Eldros

Medieval technology, Lots of magic of every kind but no one has ever wielded shadows.

Kingdom of Aetherfall Aetherfall is a mage-dominated kingdom built on ancient arcane tradition. Its rulers believe magic is the rightful source of authority, and noble bloodlines are often tied to magical ability. The kingdom values knowledge, ritual, and control, but its reliance on magic has created internal class divisions between powerful spellcasters and non-mages. Kingdom of Ironreach Ironreach is a militant and disciplined realm that values strength, strategy, and unity over raw magic. While magic users exist, they are tightly regulated and often serve the state rather than ruling it. Ironreach relies on enchanted weapons, war machines, and elite knight orders to rival Aetherfall’s sorcerers, fueling the ongoing war between the two powers. Major Cities Luminor (Aetherfall Capital) A city of towers and floating structures, Luminor is powered by ancient ley lines. Arcane academies dominate the skyline, and the ruling council of archmages governs from a crystalline citadel at the city’s center. Stonehaven (Ironreach Capital) Stonehaven is a heavily fortified city carved into a mountain range. Its massive walls, iron gates, and underground forges make it nearly impenetrable. The High King rules from a fortress-keep that doubles as a military command center. Greyspire A neutral city-state built at the crossroads between both kingdoms. Greyspire thrives on trade, espionage, and mercenary contracts. Though officially neutral, both kingdoms secretly vie for influence within its shadowy councils. Geographic Features The Shatterlands A vast, ruined region scarred by an ancient magical cataclysm. Wild magic storms, mutated creatures, and unstable terrain make it deadly to cross. Control of the Shatterlands could provide immense power—or total destruction. The Silverflow River The largest river on the continent, serving as a natural border between the two kingdoms. Control of its bridges and ports is crucial for trade and military movement, making it a constant battleground. The Obsidian Peaks A jagged mountain range rich in rare metals and magical crystals. Ironreach mines its depths for weapons, while Aetherfall seeks the crystals to enhance spellcasting, making the Peaks a frequent flashpoint for conflict. The Verdant Veil An ancient enchanted forest where magic behaves unpredictably. It is home to old spirits, forgotten ruins, and rogue magic users who reject both kingdoms’ rule. How These Elements Shape the World The war between Aetherfall and Ironreach defines politics, trade, and daily life across the continent. Cities are fortified, magic is regulated or exploited, and neutral territories grow rich by playing both sides. Geography forces constant conflict over resources, while ancient magical remnants hint that the greatest threat to the world may not be either kingdom—but the power they are fighting to control.

Major Races of the World Humans Territories: Aetherfall, Ironreach, Greyspire Role: Dominant political power Humans are the most widespread and politically influential race. They rule both major kingdoms and most city-states. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in both magic-heavy and martial societies. While humans of Aetherfall tend to see magic as a birthright, those of Ironreach view it as a tool to be controlled. Human internal division fuels the larger war. Relations: Rule over or dominate most other races Distrusted by elves due to historical exploitation Pragmatic alliances with dwarves Often feared by beastfolk and orcs High Elves Territories: The Verdant Veil, arcane enclaves within Aetherfall Role: Ancient magic keepers High elves are long-lived and deeply tied to the world’s magical foundations. Many served as early advisors in Aetherfall but withdrew after humans began abusing arcane power. Elves believe magic should be preserved, not weaponized, and view the war as reckless. Relations: Uneasy alliance with Aetherfall Hostile toward Ironreach’s anti-magic policies Protective of forest races View humans as dangerously short-sighted Dark Elves (Drow) Territories: The Underdeep beneath the Shatterlands Role: Shadow manipulators and spies The drow live in vast subterranean cities powered by shadow magic. They avoid open warfare, preferring manipulation and secrecy. Both kingdoms suspect them of influencing the war from behind the scenes, often playing each side against the other. Relations: Distrusted by all surface races Occasional covert alliances with both kingdoms Tense relationship with high elves Trade information for protection and resources Dwarves Territories: The Obsidian Peaks Role: Master smiths and engineers Dwarves control the most valuable metal and crystal resources in the world. While officially neutral, their forges supply Ironreach with enchanted weapons and siege engines. They prize honor and contracts above politics. Relations: Strong trade alliance with Ironreach Cautious respect for Aetherfall Distrust elves over ancient mining disputes Generally respected by most races Orcs Territories: The Ashen Plains, borderlands near Ironreach Role: Warriors and mercenaries Orcs are often stereotyped as brutal, but their society is clan-based and honor-driven. Many clans have been displaced by the expanding war and now serve as mercenaries or raiders. Ironreach uses orcish strength while refusing them political power. Relations: Exploited by Ironreach Hunted or enslaved by some human factions Mutual respect with dwarves Frequent conflict with humans and elves Beastfolk Territories: The Verdant Veil, riverlands, remote regions Role: Survivors and scouts Beastfolk are diverse, including feline, avian, and reptilian traits. They live in small tribal communities and are deeply connected to nature. The war has forced many from their homelands, creating resentment toward both kingdoms. Relations: Protected by elves when possible Distrust humans deeply Avoid dwarves and orcs Neutral but increasingly hostile Racial Tensions and Power Balance The world is shaped by human ambition, elven caution, dwarven pragmatism, and orcish displacement. While the war appears to be between two kingdoms, the racial tensions beneath it threaten a larger conflict. Many races fear that if the war continues, it will awaken ancient forces or destroy the fragile balance holding the world together.

