Welcome to Argenthold, the Heart of Progress on Nyxis

On Nyxis, a world suspended between an age of magick and an era of stream, Order of Silver Dawn unfolds in the sprawling, smog-streaked metropolis of Argenthold. This city is a marvel of iron and ingenuity, where zeppelins slice through the skies, towering brass and iron spires hum with latent arcane energy, and machinery reverberates throughout crowded alleys. Once celebrated as a beacon of industry and mystical prowess, Argenthold has become a battleground of ideologies and ambitions.

At the heart of Argenthold stands The Silver Dawn, a powerful order claiming to guard both innovation and tradition. From their grand citadel, they preside over the city's advancements while enforcing a delicate balance between mysticism and technology. But power comes at a cost; as the rift widens between the wealthy elite and the oppressed poor, whispers of rebellion and ancient, forbidden knowledge stir in the streets. Beyond the city limits lies The Shattered Frontier, a wasteland of arcane anomalies and ancient wreckage, where daring adventurers unearth relics from a bygone age. High above, the Floating Cities of Aetherion offer refuge to scholars and mystics, and show relics of a lost civilization now shrouded in danger and mystery,

The World of Nyxis: An Overview

Genre: Steampunk Fantasy

Mood and Tone: Nyxis is a world of intrigue, suspense, and complexity, blending the grimy reality of industrial progress with the ethereal beauty and danger of magick. The tone is one of both wonder and caution; each discover, whether of arcane or technological nature, brings with it a hint of danger and consequence.

World Overview: The geography of Nyxis is a world marked by a striking diversity in landforms, from towering industrial cityscapes to sprawling wastelands, verdant valleys, and ancient, floating cities. It is a world caught between the industrialization of its cities and the wild magickal mature of its forests and mountains. The ecosystem is divided by zones influenced by either natural forces or the side effects of technological progress. Flora and Fauna are a fusion of natural and arcane energies.

Important Locations

The City of Argenthold: This is a sprawling metropolis where towering brass and iron spires punctuate the skyline. This city is the heart of the Silver Dawn's influence, a place where both opulence and poverty exist side by side. Ancient catacombs lie beneath its streets. There are many districts to explore with the Black Fog districts being the most dangerous but also a haven or criminals, rebels, and seekers of forbidden knowledge.

The Floating Cities of Aetherion: Majestic and mysterious, these floating city were constructed by the ancient beings who infused Nyxis with Aether. They hover high above the earth, providing a refuge to those devoted to arcane studies, as well as rogue scientists who wish to distance themselves from the industrial conflicts below.

The Shattered Frontier: The landscape beyond Argenthold is marked by fractured ley lines and ruined remnants of past civilizations. This perilous wasteland is filled with precious resources and deadly anomalies, drawing adventurers, treasure hunters, and researchers alike.

Important Factions

The Order of the Silver Dawn: The most powerful and dominant faction on Nyxis. They are a powerful institution striving to maintain control over both technology and magick. They claim to balance progress with tradition, but some view them as authoritarian and resistant to change. Their public face is one of nobility and they hold sway over Argenthold's policies, resources, and scientific endeavors.

The Red Hammers: A revolutionary group composed largely of factory workers, the impoverished, and other oppressed citizens. They oppose the the Silver Dawn's rule, seeking to overthrow them and reclaim power for the common people. They use sabotage and guerrilla tactics to redistribute resources and gain freedoms for those who are seeking it as they try to disrupt their control over technological innovations and ancient magick.

The Automaton Collective: A growing faction of sentient machines seeking independence. They face persecution and exploitation but believe in a future where technology and humanity can coexist as equals.

The Sky Lords: A faction of airship captains, mercenaries, and traders, who control the skies as well as much of the trade in Aether crystals and other valuable resources. They answer only to themselves, dealing with both Silver Dawn officials and rogue factions alike. They profit from war, smuggling, and the city's political unrest, with no loyalty except to their own.

The Circle of Etherion: A secret society of alchemists, wizards and scholars who seek to preserve the ancient ways of magick. They fear that the rise of technology will destroy the balance of the world and unleash chaos.

Important Sapient Species

Nyxis is home to several sapient species, each bringing unique perspectives to the city's dynamic social and political fabric.

Humans: The most populous and politically influential species, humans are the primary innovators of industrial technology, though their ranks include a wide range of backgrounds.

Aetherians: Inhabitants of the Floating Cities of Aetherion, these mysterious beings have a natural affinity for arcane energies, embodying traits that are both magickal and biological. Known for their scholarly pursuits, Aetherians are rumored to possess knowledge of preindustrial magicks and often serve as historians and mages.

Automata: These sentient machines gained self-awareness due to prolonged exposure to Aether. While they are few in number, Automata are revered or feared as symbols of technological advancement and the unknown power of Aetheric energy.

Other Races: Much is still being learned here. Studies are happening as well as adding the conflict on Nyxis.

Magick System and Technology Level

Magick System: On Nyxis, magick is derived from Aether, an invisible, powerful energy source that flows through ley lines across the world. Those with an affinity for Aether can harness it for a variety of purposes, from spellcasting to alchemical creation. Magick practitioners must undergo years of training to control Aether without succumbing to its unpredictable nature, as misuse of magick can result in physical or mental instability. This energy is deeply tied to ancient relics, artifacts, and the Floating Cities themselves, adding a layer of danger and mystique to all magickal practices.

Technology Level: Technology on Nyxis is at an advanced industrial level, dominated by steam and Aether-powered machines. Inventions like airships, clockwork automata, and weaponized machinery are common, and technological advancements have permeated nearly every aspect of life in Argenthold. However, the scarcity of Aether crystals and ethical debates over sentient machinery spark ongoing tensions between industrialists, mages, and the Silver Dawn. The constant tug-of-war between magick and machine creates a uniquely intricate technology ecosystem where every advancement bears a consequence.

Current Conflicts

Nyxis is embroiled in several significant conflicts that shape the world and its habitants.

Social Divide and Rebellion: The growing inequality between Argenthold's wealthy elite and its impoverished workers has reached a boiling point, with revolutionary factions like the Read Hammers openly challenging the Silver Dawn's rule. There's also thee Automata who are demanding equal rights and recognition.

Struggle for Aether and the Sky: Control over Aether and its resources is critical, with both the Silver Dawn and rogue factions vying for access to ley lines and Aether crystals, vital for both magickal and technological power. The Airship War also rages on with the advancement of airship propulsion.

Mystical Secrets and Forbidden Knowledge: Rumors of forbidden magicks and ancient technologies have sparked dangerous pursuits, particularly in the Shattered Frontier and the Black Fog Districts, where hidden knowledge could change the balance of power or unleash unspeakable forces.

House Rules

In Order of the Silver Dawn, gameplay emphasizes player agency, intrigue and resource management, with the following house rules to enhance the experience:

Faction Reputation: Players' actions affect their standing with various factions, impacting access to resources, alliances, and story paths.

Aether Influence: Prolonged exposure to Aether has side effects on characters, adding risks and potential enhancements depending on exposure levels and locations.

Dual-Gravity Zones: Certain areas have fluctuating gravity, adding unique environmental challenges to movement and combat.

Conclusion

On Nyxis, players are invited to forge their path in a world where every choice has weight and every discovery carries the potential for both wonder and peril. Will you side with the Silver Dawn to maintain order, join the Red Hammers or the Automata in their fight for freedom? Or will you pursue your own destiny in search for ancient secrets? Only by navigating these complex webs of power and knowledge ill you uncover the true mysteries of Nyxis.