Elduran

Elduran

The Age of Fracture

The Age of Fracture was a 300-year period of turmoil in Elduran’s history, sparked by the shattering of the Equinox Convergence, a celestial artifact that maintained balance in the magical Weave. Destroyed during a divine conflict between Selûne, goddess of the moon, and Shar, goddess of darkness, its destruction weakened planar boundaries, unleashing wild magic, creating rifts to other realms, and scattering the powerful Shards of Equinox across the continent. These shards, brimming with volatile energy, became sources of power, conflict, and discovery. The era saw widespread magical upheaval, with regions infused with chaotic energy while others suffered from magical scarcity. Political landscapes shifted as powers like the Vaxalimian Dynasty expanded their influence, Blackgate rose as a hub of trade and arcane study, and Khar Maldir faced internal strife. Culturally, the Fracture sparked religious debates over divine culpability, inspired art and literature centered on heroism and tragedy, and fueled innovation through experimentation with the shards. Environmentally, the land bore scars of planar breaches, with some areas transformed into fey-infused forests and others rendered barren. Key events included the fall of Arcanum Citadel, consumed by a planar rift; the War of Shadows, a century-long clash between Selûne’s and Shar’s followers; and the rise of the Shard Seekers, an organization dedicated to exploiting the shards' power. The Age of Fracture’s legacy endures in Elduran’s lingering magical instability, ongoing shard conflicts, and the ever-present influence of the fractured Weave.

The Lands of Elduran

Elduran is a realm of vast landscapes and diverse cultures, a continent shaped by its history, geography, and the ambitions of its people. Divided primarily into two dominant powers—the Vaxalimian Dynasty in the west and the Empire of Legoria in the east—Elduran thrives on both trade and tension. Separating these two nations is the Endless Tides, a wide expanse of ocean crossed by merchant vessels, adventurers, and, occasionally, warships. In the west, the Vaxalimian Dynasty stands as a collection of elven territories led by ancient elven clans. Aethel, a monument of elven architecture and history, serves as the heart of the dynasty. This sprawling woodland is rich in emberstone, a rare and potent mineral highly sought after for its magical properties. This resource has made the dynasty both prosperous and a target of envy. Its warriors, hunters, and druids fiercely defend their homeland from incursions, especially as rumors of raiders and opportunists grow. Across the Endless Tides, the Empire of Legoria looms as a bastion of human ambition. The imperial capital of Blackgate is a sprawling metropolis where wealth flows freely, and power is measured in gold and alliances. At the heart of Blackgate's strength lies the Fleur de Lis, a powerful mercantile faction that drives much of the empire’s prosperity. However, Legoria’s rapid expansion and hunger for resources have sparked conflicts both within and beyond its borders. To the southeast of Blackgate, the mountain city of Khar Maldir rises from the Dawnspire Highlands. This proud civilization, made up of dwarves, humans, and other resilient peoples, is known for its craftsmanship and mastery of the earth. Khar Maldir’s mines are rich in emberstone, and its people guard their resources jealously. Relations between the empire and Khar Maldir have become strained, as Legoria’s attempts to extract more of the valuable mineral have led to skirmishes in the high mountain passes. Despite the rising tensions, life in Elduran is not defined by conflict. Trade routes wind through forests, over mountains, and across the seas, bringing spices, silks, and stories to every corner of the continent. Scholars in Blackgate’s libraries study ancient texts, while druids in the Fireleaf Forest commune with nature’s spirits. Adventurers seek fame and fortune in forgotten ruins, and powerful guilds shape the fates of cities with their influence. Yet, beneath the surface, change is brewing. The emberstone that so many desire holds more than magical power—it harbors secrets from Elduran’s distant past, secrets that some believe should remain buried. Whispers of shadowy organizations, lost artifacts, and ancient forces stir unease among those who pay attention.