I don’t use any premade settings. I prefer to make my own until my own unique stories. Although I probably will steal place names later on lol. Although this mainly only focuses on the starting continent, I’ll post other stuff once it becomes relevant, this has some very good general info for the world itself.
Gaia
Gaia is the world that this campaign will be set inside of. It is an old world with many pre-existing civilizations that came about and fell before the current societies of the age.
Creation
Deep within the center of Gaia is the lifestream. It is the source of all life and magic. A swirling pink maelstrom of life. It is where all life is born from and where all life returns. The world lives through reincarnation. Once you die, you return to the lifestream and your soul is remade into a new vessel. There is a slight moment in time before your soul is changed that allows for things like necromancy. All magic inherently comes from the lifestream. It is the force that created the world, gives it life, keeps it in balance, and heals it. On occasion, large fountains of this life force come to the surface. these take the form of giant trees, typically known as Iifa trees. Around these Iifa trees there is powerful magic in the air and is a place where fairies typically make their home, although they can also be found almost wherever they see fit. Although beautiful, staying close to these trees could lead to mutation as the magic surrounds you. Iifa trees are a direct path into the lifestream. The largest tree is in the direct center of the largest ocean. It is springing up from a massive island. It is believed to be the first ever Iifa tree. There are religions about the lifestream, many of which are peaceful in nature, but few desire violence. The lifestream and trees are not mythos, but commonly known fact, easily observable by anyone. Denying the existence of these things would be the equivalent of believing the Earth is flat.
History
Gaia is full of history much of which has been lost to time. Strange structures dot the landscape. Besides the common stone ruins, there also seem to be underground cities carved into the Earth. Strangely, larger structures exist as well. Built from metal with statues that come to life made of the same metal. Strange artifacts can be found inside these ruins such as weapons of light. Many of these are broken. Regardless, these artifacts are either studied or used by nobility/royalty as investments due to their rarity. Odder still is the fact that gold statues can be found all over the world. The largest amount of them can typically be found in these odd metal ruins, but they have been found in fields, deserts, forests, pretty much everywhere. Some of them even depict these humanoid figures holding these odd ancient artifacts. Their poses and bodies are never the same, but are always weirdly human like if not a little bit taller. They are completely made out of gold and can sell for a lot! In the skies above the night sky shines with thousands of multicolored stars. White, red, blue, green, purple all dot the night. There are also moving stars just as plentiful as their stationary counterparts. They seem to float aimlessly. It is unknown what causes these stars to move or if they even are stars. It is a matter of debate what these moving specs of light high in the sky truly are. These specs don’t differentiate in color, they are all be white. The rarest anomaly of Gaia are the simmering pits. Massive indentations in the ground, in which no life can be sustained. Even the plants wither and die, just being within 1000 miles of it. It poisons any unlucky creatures that steps within its radius. These craters can be thousands of feet wide and hundreds of feet deep.
STARTING CONTINENT
The continent the game will be starting on is known as Iire. Home to the Falorum Empire. The continent is a circular shape with two large triangular protrusions. These extensions of the land are next to each other and are home to two separate empires known as Icabah, and Colgera. Falorum is a mixture of grassy planes, forests, mountains and beautiful shores. Many islands archipelagos lay off the coast of this continent. There are other continents, but these will be developed as they become relevant. Falorum’s relationship with these other two countries is rocky to say the least. There are rumors of potential war, although not substantial enough to affect most people’s lives. The chances are real though. Although not exactly allies themselves, compared to Falorum these two other icy nations wouldn’t stand a chance alone. But together, their fearsome warriors are a real threat. They may be smaller and poorer than Falorum but are mighty when working together.
CITIES
Quinlyn: the starting city of the campaign. It is one of the most affluent upper class cities in the empire rivaled only by the capital. It sits on a mountainous Shoreline and is well known for its beautiful yet utilitarian architecture and large docks. It will be the host of a special event that comes around every five years. The champions gauntlet. People who think themselves strong compete throughout arenas across the empire to become the new champion of the empire. This city is run by the highest ranking, noble Maestro Xaticment! The most wealthy noble in all the empire. He is also known as Maestro the generous. He has a massive palace, made from pure gold and runs a museum dedicated to the gold statues. He also collects some of the ancient artifacts found in these ancient metal ruins. He has the largest collection of golden statues in the empire. All on display in his museum! Gambit: what was once a shed for outlaws to gamble and drink is now the entryway to a huge underground city, full of debauchery, auctions, gambling, and all sorts of sinful things!. It is also home to the thieves guild. Despite its debaucherous nature, it has a large population and is quite wealthy. Be aware though, thievery is common and it’s not a place to retire. Those who live there have powerful protections from powerful organizations.
Coldguard: a former territory of Colgera who joined the Falorum after a border dispute. It is high up in the cold mountains, just on the edge of Falorum’s border. Although willingly a part of the empire, many of the people consider themselves their own unique peoples. Their culture is that of strong warriors with a large focus on alcohol and brute strength. They have a consistent dragon problem…
Beach town: a small village built by veterans on the most beautiful coast of Falorum has blossomed into a giant bustling city! It’s mean attraction is tourism and vacation. Its Clearwaters and brilliant skies make it a perfect place for retired soldiers and adventures. Many islands are visible off edge this majestic coastline although in reality they are miles upon miles away. But you could always pay for a relaxing ferry ride and enjoy what’s on offer!
Capricorn,
Capricorn is he capital of Falorum. It is home to the royal family. It stands in the middle of a crown shaped mountain range with clouds and mist far beneath. It stands a midst one of the tallest peaks. It is giant, elegant, and beautiful. Although the richest city in the empire. The emotional distance between the emperor and his son can be felt all throughout the city.
Many small towns also exist throughout the empire. Notable examples are Birchwood, Singspring and Hackdust. But there are many more.
The spire
In the center of Iire is a tall metal spire going hundreds of feet into the air and thousands of feet below ground. It is home to a massive collection of gold statues and light weapon artifacts. However, living statues and other beasts live within. It has never been fully explored due to its immense size. Its size is comparable to that of hundreds of cities all built together. Its relative closeness to the capital makes it a haven for adventurers and the adventures guild to send exploration groups to investigate the secrets within.
