Adventurer's Guide to Aetheria
Aetheria is a land where magic is woven into the very fabric of reality. It’s a place of ancient mysteries and powerful forces, with landscapes as diverse as towering mountains, dense forests, arid deserts, and endless oceans. Magic flows through this world like a river, touching everything from the grandest cities to the quietest, most secluded villages.
Civilization thrives here, built on the ruins of a forgotten past. Towering citadels, bustling markets, and peaceful hamlets dot the landscape, each with its own unique culture and traditions. The people of Aetheria live in harmony with the natural world, drawing on its magic to enhance their lives and create wonders.
At the heart of life in Aetheria is the worship of the Eralyn—divine beings who have guided and protected the world for as long as anyone can remember. Their temples and shrines are everywhere, and rituals in their honor are part of daily life. The Eralyn are seen as the guardians of Aetheria’s prosperity, and their blessings are believed to be the source of the magic that infuses the land. Festivals and ceremonies dedicated to them are celebrated throughout the year, bringing communities together in faith and devotion.
These are peaceful times. Kingdoms and city-states maintain a careful balance, forging alliances and trade routes while respecting their neighbors’ boundaries. The grand cities are vibrant centers of culture, learning, and commerce, where scholars study the arcane and adventurers seek their fortune. In the countryside, life is simpler but just as connected to the land, where farmers, hunters, and artisans live in harmony with nature.
Still, there are whispers of strange things—a flicker of old magic here, ancient ruins stirring there, and the occasional appearance of creatures long thought to be mere legend. But for most, these are just stories, told around the hearth to entertain and inspire wonder. Aetheria remains a place of beauty and tranquility, where the bonds of community, the traditions of the past, and the worship of the Eralyn keep darkness at bay.
Aetheria is a world waiting to be explored, full of opportunities for those with the courage to seek them out. Whether you’re a scholar in search of ancient knowledge, a warrior defending your homeland, or an adventurer eager to make your mark, Aetheria has something for you.
The stage is set, and Aetheria welcomes you to its wonders. Your journey begins here, in a land where magic is as common as the air you breathe, the Eralyn are revered as the guardians of life, and adventure is always just over the horizon.
Truths of the World
The World Was Once Threatened
Ancient Aetherians were nearly wiped out by a great evil, an event now known as The Cataclysm. During this time the world was ravaged by dark creatures, now only seen on the pages of history books. Humanity was saved by The Eralyn being rediscovered thanks to a stroke of luck, coincidence, or perhaps divine intervention - a topic still much debated to this day. Whatever the case may be, their rediscovery and the resulting war against the Riftspawn spearheaded by the Champions of the Eralyn are what allowed humanity to once again rebuild.
The World is Now Balanced
Due to the worship of this shared pantheon of saviors, war and strife are a thing of the past. For a millennia, the cities have been at peace and fuel each other's advancement. Although there are still very real dangers in the world, especially in the wilds, true evil has failed to take root and has eluded the annuls of history.
The World is Reverent
Worship of The Eralyn is as natural as breath to Aetherians, ingrained deeply in their everyday lives and culture. It is as instinctive and essential as breathing. Each major city was built as an epicenter of worship for one of the Eralyn, it's society, government, and culture directly influenced by the tenants of its patron deity. While each city and region may hold one of the Eralyn in higher reverence, all are worshipped and respected across the land.
The World is Ancient
Scattered throughout Aetheria are ruins and relics of the Ancient Aetherians, remnants of a time before the Cataclysm. These remnants speak of a civilization both advanced and enigmatic, offering glimpses into a forgotten past.
The World is Magical
Magic is an intrinsic part of Aetheria, shaping its landscapes, its people, and the fabric of its reality. The Ancients had a deeper understanding of magic, to the point everyday items were imbued with it. Today the few remaining relics and artifacts of that time are used as magical foci or studied. There are three ways Aetherians can access magic - through study of using magical foci, a born connection to magic, or a gift from the Eralyn through deep worship.
Comments