Bridiana

Centuries ago the world of Bridiana had sprawling land masses, and rising mountains, until the time of the Great Surge. Only fragments are known of what the world was like before the Great Surge, with a few others being discovered from time to time, even as it is, there are only theories as to how or why the Great Surge occurred at all. Suffice to say, the world is roughly ninety-five percent water now, with only a few small scattered parcels of land. Now it is the year GS. 600 (six hundred years, after the Great Surge) and the factions of the world are in more turmoil than has ever been known.   In this new world, many of the old races have evolved, to live in this new one, whereas other have clung to their old ways for survival. The great factions and regions are: The Human Republic, who seek to spread their civilization to all the "savages" of the world, and their wizards seeking to bend even the metaphysical to the will of the Republic. whose primary isles include Espalier The Glorks, a mixed race of Orcs and Goliaths come from Scadavia, whose life purpose is a good fight, and their druids who want to keep nature pure. The Sharpnose Gnolls of Karaba, only want to free their land, and people from the oppression of the Republic, which they may accomplish with their ancient voodoo magics. Within the Forsaken lands (the only proper continent left) all manners of beasts that cannot even be called sentient fight, save for the Kangros, who solely want to be left to their monasteries to meditate within. Deep under the waves is the Naga Theocracy, with their warlocks, and their dragon lords, who are content with their current world, and whose primary desire is to keep the status quo. But they are not alone for the undersea empire of the Whalens is rising, they who were once peaceful now seek revenge after countless years of being hunted by the others, and with their new found powers of mysticism, that day is closer than their foes may think. In the midst of this traders loyal to none save for gold, traverse the seas to where ever bounty awaits. Finally high above the troubles of the world, is the flying city of Flotalius. Where all others hate their rival mages of the other factions for perceived recklessness, weakness, or of being disrespectful, in Flotalius all mages are welcome, but gods help you, should they be angered.   The most widely accepted explanation behind the Great Surge is that: the world had always been largely water, but it was closer to seventy percent. Still, with so much, water the god of the sea, (s)he with a hundred names, who is as unknowable as the deepest depths of the sea, gained so much worship, and so much power, this being choose to expand it even more. Some say it caused the Great Surge by largely melting the polar ice caps, or that it even brought water from other planes and spheres to flood the world as it was. Indeed this mysterious one has been considered to have risen to being a Greater Deity, of near untouchable power. Being so distant, people turn more to its children, through which, and their natural fear and respect of the seas, makes it ever stronger. These children, are as numerous as the rivers, and waterways of the world, and as such few have even risen to become intermediate deities.