Barenae Primer for Readers & Players

"A Vein Blade practices atop a pillar, enveloped by silence and the currents of air. As the metal particles merely grazes her skin, the weapon changes shapes at her very will, never cutting too deep. She lets out the air in her lungs, satisfied as she contemplates the purple sky of a dawn of Creo."

"A Corenian finishes up the last touches of their instrument just in time to take the ferry across town to the concert hall. While they traverse the waters, their concise and whimsical practice melody reaches all ears in the proximity, prompting the nearby people to join in an improvised orchestra."

"The young Ehyaki takes a breath as he glances across the field, to his partner and the enemy team. Their Solver has the ball, but he knows the Abjuration spell he wrote it's not going to break easily. Maybe if he changes to wall gravity and steps on the bench he can intercept the Solver. He sprints forward, with no hesitance."

Barenae is a world about diverse cultures and communities, about the fusion of technology and magic, about the uncertainty of the future, the wonders of the present and the dangers of the past. About the history of those who have been denied their freedom and now seek to discover the beauty of the world. There's some music down there that could get you in the spirit of this world.

"A broken, but wonderful place filled with extraordinary people facing its many dangers."

What has happened

There's a complete timeline for Barenae here, but as an introduction, these are 5 of the main events in Barenae's history:

• The Arrival of Greed (160 A.R): Barenae is invaded by Greed itself, which is looking for an artifact of incredible power, something it doesn't fully comprehend yet. Most of the population is wiped out and their souls are trapped into said artifact, The Redeemer.
• The Appearance of The Redeemer (0 R): As it feels threatened, the Redeemer unleashes energy in precise waves that section Barenae in its eight Splinters. The chaos produced by the situation allows the inhabitants of Barenae to free themselves from the soldiers of Greed. Controlling the Redeemer proves impossible and ends up sending Barenae into a spatial vortex.
• The Moleras Treaty (1200 D.R): After a hard and unclear Civil War that finishes with the death of the leaders of both sides, a treaty to preserve the peace between all factions in Barenae is signed, leading to the creation of the Funost and the Megevan.
• The Sixth Pulse (1673 D.R): The most brilliant scientists and engineers manage to create a portal which allows Barenae to access other dimensions and worlds willingly through the Spatial Continuum, starting an era of unprecedented reception of knowledge and trade.
• The Rise of the Zephyr Empires (2219 D.R): As the pre-established order falls apart in absence of the dragons, a collection of authoritarian regimes rises all across Barenae, leading the plane to a dark era of oppression and control. This regime ends with the Nereidai treaty on 2886 D.R, starting the current era of Barenae.

Where am I from?

If you wanted to shake things up a bit, you could be from any other dimension that has collided with Barenae in the past, which gave you an opportunity to cross one of the many portals all across Barenae. However, most people were born denizens of Barenae, so it's very likely that you'd come from either one of the 8 Splinters or Etaria.

Cerenau

In the hands of the Ashen Mother, the many deserts of Cerenau (sand, magma or clay) thrive on commerce and the textile production.

Nereidai

In the hands of the Tear Lord, the mountains, valleys, and rivers of Nereidai prosper as forgers and masters of many disciplines.

Corenio

In the hands of the Hermit Orchestra, the wide oceans and caves of Corenio grow artists and seekers of progress, always staring at the future.

Elaidei

In the hands of the Last Watcher, the swamps and marshes of Elaidei raise adventurers, arcanists, and workers alike. If it can be done, there's an Elaideian that can do it.

Heryzue

In the hands of the Archgeist, the haunted tundras and freezing vistas of Heryzue develop the metal industries and construct some of Barenae's most stunning inventions.

Inudea

In the hands of the Rune Rider and the Storm Writer, Inudea's lakes and sandy plains are home to defenders of order and gamblers, ever close to chaos.

Ferolia

In the hands of the Sylvan Light, the dense forests and jungles of Ferolia offer refuge to incredible creatures and astounding individuals, equally protected by nature and civilization.

Wirotae

In the hands of the Endless Breeze, the plains and hills of Wirotae flourish their crops as farmers share their table with prestigious scholars and mischievous fae.

Etaria

As Barenae floats, Etaria holds it together. The rings are harsh to live on, but makes some of the most hardened and great-hearted people of the plane.

What's going on?

You might be asking yourself what is going on currently or where would you end up as a player. As of now, I'm working mainly on three parts of Barenae as active locations:

• Tomeren: The Natural face of Cerenau. The Aldénair tribes are starting the rituals to choose a new leader as tension rises between the high spheres of Costa Kahiva. In the shadow, a faceless actor lurks, awaiting its return.
• Yekiach: The Magical face of Heryzue. An ancient prophecy is unearthed, leading the players to look for the pieces of a puzzle through the blizzard and those who'd rather keep the secret well... secret.
• Hadana: The Natural face of Ferolia. The people of the Waterfalls Republics flee their shores as invaders arrive, raising the question if the conquerors are to be feared again. This might provoke the wrath of the Ailan, who are always keeping a close eye.

Getting in the mood

DANGER - 11:02

TheFatRat - Monody (ft.Laura Brehm)

Two Steps From Hell - Impossible (ft.Merethe Soltvedt)

FusionNFire - What We Were

Links

• Cerenau Image by Mr--Einikis
• Nereidai Image by Ultragriffy
• Corenio Image by K.Kanehira
• Elaidei Image by Lasaine
• Heryzue Image by Tarmo Juhola
• Inudea Image by Rob Watkins
• Ferolia Image by Kazumasa Uchio
• Wirotae Image by Studio Ghibli
• Etaria Image by Brad Wright

Quick Overview

Genre

Urban Fantasy, Science Fantasy

Mood

Noble Neutral (High player agency // Medium quality of life)

Themes

Seeking truth, Freedom, Self-expression, Fellowship, Diversity, History

Information of Interest

Calendar

Current Year: 3156 D.R
228 Days, 8 months of variable duration
Based on Splinter Movement
No Suns or Moons

Common Races

Tanith, Ehyaki, Human, Genasi, Faeriefolk

Technology Levels

The early 1900s (primitive automobiles, telegraph, zeppelins, early aircraft, appliances...)

Concept of Magic

Radiation energy that can be converted into other energies or transformed into spells

Common Religions

Church of the Redeemers, The Grand Creed, Cults of the Unborn