be a master of them in the field of battle. Though not as great a fighter as Malafont, of wizard as Tirainyus he knows both so he can lead them more effectively in battle. Diablys was the mastermind behind the majority of the invasion of the 2nd War of Shadow and his plans gave victory to Rinzo. Diablys' favored weapon is the Bastard Sword.
Shardoon Trickery, Protection, Darkness, Evil
Shardoon is the Black Jester. Trickery and stealth are his greatest weapon. Not the best fighter, or wizard Shardoon is the secret hand of Rinzo and Diablys. Using stealth and shadow to his advantage, Shardoon is the Duke of Assassins. His cults were among the most ruthless and deadly. Often a cult of Shardoon would simply wander as a band of killers or hire themselves as assassins but then kill their unsuspecting patron. Shardoon's favored weapon is the Dagger.
Tirainyus Destruction, Magic, Undead, Death, Evil
Tirainyus is the master of undead and magic. Magic was his domain and mastering it his responsibility. Tirainyus also craft powerful magical weapons for the Seven, to use in Rinzo's name. Tirainyus' cults used undead monsters and wielded powerful magics cruelly and brutally.
Tiarune Luck, Plant, Spider, Evil
Tiarune is the master of spiders and dark forests. Her sworn enemies were Wood Elves who saw her as the antithesis of their life in the forests of Mistridge. She formed cults of worshipers who corrupted pristine forests into dens of evil and fear. Her favored weapon is the Long Sword.
Nerallus Water, Evil, Destruction, Storm
Nerallus is the master of water and a plague to sailors and coastal cities. His hurricane storms and tsunami waves destroyed ship upon ship and city after city. Very few cults existed under him and those that did were among water breathing species that ravaged shipping lanes and were blight on coastal cities. Nerallus' favored weapon is the Trident.
Grumrish Fire, Evil, Death, Mentalism
Grumrish is the master of fire and anarchy. He is a destabilizing force and burns brightest during riots of random violence and destruction. Grimrish's favored weapon is the Long Sword.
The Wars of Shadow are dark time in the history of Mistridge, the darkest being the second war when Rinzo won and the time of darkness began. The time of darkness came to an end when Rinzo's power could not be sustained and Rinzo and its minions returned to shadow determined to return. When the Hindar ruled the land Rinzo saw this as his opportunity to strike again, his energy refreshed Rinzo sought out those to conspire with it. Through them he crafted a plan to bind his power to the material realms so this age of darkness would not have an end. Ten rings were forged each containing a portion of his power, and given to his most loyal minions. As Rinzo had done to the Geneishi, it sought to corrupt from with in the Hindar civilization in preparation for the invasion. When the time for the invasion finally arrived the 10 ring barriers were summoned and magically bound into an avatar for Rinzo, but his victory was short. When the Titans and Hindar armies attacked he was defeated, his rings striped from him by Guyron and imprisoned in a Dark Crystal never to be freed. Rinzo's threat of terror seemed to be ended.
Hundreds of years later in the land of Volur a young fighter named Tennakugan released a portion of Rinzo to spread nightmares across the land once again. The Crystal prison was shattered into 50 shards during the War of 10 and quickly hidden far across the lands. Shattered each shard was weak, and could be destroyed. Tennakugan in the direst of accidents did destroy shard. Thinking he would be destroying an evil forever he released a greater evil upon the land. That day Rinzo leveled the great city of Volur Rose, leaving a great scar upon the land.
The crystal prison of Rinzo is a marvel of ingenuity. Formed of the stuff of chaos, the pure chaos quickly turned into crystal form; per the laws set down by Solaris himself. This prison is formed of the laws of the universe, for Mana Crystal cannot be changed back to pure chaos nor destroyed with any ease. This prison contains all of Rinzos power; creatures of shadow and chaos can call upon this power. Many a power mad creature has tried to wield this power and been destroyed by it. The Seven through powerful magic were also imprisoned in this Crystal with Rinzo. After the 3rd War of Shadow only two Dukes of Shadow escaped. Malafont and Shardoon, both of whom hid until the war of Darkholm when the Dukes corrupted the King to wage war and conquer the Material Realms. They failed and the last two Dukes were finally imprisoned in the Dark Crystal.
