Introduction to Riven

This is a post-apocalyptic fantasy world. Civilization exists only within "HZs"--habitable zones. The Last Wars left much of a landscape a blasted ruin, bleached clean with ancient weapons of terrible power and marred with "risiduum," a slow decay that rots from the inside those who are exposed to the sickness.
The inhabitants are hard and often barbaric. Since to be alone is to die alone, most are almost fanatically loyal to their people-group, whether that be empire, city, or clan. Endless rebellions and resource wars rage over what is left of the old world, which is rank with archaic wonders for those willing to seize them.
This campaign leans more toward the gritty, realistic side rather than heroic fantasy. Although unlucky rolls will not insta-kill, stupidity will. The world is a large and dangerous place at lower levels, but as you level up, you will become heroes, villains, or perhaps something else.
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As you explore this wiki, I suggest you start by reading through the species (in the Encyclopedia), then factions.