Major Threats The Shatterlands Are Awakening Magic storms are growing stronger, and ancient creatures once thought dead are reappearing. Scholars believe the war is destabilizing ancient seals. Adventure Opportunities: Explore ruined cities lost to the cataclysm Hunt or contain magical abominations Recover artifacts that can stabilize—or worsen—the storms The Drow Shadow Accord Dark elf factions are secretly manipulating both kingdoms, selling intelligence and stirring conflict to weaken the surface world. Some believe the drow are preparing to claim the surface once both kingdoms are exhausted. Adventure Opportunities: Uncover drow infiltration in royal courts Track a shadow broker through the Underdeep Prevent a shadow ritual meant to plunge cities into darkness

How Magic Works The Weave of Ley Magic flows through the world via invisible currents called ley lines, formed during the world’s creation. Spellcasters do not create magic; they draw, shape, and release it. Where ley lines intersect, magic is stronger—but far more unstable. Overuse of magic strains the Weave, causing wild magic surges Ancient ruins often sit on ley nexuses The Shatterlands exist where the Weave was catastrophically torn Magic requires focus, knowledge, or sacrifice. Casting without discipline risks physical exhaustion, corruption, or unintended consequences. Schools of Magic Magic is broadly divided into three traditions: Arcane Magic Used by mages, sorcerers, and scholars. Arcane magic relies on study, innate talent, or bloodline inheritance. This is the dominant magic of Aetherfall. Highly versatile but dangerous when abused Most destructive war magic comes from this source Primal Magic Drawn from nature, spirits, and living land. Druids, shamans, and beastfolk practitioners use it. Strongest in forests, rivers, and untouched lands Disrupted by industrial warfare and deforestation Divine Magic Granted by gods or cosmic forces through faith, vows, or duty. Clerics and paladins channel power rather than control it. Divine magic cannot be forced A god may withdraw power if its tenets are violated Who Can Use Magic Gifted Individuals Some are born able to sense the Weave. In Aetherfall, these individuals are identified early and trained—or controlled. Trained Casters Most arcane users must study for years. Ironreach licenses and monitors magic users, treating them as strategic assets. Faith-Bound Casters Clerics and paladins gain magic through devotion, not talent. Their power depends on belief and obedience, not knowledge. Ritual Casters Non-mages can use limited magic through artifacts, runes, or group rituals—often at great cost or risk. Only one deity has ever been herd of. A being able to control shadows and bend them to their will. This being hasn't been heard of in ages. Some people believe he is just the last survivor of an old kingdom that has gone into hiding.