The Universe of Mistridge
The universe of Mistridge is debated by the best philosophers and explored by the most intelligent adventurers. Amongst these individuals is the most recognized explanation of the universe, which puts the various Outsider realms as layers around the 13 Material Realms. With a powerful Ethereal Divide created by Rinzo making travel from the Outsider realms to the Material Realms difficult, if not impossible at times.
The Universe by Layer
The Realm of Order and Chaos – The furthest realms from the Material Realms, access is difficult and often dangerous. Those that have traveled to these realms describe environments that no creature could exist in.
Order – The Realm of Order is a static land where change does not exist. All that is and all that could be, exists at once in unmoving stasis.
Chaos – The Realm of Chaos is a constantly changing environment, were the landscape continually changes and pure Chaos Energy permeates as storms across this place.
The Intermediary Realms – These Realms are a buffer between Pure Order and Chaos, and the inner realms. The intermediary realms, as they get further away from Order and Chaos, become more hospitable to material creatures. The Order Intermediary Realms begin to allow chaos to have a small influence and let change/entropy effect the environment. The Chaos Intermediary Realms begin to allow order to take influence and do not have the constant change that Pure Chaos does.
The Realm of Shadow and Light
Shadow – The Realm of Shadow is a realm of continual change, and little stability. Natives of the Realm of Shadow can only tenuously be called races. Many creatures roam the changing landscape, and many more new residents have made the Shadow Plain their home. The Sea of Purgatory is one of the few non-changing features of the Realm. The Sea of Purgatory is where The Ice King banishes those souls that are to be punished before being reincarnated.
Light – The Realm of Light is the home of the Sehei, a realm of order and stability the Sehei made it their home after the Elemental Lords were given domain over the Material Realms. The Garden of Tranquility is where the Ice King Sends those who’s good works in life are deserving of reward. Also the Garden is a waypoint for the transition to a Buddhist like Nirvana.
The Elemental Realms
Air – The Realm of Hawkimas and also the elemental plane of the forces of wind and storm. Hawkimas’ realm is a vast open sky where clouds act as landmass and the inhabitants build their societies in relative ease among those clouds. The most prominent structure is the Cloud like Nebulous of Hawkimas’ Sky Castle.
Earth – The Realm of the Lady Mistridge who rules the realmof Earth. This realm is a vast collection of animals and fauna that inhabits all the realms the Lady Earth touches. She does not allow structures to be made, but great temples and cites have been grown.
The Realm of Ice - This is the domain of the Ice King, the ruler of the dead. His realm is the waypoint to reincarnation or the eternal after life of darkness or light. The Ice King is believed to stand judgment over all the dead, and decides where he or she is to go in the afterlife. If one is to lead a good life then the Light can be expected for them, if they lead an evil life then Darkness await them. Reincarnation is for those who did not fulfill that which they need to or because their soul is not ready for the Light. Additionally after a period of time in the Darkness the soul is reincarnated to see if they learned what they needed and is ready for the Enlightenment.
Fire – The realm of Tor is a leaderless world of constant entropy. The pure elemental fires create and destroy indiscriminately. Tor has no court and has no temples, he simple wonders all the Realms, Outsider and material.
The Ethereal Divide - Created when the universe was created, the ethereal divide simply stood as a membrane between the Outsider Realms and the Materiel Realms. After the Second Shadow War, Rinzo has strengthened the membrane into a barrier. This barrier prevents the most powerful of Outsiders from having full influence on the Material Realms. Which ultimately lead to Rinzo’s victory in that war.
The Astral Drift - The Astral Drift is the sub-space between the 13 Material Realms. The Astral Drift can be sensed by those of sufficient skill and can even be traversed. Traveling the Astral drift is a difficult task and can only be undertaken by someone in a spirit form! The Astral Drift provides another potent property. Through out the drift are Bubbles of reality, a tiny realm with properties established by its creator. The drift is the realm of dreaming and one theory holds that all the bubbles are the dreams of every mortal in existence, whether mortals created all the Bubbles is debatable because some bubbles could not have ever been dreamed by a mortal. A traveler of skill and strong will could create a bubble of reality in the Astral Drift, creating a place he could travel to in physical form. Bubbles have properties according to their creator, also it can be manipulated by its creator. The bubble is linked to who ever created it
After the Ethereal Divide was strengthened the Elemental Lords could not aid or interact with the Genishi or Elendar. The Titans sprang up and filled this void, so to speak. Taking residence in the Astral Drift each Titan created their own bubble of existence to reside in. The multitude of bubbles continually traverses the spaces between the 13 Realms, “Drifting” among the 13 realms aimlessly.
