Methera
27 in Gilernen, 217 CR
People
The History of Methera so far
The hexadrakes were the first. The first beings created, back when only the Unfathomables wielded such power. Mostly insectoid, partially draconic, they populated all of Methera, building their hive-like communes into burrows of its earth. They did not exactly worship the Unfathomable, but they acknowledged their existence as most powerful entities, a bit in what we would refer to as a paganistic world view, and it carried on into their everyday life. Even though their creators were incomprehensible to them, they revered them as undefined formless higher beings, which they would depict as many-eyed creatures.
Then, the purge came. During the Godwars in which the Transient gods created themselves, they warded Methera against the power of the Unfathomables. To prevent them from taking interest, they purged the creatures which once acknowledged the Unfathomables, also in order to limit their influence over this world. It is rumored that the Transient were not diligent enough in purging other traces of hexadraconic existence, and that throughout Methera, many hints of it are yet to be uncovered.
Current Species & Cultures
There is a human great empire with unparalleled authority over the continent. Emperor Amonthark seized power after the Divine Battle at Khemet, and gradually instated laws to secure privileges for humans as he extended his realms reaches.
Elven nations with tendencies for ritualistic cannibalism inhabit the western rainforests, unified by king and queen who serve not only as aristocratic but also spiritual rulers.
Orks inhabit the northwest of Khair. They are lead by a head priestess, and follow a religion based on pacifism and peace.
The dwarves live in secluded city-states burrowed deep inside the mountainridge, guarded by Algrim, governed by a traditionalist Ríkkin, an elected head of clans. In front of the gates of their mountain fortresses, the gnomes have set up massive tent-cities. Having once lived in the lush grasslands of southern Khair, the gnome king Alois Beerslosh decided to seek refuge with the dwarves, firmly believing in a second purge which can only be withstood by hiding deep in the mountains. The negotioations have been going on for almost a decade. To the south east of Khair, Tieflings have made themselves a home amidst the volcanic wastelands, living in tight-knit city-states - united by strong feelings of solidarity to secure them against outside prejudice. Further up northwest one finds tribes of Draconians to inhabit the wastes of the Karrak desert, being the best equipped species to handle its extreme changing temperatures. They are specialized on trade, oft forming caravans to cross through the desert in places that cannot be reached by water travel.
In between Tieflings and Draconians, there is but one spot in east Khair that is lush with life - lake Taytam. Here, one finds anarchist communes of Bubonians - large, toad-like humanoids - having settled there and largely practicing water magic, breeding cattle or mounts (large insects). Halflings live throughout all of Khair in tiny communes, integrated into other territories.
Needs & Relations
The human kingdom needs nothing but wants power, and superiority.
The elven nations need independence and security, being threatened by humans from the noth, and natural disasters south.
The Orks need spiritual enlightenment. They are rather indepent peoples.
The Dwarves need security and defend it violently (while also respecting other beliefs, like gnomish exodus).
The Gnomes need security or a leader they can trust. They are on the verge of total political dispersion because their interests are so heterogenous, it makes almost no sense for them to stay together.
The Tieflings need resources, fertile lang, and inclusion. They are the most alienated nation, and not by choice. They are angry and resentful.
The Draconians feel self sufficient and want to expand their economic influence. They are not too concerned with other nations because they find themselves safe from humans. Neutral feelings towards Tieflings, exploiting them through trade due to their dependency.
The Bubonians are content and self sufficient. They are filled with purpose through their work and their bond to Hazo. As of recent though, their affinity towards water magic has begun to decline, causing alarm. They want to know why and want to stop it.