The World
SAMPO
Sampo is an ancient magical artifact that was made centuries ago by the greatest of all blacksmiths. It has many names - Sampo, Mylly, Kirjokansi, Taivaannaula - and according to the legends it brings immense wealth to its bearer. However, it is also said to be the center of the universe and a pillar that holds up the heavens above, an artifact that gives its holder the power to shape the world anew.
Sampo has been the cause of many a battle and war and many times it has been lost in the turbulence of times. Now that it has been found again, everyone is looking for it desperately. But does Sampo truly carry a blessing or a curse?
BORDERLANDS
The Borderlands are vast and wild, a place of great forests and deep marshes. In this harsh environment only the fittest and the most cunning survive. The people of the Borderlands used to be divided into two realms, Väinölä and Päivölä.
Both realms had three great kins, but not all survived in the turmoil of changing times. Alliances were severed and forged anew, and new borders were drawn.
REALMS
At the moment there are not two but three realms in the Borderlands. Väinölä and Päivölä have deep roots that extend all the way to the glorious days when Sampo was forged. Some of their kins were lost and new alliances were made with others, but some things have not changed - the rivalry between the two realms and the hunger for Sampo are still going strong.
Born from the ashes of the lost kins, fortified with newcomers who seek place to call a home, has emerged a third major power, Hallava. Their appearance has shaken the centuries old balance between the realms.
KINS
The proud and conceited kin of Hiisi joined forces with the Rampa kin who are great artisans and healers. Together they make the realm of Päivölä. Väinölä is inhabited by the visionary kin of Kihovauhko who follow the Oracle, and their more pragmatic companions, the Perisokea kin. The remnants of the lost kins, Perillinen, and those who are new to Borderlands, Vaeltaja, have merged, forming the realm of Hallava.
Every kin is lead by a Kin Elder, who e.g. gives quests to the kin members. Each player can individually choose how much they rely on their Elder and complete their quests. However, the role of Elders grows more important as the battles over control of Borderlands and Sampo intensify.
Hiisi
The kin of Hiisi allied with the kin of Rampa, forming the new Päivölä. Hiisi are a proud folk who value above all else independence and strength. In the current state of the world they have also had to learn the importance of cooperation, and they see their ally Rampa as useful helpers. Hiisi see themselves as better and stronger than other kins and thus worthy to decide the new order of the world.
BELIEVES IN: Strength and themselves
IDEAL WORLD: The law of the strongest (a.k.a. Hiisi)
KIN PERK: Every Hiisi can start their game with a maximum of 95 cm sword (instead of normal 85 cm)
Rampa
The kin of Rampa allied with the kin of Hiisi, forming the new Päivölä. Rampa are skilled healers and artisans. They are highly interested in the old world's technology and see it as the key to craft a new world. They have allied with Hiisi because they see the strength and determination of Hiisi as a handy tool to obtain their objectives in the harsh world.
BELIEVES IN: Old technology and science
IDEAL WORLD: Practical and progressive
KIN PERK: Rampa need only two bandages to heal a defeated player (instead of three)
Kihovauhko
The kin of Kihovauhko allied with the kin of Perisokea, forming the new Väinölä. They try to survive in the post-apocalyptic world and follow the Holy scriptures left by the Oracle, and they want to shape a new ideal world, "Lintukoto", according to these instructions. They are adamant about this vision and see the ones denying it as fools. Kihovauhko are idealistic and visionary people, which is why the pragmatic and organized nature of Perisokea is useful for them in chasing their vision.
BELIEVES IN: Holy scriptures and the Oracle
IDEAL WORLD: A land ruled according to the Holy scriptures, where magic flows freely and Kihovauhko thrive
KIN PERK: Kihovauhko does not need a soul to recite a spell, and they can treat one chosen spell scroll as if it had a bloodbond attached to it
Perisokea
The kin of Perisokea allied with the kin of Kihovauhko, forming the new Väinölä. Perisokea are known as masterful archers who specialize in sentry and scout missions. For them, kin and community are important and they wish that the world would become safer and more stable place to live. Perisokea believe in lesser evil and are ready to do what must be done in order to protect the Borderlands. They are pragmatic and try to rein in the most grandiose of Kihovauhko's dreams but also keep the borders secure.
BELIEVES IN: Kin and order
IDEAL WORLD: Stable and organized
KIN PERK: Perisokea can start the game with two extra arrows
Perillinen
The kin of Perillinen allied with the kin of Vaeltaja, forming a new community of the outsiders, Hallava. Perillinen are a folk that has been forged from the remnants of perished kins and conventions, and from those diverged and exiled from other kins. However, they do not see themselves as victims but reborn through hardships. To Perillinen, destruction of the world and challenges are an opportunity for a new start, and possibility for return to the youth of the world. They have allied with Vaeltaja because they see something familiar and dear in the effort of the newcomers to create a place in the world for them.
BELIEVES IN: Rebirth through hardships and challenges
IDEAL WORLD: An invigorated world of the old times, lead by Perillinen
KIN PERK: Perillinen can respawn within maximum 5 minutes before or after the normal respawn time (10 minute time frame once every hour), however only once per bonfire per respawn pulse
Vaeltaja
The kin of Vaeltaja has wandered among the ruins of the world and only recently arrived to the Borderlands where they have allied with another kin of outsiders, the kin of Perillinen, forming the realm of Hallava. Vaeltaja are skilled hunters that gravely understand the worth of every piece of information, and they are able to express themselves eloquently in order to achieve their goals. After hearing rumours of Sampo they see in finding it a fresh possibility to build a new world in their own terms and to finally find a place to call home.
BELIEVES IN: Knowledge and elocution
IDEAL WORLD: A home to call one's own
KIN PERK: Vaeltaja kin Elder passes on secret knowledge to the kin members throughout the game
KEY WARDENS
The key wardens are mysterious parties that belong to no realm or kin of the Borderlands. Their intentions are unknown, but rumor has it they hold the four keys needed to open the chest nesting Sampo.