The 13 Material Realms - The 13 Material Realms are the Prime Material Realms. All Philosophers have guessed the material existence is the closest to perfect harmony between Chaos and Order, thus the placement of the 13 Realms at the center of the Cosmology. The Realms themselves are vast places, with different cultures, animals and plants, even some Universal Laws vary slightly. At the center of all these realms sits Mistridge, Lady Mistridune’s chosen Realm, named after her to give honor and prestige.
Mistridge is a world of history and beauty. Her soil has seen many civilizations rise and fall. The Elves were the first to spread across you land, their ancient cities long gone, can only be recognized for the occasional ruins that still stand or the labyrinth of tunnels that monsters and villains use to hide. Then the Genieshi took the place of the elves and made incredible cities, cities that the forces of shadow took great delight in pillaging and ravaging to the ground. When the first Hindar (human) walked the land, many remnants of ancient and glorious civilizations littered the landscape to inspire and strike fear. As the Hindar gained in age they to created civilizations that most Hindar do not remember. As a whole the job of remembering all the pasts has been left to the Titans, for no Mortal Hindar could study long enough to understand the many histories that overlap on the landscape. The only thing that remains the same is the common history of the Realm and The Titans who stand guard against the Shadow.
The landscape of Mistridge is vast and varied. The whole of the 7 lands covers all climates imaginable and then some. Its inhabitants refer to the Central Continent of Mistridge, as Starryn. The Central Continent is the primary focus of our story.
Starryn has a staggering degree of diversity for environments. From snow capped peaks to humid jungles, Starryn puts the vitality of a man to test. Her plains stretch far and wide, while her forests are dark and ancient. Mountains hide ancient temples and monasteries, were skills are passed down from Sensei to Students. The Castles are often old and expansive. Built so long ago that its current inhabitants may not remember the secret passages and rooms made by her architects.
Farming has the largest percentage of workers because feeding the dizzying number of inhabitants creates a vast economic machine, that can have a life of it own and bring more misery than the most evil of enchanted items.
The Starryn Mountains are vast and tall, her majesty holding vast wealth. Mining is the next largest operation in Starryn. Wholes cites spring up around a wealthy mine, and subsist their entire economy on that mine. The Dwarves and Stone Giants may be the most adapted to mines but the Hindar make up this disadvantage with ingenuity. Old mines can stretch far and deep, and often find ancient places best left buried. Many a mine has been abandoned cause they dug up or dug to deep and found something in the dark places to frightening to behold.
Starryn’s forests are ancient forests with trees that stretch so far into the sky some of them have tops that cannot be seen. These forests are deep and foreboding, holding secrets no Hindar has seen. Civilizations of unimaginable scale have fallen to the wayside and overwhelmed by the forces of nature. The forests also contain the secret cities of the Elves and Elendar. Cities hidden from the eyes of shadow, but now are havens from the new civilizations of the Hindar.
Mistridge is a land of history and legend. Scattered all over her surface, are ruins of past kingdoms and civilizations. The Elves and the Elendar both have seen their day come and go, and with it gone leave their mark in the ruined cities. If this was not enough older things exist, older than even the elves. Machines, as they are called, sit upon the landscape as monuments to a civilization no one remembers. All attempts to study them have turned up nothing and determining their age puts their creation before the existence of the Elves. The machines are scattered through out the 13 Realms and are only found in the material realms. No Machine has been found in any astral bubble or in any of the Outsider Realms. They become more numerous the closer to the “Center” of the Universe one reaches. The Realm of Mistridge being the decided center has hundreds of these artifacts scattered across her 7 lands. Some Machines of note include.
The Eye of Solaris – this Machine in appearance is continually changing, it is a bright silver object that changes into any shape imaginable. This process of transformation takes 6 hours and stays in one form for 8 hours. The Eye itself is more massive than belief, its size dwarfs the largest castles made by the hands of men. The most prominent and unchanging feature is the Eye pattern that combines into a sun pattern. Ancient text from the Elvish Lords calls this Machine the Eye of Solaris, but it function or reason for existence is unclear. Folk tales and children’s stories have the eye placed as a watchful being, so that no evil or good deed goes unseen.
