Ephoria

Ephoria is a land that is shrouded in a veil of mystery and adventure, fantastical beasts and races all live together on one wide expanse of land, with magic and technology running hand in hand with one another. Its vast landscapes give way to harsh environments, from the snow-capped mountains of Titans Run to the floating mechanical islands in the Sea of Sky, it's clear that the world is unforgiving and plentiful in its adventure. The world is inhabited by its dominant species and races, many of whom live together in harmony while some seek the downfall of the other; Countries formed out of these common bonds find themselves at odds or in alliance with one another, and the political games of the counterparts threaten to tear the world apart at its seams. But politics need not be the only thing that worries the common adventurer here in Ephoria, for hidden in every forest or cave in this land may hide the ugly side of nature, monsters threaten civilization in growing numbers, with raids from orcs and the ballast from dragons' fiery breath caking the landscape outside of civilizations strongest cities in a dark festering danger that seems to grow with every passing day.   The lands of Ephoria are varied in topography, sizing from the highest of peaks to the lowest of wetlands. The east Harbors the Sheerpool Tides, An ocean once thought to stretch on infinitely in more primitive times, taking up nearly half of the world in its immense scope, the sea harbors many a danger for those who may find themselves crossing the treacherous waters. The west however harbors the Soundless Desert, a place so rocked by harsh heats and blasting winds that many of those who travel the wandering dunes, never return. To the north of Ephoria lies the rocky tundra of The Coychmaar Tiaga, searing colds and lack of fertile grounds make this land practically uninhabitable, but some have managed to create an empire despite these conditions. The south harbors the grand range of Titans Run, with awe-inspiring peaks that give peace to the monks who worship and practice their faith in solitude, despite this peaceful atmosphere, however, the mountains are a dangerous place of monster nests and craggy pitfalls to the unwary adventurer. And finally, Ephorias greatest minds sought a land of their own, far from the tides of war and plagues of evil that falls upon the lands and this the great Sea of Sky was born; these islands are any mystic or mechanics dream. with millions of cogs and magical effects at work to make these islands float high off the ground allowing the technocracy that lives there to thrive in the skies.   On the subject of those who inhabit Ephoria, there are two major factions and four smaller ones, To the far west in the soundless desert is the Kritocracy of Shi'aln a government ruled by the religious judges who comb the land for heretics to its faith. Its capital lies in the Huul'alba Basin, a massive oasis with strange blue crystals sprouting from the ground. its massive college makes it commonplace for the most intellectual minds who do not find themselves in the Sea of Sky, and the plentiful bazaars bring in immense coin making it a trade capital in the world. To the east of the continent lies the Kingdom of Abadon, a long-reigning collective who bow to Queen Moira Sveer. Her far-reaching political power and naval supremacy make it hard to argue with this governing body. Despite neighboring a religious faction the Kingdom of Abadon is much more lenient and free with its subjects, she would rather their loyalty to the crown over all else, though some find this far too reaching. Of the four minor factions lies the northern Chiefdom of Ravuundal in the Coychmaar Taiga where Chief Farendal has recently taken the throne. Though don't be fooled by these hardy people's barbaric nature, as they are extremely skilled in the ways of magic, and their militaristic nature and hierarchy have them prepared for anything. Across the Sheerpool Tides stands a small island nation. The Plutocracy of Heralds runs these lands, profiting off the natives as well as using the resources to enrich the many guilds that line its capital. The Heraldic council oversees the populous as well imposes a Fiat money system. To the far south lies the monks of Titans Run, the Majestic Karsts house these faithful disciples as they practice their faith and vows of various sort. The lands are often seen as treacherous given the high altitudes and plethora of monster kind that call these lands home. despite this, the monks serving under Eldath seek only peace and welcome all to its sanctified halls. And last but certainly not least, The Magocractic society in the Sea of Sky, where the greatest of tinkerers, alchemists, mages, and artificers call home. This land is completely made of mechanical islands that through the use of machinations and magic harmoniously functioning in tandem, float seamlessly. The High Overseers work together to keep the islands from invaders seeking the advanced technology and potent mystical artifacts on board from prying eyes. This floating nation works with others well though disallows any form of religion from being practiced as it has been forbidden on the isles.   With the governments in a constant struggle for power over one another, and the onslaught of those who wish to do it harm, it is only right that adventurers from all over would gather together in search of blood, coin, intrigue, and the never ending thrill of battle. It is here our story begins, it is here that we see the world rise from itself and grow anew, it is here we witness the adventures of a motley crew embracing their destiny.