Telos
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Introduction
In the world of Telos, where magic and mystery abound, the land was once a single massive supercontinent known as Nythire. But a catastrophic event shattered Nythire into two separate continents, changing the face of the world forever. This event, known as the Sundering, took place over a millennia ago, caused by a massive, crystalline asteroid called the Shard, which slammed into the planet's surface.
The impact site of the asteroid strike is now known as the Rift, a vast oceanic trench between the two continents that is constantly swirling with arcane energy. The collision of the asteroid with the planet created a magical renaissance, unleashing a great deal of magical energy that had been dormant in the world. This magical energy brought forth new species, powers, and abilities that had never been seen before.
Nevandros
Nevandros, the western continent of Telos, is a land of vast and varied landscapes. The continent stretches from the frigid arctic north, known as the Frostridge Wastes, to the temperate midlands, and finally to the broiling south, known as the Silver Desert.
The Frostridge Wastes are a desolate, frozen landscape that is home to a variety of hardy creatures, including frost giants, ice dragons, and woolly mammoths. Here, small tribes of humans and other races eke out a living, scraping by on hunting and fishing. But they are not alone in the wastes, for lurking in the shadows are the Frostwalkers, a race of fearsome ice creatures that prey upon the unwary.
Moving further south, the landscape changes to a temperate climate, with rolling hills and lush forests. Here, the kingdoms of Bannthor and Valoria hold sway, each with its own culture and beliefs. The city-states of Forath and Sylvendar, ruled by powerful mages, are also found in this region, each with their own secrets and intrigues. But even in these seemingly idyllic lands, danger lurks. The forest of Shadowsong is said to be haunted by malevolent spirits, and the marshes of the Blackwater are home to dangerous creatures that can swallow a man whole.
Finally, in the south lies the Silver Desert, a vast expanse of dunes and scorching heat. Here, the Dragon Emperor reigns supreme, riding atop his massive dragon steed, leading his empire to glory. But the desert is not empty, and many dangerous creatures and hidden secrets lie buried beneath the sand. The dunes are home to the Sand Wraiths, a tribe of nomads who roam the desert on giant sandworms, preying upon travellers who stray too far from the safety of the Dragon Emperor's cities. And beneath the sands, ancient ruins lie buried, said to be the remnants of a long-forgotten civilization that was destroyed by a great cataclysm.
The continent of Nevandros is also home to the Skyriders, a race of dragon riders who patrol the skies, protecting the land from threats both arcane and bestial. These elite warriors are trained from a young age in the art of dragon riding and combat, and they are highly respected and feared throughout the land.
As the people of Nevandros go about their daily lives, they must always be wary of the dangers that lurk just beyond the horizon. For in Telos, danger can strike at any moment, whether it be in the form of a rampaging beast, a powerful mage, or a cunning political adversary.
Xyphria
On the opposite side of the Rift lies Xyphria, the eastern continent of Telos. Much like Nevandros, Xyphria is a land of extremes, ranging from a temperate north to a volcanic, uninhabitable, and deadly southland.
In the north, the region of Kethrondor is home to a union of trade cities, where merchants and traders from across Telos come to buy and sell goods. The city of Arkanthos, known as the City of Spires, stands tall in the center of the union, its towers reaching toward the sky. The cities of the union are ruled by a council of merchants, who vie for power and influence in the ever-shifting political landscape.
Moving south, the region of Jhaltoria is home to an ancient empire, past its prime and now crumbling. The cities of the empire are steeped in history and tradition, but they are also rife with corruption and political intrigue. The city of Jjynith, the former capital of the empire, is now a shadow of its former self, its grandeur faded and its once-mighty walls crumbling.
Further south lies the volcanic wastes of the Ashen Lands, where the ground is scorched and blackened, and deadly fumes fill the air. This region was once home to a great civilization, but now it lies in ruins, its once-mighty structures reduced to rubble. The few tribes that live in the Ashen Lands are rugged and tough, their bodies adapted to withstand the harsh environment.
In the far south, the region known as the Shadowlands is a place of dark magic and twisted beasts. The land is shrouded in perpetual darkness, and its inhabitants are said to be the descendants of the first necromancers, who wielded the power of death itself. The city of Necropolis, the capital of the Shadowlands, is a place of eerie beauty, its architecture a blend of dark magic and ancient artistry. But the city is also a place of great danger, for the power of death is not to be trifled with.
Throughout Xyphria, a variety of tribal civilizations exist, each with their own beliefs and practices. The tribal peoples of the plains are skilled hunters and horsemen, while the tribes of the mountains are known for their metalworking and mining. But despite their differences, all the tribes of Xyphria share one thing in common: they are fiercely independent and proud, and they will not hesitate to defend their lands and their way of life against any who would threaten them.
As travelers journey through Xyphria, they must be wary of the many dangers that lurk in the shadows. Volcanic eruptions, deadly fumes, and twisted beasts are all common threats in this land of extremes. But even more dangerous are the political machinations of those who seek power and control, for in Xyphria, as in all of Telos, politics can be just as deadly as magic or beasts.
The Shattered Isles
In the ocean between Nevandros and Xyphria lies a collection of islands known as the Shattered Isles. These islands were once part of the supercontinent Nythire before the Sundering, and they bear the scars of that cataclysmic event. The islands are a jumble of rocky outcroppings, steep cliffs, and treacherous reefs, and the waters around them are infested with dangerous sea monsters.
Despite the many hazards, the Shattered Isles are home to a variety of settlements, ranging from small fishing villages to bustling trade ports. The largest and most prosperous of these is the city of Port Haven, which sits at the center of the archipelago. Port Haven is a melting pot of cultures and races, with merchants and sailors from all over Telos coming to buy and sell goods. The city is ruled by a council of merchants and sea captains, who maintain order and protect the city from raiders and pirates.
Beyond Port Haven, the Shattered Isles are a patchwork of small communities and lone outposts, each with their own quirks and customs. The island of Enflheim is a frozen wasteland, home to hardy sailors and whalers who brave the treacherous waters to hunt for whales and seals. The island of Azura is a tropical paradise, with lush jungles and pristine beaches, but it is also home to dangerous predators and venomous snakes.
Despite their many differences, the inhabitants of the Shattered Isles share one thing in common: they are a people of the sea, and they are fiercely independent and self-reliant. They are experts at sailing, fishing, and navigating the treacherous waters of the archipelago, and they are not easily cowed by outsiders.
But the Shattered Isles are not without their dangers. The waters around the islands are infested with sea monsters of all kinds, from giant krakens to schools of carnivorous fish. Pirates and raiders roam the seas, preying on unsuspecting ships and settlements. And there are even whispers of dark magic and ancient curses, said to lurk in the depths of the ocean and on the remote, uncharted islands of the archipelago.
For those who dare to venture into the Shattered Isles, it is a place of adventure and danger, where fortune and glory can be won, but where death and despair are always lurking just beneath the surface.