The Tower of Lunaris – A massive tower sits in the vast desert wastelands beyond the mountains of Harkoon. This tower is a magnificent piece of architecture that has only one discernable door. This door leads into a vast open central courtyard. A special password passed down among the Priestess’ of the Elements activates a bubble like elevator and takes the occupant to the top most observatories. It is suggested that the observatory serve as a control room, but to control what and why no one knows. Once a year on the lunar equinox when both the moons are aligned the Priestess’ perform a sacred and secret ritual. This ritual has stayed secret because the location of the tower is unknown and word amongst the loosest lipped Priestess’ is the Tower moves every year.
The People
The average person of Starryn is best described as a peasant. While their life may be better then those of a peasant during the Middle Ages they are still a lesser class and often treated that way. Recent times has seen the rise of slavery again, often associated with economic restitution, many see this as a portent of future troubles. The average person only peripherally gains the fruits of the high level of Magical Technology that exists in this world. Even so the life of a peasant can often be uneventful and see little of the wonder of what goes on around him. Except for the occasional Air Ship seen in the sky the average person may never know more about the world than what is passed on in legends or from friends and family.
The above average person falls into the heroic ideal, destined for heroic deeds or legendary journeys. A vast land such as Mistridge contains many trials and perials for a would be hero to prove himself, or he might join one of the guilds to reach economic glory. Old legends are spoken and passed along, while new legends are born to replace those lost.
Blessed with a strong economic system, Mistridge is a land of prosperous trade and magic driven commerce. Each of the kingdoms within the sphere of Starryn could be self-sustaining, but over centuries of trade agreements most kingdoms have become specialists with in a craft or profession of some type. This has created an interdependent trade society that transports 100,000’s of tons of cargo through out the land.
The revolutionizing factor of this trade-based society is the Sky Ship. The Sky Ship provided the ability to transport large amounts of cargo that could not be done previously with the horse drawn cart. The skyways, as they have been called, are full of ships moving cargo to and from the various kingdoms and the largest controlling factor amongst these ships is the Air Shipman’s Guild (ASG). The ASG provides training and a universal control of the various Sky Ship organizations; a trained local to provide the unique services of that city or kingdom mans each ASG office. The ASG’s support comes from the universal recognition of the various governments the ASG deals with. Years of fair and evenhanded dealings have provided a respectable and trustworthy base that governments can deal with. To inhibit corruption, each office is more like a “Franchise” of the larger guild itself. The office does not pay any fees to the guild itself but charges “Docking and Loading” fees to the various ships to pay overhead costs. This would seem to have little advantage since Shipman also pay fees to the guild directly, but the presence of a Guild office provides a sense of stability and accountability that merchants can count on and thus provides business to guild ships.
The Air Shipmans guild is not the only organized Sky Ship society, but by and large it is the biggest. The Landrian Guild is the next largest sky ship guild and originates form the kingdom of Latlakor. The Landrian Guild originally started as a Ship guild because Latlakor’s largest industry is ship making and transport. It’s location on the eastern ocean provided it as the largest port to the eastern lands across the ocean. When the Shy Ship was first invented hundreds of years ago, the Landrian guild had no worries that their industry would ever go away. Over the years the Sky Ship became more reliable and use of it increased. As new guilds formed to fill this vacuum the Landrian Guild almost disappeared, but new leadership saw the advantage of hybrid sky ships also capable of being sea worthy. These ships are not actually sky ships, they are sea vessels but the Promethium used in the construction of the sky ship was capable of making massive ships that could traverse the eastern seas and move massive amounts of cargo to and from the eastern Kingdoms. These new hybrid ships revolutionized the transport of cargo and reinvigorated the Landrian Guild. To expand their operations they began taking in Sky ships into their guildhalls and worked to make Sky Ships capable of making the journey to the eastern Kingdoms. While not being able to transport the massive amounts of cargo that the hybrid ships could, sky ships were able to make the journey quicker. This created a niche the Sky Ship could perform for oversea transport.
Note: While the Sky Ship is a versatile ship traversing the oceans was a difficult and arduous trip to make. Most ships did not even make the trip, unruly winds and weather was only the beginning of the sky ships problems. It is currently believed the open ocean disrupts the anti-gravity properties of the Promethium that is built into the ship. With special modifications a sky ship can traverse the oceans and only experience minor difficulties from this disruption of it’s most important aspect, it’s flying abilities granted from Promethium. This phenomenon is theorized to be caused by the origin of Promethium. It is believed to be a product of Lady Mistridge herself, and that Promethium is repelled from her physical form the land itself. Over the ocean you enter the domain of The Ice King and the land is not there, only giving Promethium a slight push into the sky.
