Old-World Ruins

The Old-world ruins, scattered across Yrdde like the skeletal remains of a forgotten dream, are a constant reminder of a civilization lost. They are places of mystery and danger, their crumbling walls whispering secrets of a time before the recorded history, their depths concealing both invaluable knowledge and violent death.
These ruins vary greatly in size and form - from crumbling towers that pierce the clouds to sprawling underground complexes buried deep underground. They are a constant source of fascination for explorers, a treasure trove for those seeking to profit from the past, and a tomb for all who enter without a deep understanding of the threats that lie within.

The Tervalkyre Empire

Driven by a hunger for power and a pragmatic desire to control the knowledge of the past, the Empire sanctions official expeditions, sending teams of archaeologists, engineers, and Arbiters to secure valuable artifacts, decipher ancient technologies, and assess any potential threats hidden within the ruins. They prioritize sites with military precision – searching for anything that might give them an edge in the ongoing struggle for dominance. Their approach is methodical, often ruthless, and focused on consolidating their control over the past to better shape their future.

The Sanctum Alliance

The Sanctum sees the ruins with a mix of reverence and suspicion, viewing them as potential sources of both sacred relics and dangerous temptations. They seek artifacts connected to Elysia's legend, though none have ever been found. They are wary of the Old-world’s relics, believing they represent a similar darkness to what brought Elysia to her current condition, and whisper cautionary tales about the cost of meddling with forces that may be linked to the “Nightmare” they believe will one day return to threaten their world. Their expeditions are often led by priests or members of the Elysian Guard, their methods a blend of prayer and ritual purification.

The Free States

With their emphasis on independence and individual freedom, the Free States approach the ruins with a more laissez-faire attitude, allowing independent explorers, salvagers, and treasure hunters to explore and exploit them largely unchecked. They recognize the value of the relics, but lack the resources and unified vision to control access or dictate any form of authority over sites not situated within their recognized territory. This leads to a chaotic marketplace of artifacts, where fortunes are made and lost based on luck, daring, and the ability to discern true value from clever forgeries.