Overview

Orsein

The campaign takes place in the world of Orsein, a world not unlike our own. The story begins within the confines of the Known World. This consists of the existing major cultures surrounding the Mazatrian Ocean, their homelands, and their colonies.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

In terms of Geography, Orsein is very similar to Earth, and has similar topographic features, just slightly exaggerated for heroic effect. Much of the Flora and Fauna is similar as well. The astronomy of Orsein is somewhat different, however – the world has two moons. Time is reckoned in a similar manner to Forgotten Realms, and the campaign will use the Harptos calendar to track in-game dates in order to keep things simple.

MAJOR CULTURES HUMAN: Hegemony of Pacedonia – The northern empire of Men. Highly centralized, it is overseen by the Emperor from his Imperial Seat in the city of Pacedon. Al-Shekeim – The southern empire of Men. It is a vast and powerful empire that worships just one god. The Island Kingdoms – A number of independent kingdoms of various sizes clinging to the shattered remains of what was once the Empire of Maztrica, now lost. The Colonial Lands – On the Western Continent are a series of settlements. Many of them are former colonies of Mazatria, but some are current outposts of Pacedonia and Al-Shekem plus a few independent ones. Cozahrs – The Cozahrs are tribes of men living in the wild, rugged country to the east of Pacedonia. The Cashwa – Like the Cozahrs in the east, these are mostly nomadic tribes of humans.

ELVEN: Alfaen – The original island homeland of the Elves. Undra – Once a colony of Alfaen, these Elves have broken away from the mother-culture to embrace a profound mysticism and an extreme form of nature-worship.

DWARVEN Most dwarves can be found living in the Dwarven Shieldlands – which is where almost without exception all dwarves will have been born. The homelands of the dwarfs, it is spread throughout the Silverprong Mountains north and east of Pacedonia. Part of dwarven culture however also includes a prolonged “walkabout” when they travel and live amongst other cultures. This results in dwarven stone masons and metal workers being found throughout the world.

HALFLING Halfling Culture – The little people (as they tend to call themselves) are a race often found living as a subculture beside human cultures.. Especially in Pacedonia, the Island Kingdoms and the Colonial Lands.

GNOME Gnomes are found everywhere, though never in great numbers. They are often employed as advisers, consultants, and clerks, for they have a reputation as a scholarly people. Their culture is somewhat separatist, and they are sometimes seen as secretive. They are also known to have magic within their blood, and some, who dedicate themselves to the necessary training of their mind, can become sorcerers of great power.

HISTORY

The Creation Myth Backstories of the PCs