Other more minor Sky Ship guilds exist but the Air Shipmans Guild and the Landrian Guild are the largest.
The other guilds of the land, the smithy and others, are all organized in a similar fashion. Only the Sky Guilds are organized in a different fashion. The guild itself is a loose net organization that provides a standard of price and training. Each guild shop is an independent entity, and only pays a small fee to a head Guild office. The head Guild Office is an administrative organization whose sole purpose is to organize all the guilds of a given region. The tithe to the Guild Office simply covers the expenses the office occurs in hiring and maintaining employees. The head of a given guild region is usually voted on by all the guild members of that region. This creates a union like environment, and performs the same function. If someone was to start a shop and not join an appropriate union, there have been cases of that shop being muscled out of the way for the guild shop.
The Guilds of Starryn
The Hammer of Engra: a smithing guild that covers the kingdom of Engrand and a large region around that Kingdom. With very close ties to the Merchant Guilds and Councils of Engra, The Hammer has quite a bit of influence. Also because most of Engra’s exports are refined tools and equipment Smiths are a large part of that society as a whole.
The Artificers Guild: also a guild out of Engra, this guild actually has a seat on the merchants governing council. The Artificers are the most important commodities the Kingdom has and is given quite a bit of power, even among the tight fisted Merchant Lords.
The Textile Guilds: by no means a powerful guild but worth mentioning since everyone deals with them on a daily basis. Though it is rumored that the textile guild is a powerhouse in disguise, waiting for only the right moments to wield its financial power. If one desires proof of these roomers, one only has to remember that people buy clothing and fabric only slightly more then they buy food.
The Wizards Guilds of Volur: the most powerful wizard guild of the land. Volur contains the most wizards and sorcerers in one kingdom. Volur has the most prestigious and knowledgeable wizard’s colleges, and Volur has a Wizards council that advises the King of Volur. The guild is not a tight nit organization like many of the commerce driven guilds but the guild provides in a college fashion, a place for wizards to go and develop new techniques. The advisory council is also the head of the guild itself, and all those guild members present during voting periods, vote members of the council on, in the capitol.
The Dungeoneers Guild: a terribly unique guild with in the Kingdom of Volur. The Dungeoneers Guild is a guild started by wizards to serve a function commerce could not keep up with. For wizards to experiment with new spells or make enchanted and magical devices, unique and rare items are needed. These items are often hard to find and not in the local area, while it is possible to get unique items from far off lands transporting becomes a costly endeavor. The guild was established for fearless Dungeon explorers to gather together and provide a service to wizards. A wizard through some arcane fashion discovers the location of an item he needs, but this item is guarded or is within a stronghold of some sort. The wizard now hires the services of the Dungeneers Guild; he makes a contract with a group of guild members. The explorers as their fee can either be paid a strait fee, or be allowed to keep all items found, besides certain items laid out in the contract. This has performed quite well for the needs of wizards and sorcerers in and around the capital of Volur. This would seem to preclude the need to import components to spells and magic items, but it has not. Not all components are difficult to find and hard to find items might be acquirable by a merchant, if the cost of said item is not too high. For the Wizard has to pay the guild itself a fee to acquire the services of Guild explorers. Being a member of the guild is also a risky business, so the guild has a high turn over on members!
Carpentry Guilds: this guild is actually many smaller guilds spread around the land. Maybe only 6 guilds among 4 cities will actually be organized together. The guild itself is pretty strait forward and provides a wide range of services. Depending on what a city has in it a carpenter guild member shop could simply be a small wood working shop or a large stable house of carpenters that all work for a shipwright. So the cities that have large-scale ship or other type of wood working production usually have the largest and most powerful Carpentry Guilds. Latlakor and Engra are the two largest because of their large Ship production facilities!
