Anora

On the continent of Anor, 1000 years ago, the gods disappeared, but most of their magic did not. Resurrection and commune spells ceased to work, however. While curative spells continued to work, the lack of response from the gods, and the inability to connect with the dead led to faith waning. People began to seek ways to use arcane casting to do all the things that divine magic used to do, and slowly the idea of gods became vague myths, with most people no longer believing. During this time, the Vasmon Empire expanded over most of the continent, focusing on aristocracy, arcane magic, and scientific expansion.   50 years ago, the gods returned. With their return, pockets of faith enflamed the masses, and quickly a coalition of various territories formed a coalition, the Ostrye Theocracy, and broke away from the Empire in a fierce conflict. A year ago, the fighting died down into a stalemate and cold war between the Empire and Theocracy.   An additional surprise that appeared with the return of the gods was the sudden completion of every resurrection attempt over the last 1000 years. Those raised are called the Returned, and their sudden removal from the divine realm has had varying effects on their psychology. While many communities are uncomfortable with the returned, the self governing territory of Agria, in the center of the Vasmon Empire, welcome the Returned. Agria maintained a strong sense of ancestor worship, and view the Return as one of the holiest moments. Recently, a Returned has been found who is one of the heroic, warrior queens of old. A peace talk and coronation is being held in the city of Nanta, on the western border of Agria, near the Holy Duchy of Luvan, to reinstate the returned queen.