Artisan Guilds: a new force within the guild system. The Artisan guilds have only been in existence for the past 178 years, while seeming long they are young in comparison to some of their brother guilds. The artisans used to just be a sub-skill with in any other guild itself, but the rise of wealth increased the amount of patronage that went on. This inevitably led to a breaking from the old craft oriented guild into forming an artisan guild that simply provided a product only desirable from an economically elite. Their organization is loose but enough monetary power provides a nasty bite for their simple bark. Rumors abound that the Artisan Guild also specializes at a less art like skill, but all those who speak such non-sense can only gain audience with the disenfranchised and weak minded.
The Jeweler’s Guild: a loose nit guild that specializes in the acquisition, cutting, and selling of precious jewels and stone. While plagued by the thief’s guild their monetary influence insures that they can get the best help or protection to guard their valuable commodities.
The PeaceKeepers: The peacekeepers were formed as a way to organize law enforcement among the varied kingdoms of Starryn. This system was specifically designed to find and capture criminals who flee the kingdom they commit crimes in and hide in a more relaxed kingdom. The peacekeepers also train expert investigators and justicators, who specialize in magical crimes and criminals.
Artificing
The practice of arcane magic is a delicate skill requiring years of training and experience to master and some times to even use. This gap left the average mortal lacking in the highly magical environment of Mistridge. Artificing was created many hundreds of years ago as a bridge between average mortals and magic, using the same or similar principles as arcane magic Artificer devices produce similar effects. Limited quantity made these devices scarce and even harder to maintain because a valuable Crafter was not always available to fix an item. Kingdoms such as Engrand saw the potential of this technology and invested heavily in the schooling of her people in this art. Limited manufacturing sprung up in this small mining and commerce community and quickly transformed Engrand into an economic power house. The trend quick spread until good size Artificer communities sprung up in nearly every kingdom.
Artificing transformed every part of Starryn culture raising the over all living standard of the peasent and elevating the rich and affluent into a new stratosphere. Scientists believe anything could be accomplished with artificing, given time and resources. Inventions such as the Skyship add to this mystique. The greatest advances, as always, were in warfare and combat. A “modern” warrior could now rely on Flame Lances, Enhanced Armor, Night Vision Goggles, and an array of other devices to make a single warrior into a formidable foe. The shear expense of these devices leaves wide spread use limited to elite forces of small kingdoms or to a single legion in the richest nations.
Mana is the lifeblood of the universe. Running through everything and apart of all life, mana allows for the manipulation of reality through arcane spell and Artificer machinery. The first and clearly oldest form of magic is Arcane. First developed by the Elves, arcane spells allow for the will of the caster to be forced upon the world around him. The Elves also developed a form of Magic known as The Word. Word magic is a powerful form of magic, believed to be derived from the All – Knowledge and also based on the principles of Order. Human sorcerers and wizards have been using Arcane magic for the past 3000 years and refined the form into a delicate science that’s split between several colleges and schools. The main school of thought only splits magic between two themes, Order and Chaos, both the creators and manipulators of the universe. Wizards are trained in their art, in schools and often treated as an upper class because of their education and power. Though real power still remains in the hands of the noble classes. It was once spoken that a wizard coup tried to rip power from the nobles, but support by the peasants drove the wizards from their lands and proved that the peasants did not trust the educated elite of the Magical society.
The manipulation of magic through arcane sources led to the development of Artificing. Artificing is a type of mechanical science, often incorporating magical principles. The skills of a wizard are learned over long years and a valuable commodity not wasted making simple things like Sky Ships or Swords. Seeing a needed commodity, smithies began learning arcane arts and principles. They then took these skills and developed a method of making mechanical items capable of mimicking magical feats, that could be produced at a cheaper and quicker rate then wizards. Smithies are more dedicated to making a product and profit, while wizards simple made magic items to satisfy his/her cost for experimenting. Artificing is the manipulation of magical minerals and metals such as Mana-Crystals and Promethium.
Promethium is a steel substance with one additional property, anti-gravity ability. Promethium can be found deep in the earth often running closely to a vein of gold or silver. It is believed that Promethium was one of the magical arteries of the world as it was first being created. When dug up Promethium immediately floats toward the sky, over centuries specialized mining techniques have been invented for the extraction and processing of Promethium. Sky Ships were one of the first real uses for Promethium after reliable processing procedures came about. Now capable of processing a large quantity of Promethium, this steel was used to form the skeleton of a ship. These Ships revolutionized travel and commerce among the kingdoms halving the time needed to travel among the distant kingdoms. Another interesting discovery was that Promethium had already dislodged itself from the earth and could be found in large quantities simply floating among the clouds. The lucky discoverers had finally found the answer to the phenomenon of the daystars.
Mana-Crystal is a crystal of concentrated magical energy, known as mana. Wizards had used this concentrated form of magic energy for the past thousand years. These crystals can be tapped for energy or transformed into spell storing devices. Mana-crystals are found in veins deep in the earth and scholars have debated if these veins are the magical veins of the universe. Debating if man should even be removing them for fear that too much mining would have catastrophic consequences. Refined Mana-crystals have a high value for while it takes specialized skill to make them anyone with the proper training can draw upon the power locked inside. Effectively allowing armies or small groups to be outfitted with vast firepower.
Mana Crystals
A crystal substance that is understood to be crystallized chaos energy. With the right magical knowledge a spell caster can write a spell into a crystal, this new crystal can then be used to cast that spell drawing upon the chaos energy with in it.
Casting a spell crystal requires special knowledge and a weapon designed to have spell crystals socket into them. These Socket Weapons are masterwork weapons with additional “wiring” so that the wielder can focus and cast the spell stored with in the crystal.
Creation - A raw Mana crystal has not been altered or cut. Raw crystal can be tapped for it's magical power, but has no special powers in this form. Refining a crystal usually requires a master cutter, called a Crystal Cutter, to cut and shape the crystal. Cutting the crystal alters the properties of the magical energy with in, and makes them produce specific effects. The preciseness of the cut determines the power of the spell like effect. Only Master cutters with years of effect can draw out a truly powerful spell.
Legends abound that some Crystal Cutters can draw out the magical power of a crystal simply by willing. Shaped in this way the crystal is never cut and can perform incredible magical might, because non-of the mass of the crystal was lost from cutting. These is considered a lost art and believe to be one of the many secret arts practiced by the Harkoon elven nation.
Properties - Mana crystals are made of pure crystallized Chaos energy. As such it's properties are meaningless, but through application of simple methods the crystal can gain a polarity. This polarity is a Positive or Negative, which acts like magnetic energy. Unusually enough by spinning the crystal in a clockwise (positive) or counter clockwise (negative) fashion, the crystal gains a charge. This charge works in a magical way, positive having a healing and rejuvenating effect, while negative has draining and harmful effects. These effects are often used as a, poor mans healing agent or used to power many Artificer constructs. Several crystals spun in the right manor can create a magical engine, capable of powering a War Golem for years or change the state of Promethium from floating to falling.
Promethium is a steel like substance that has all the properties of steel with an additional property of anti-gravity. Promethium is a substance believed formed at the creation of all matter, but it’s specific purpose is unknown. The refining and mining of Promethium is a difficult process involving pressurized and sealed furnaces, so that the melted mana steel does not float away before it can be molded.
Promethium is also like steel in that it can be combined with other metals to make alloys. These alloys combine to with the ant-gravity properties to make Very light weight and useful metals.
Commodity Cost Type
1 lbs. Promethium 300 gp Pure
1 lbs. Mithral 500 gp Promethium with silver
1 lbs. Adamantine 1000 gp Promethium with iron
1 lbs. Gliterum 1500 gp Promethium with gold
Note: Mithral, Adamantine, and Gliterum are all substances that can be found in natural veins, but inquisitive dwarves found a long time ago that these substances can be made by combining silver, steel, and gold with Promethium.
Weapons and armor made from promethium a valuable and useful items. Promethium equipment has all but no weight, and all of its weight is from cheap metals like aluminum added into the forging process. All Promethium equipment is in actuality an alloy substance with aluminum or some other cheap metal, so that the equipment has enough weight to not fly away. These cheap metals also do not seem to have any beneficial effect on Promethium, but they can bond well enough so as to be forged.
Promethium Weapons: Treat the weapon as one size category smaller than it is, also the effective weight of the weapon is 1/3.
Promethium Armor: Similar to mithral with out any of the enhancement bonuses. Promethium armor has its weight reduced to 1/3, and the check penalty reduced by 2. Spell failure is also slightly better, the penalty is reduced by 5%.
Promethium is also used in the construction of Socket Weapons; Promethium is applied in a wire like fashions from the hilt to the socket were the Mana Spell Crystal would go. Along with a couple other alchemical steps the Promethium acts as a conductor for the impulse of the weapon wielder.