Tao

The world of Tao is a high-fantasy medieval setting with widespread but structured magic. Society is largely feudal, with kingdoms, federations, religious orders, and clan-based cultures. Technology is mostly medieval, though select regions (especially dwarves and gnomes) possess advanced craftsmanship, early mechanical inventions, and siege technology. What sets Tao apart is the active role of religion and divine ideology, particularly the rise of a fanatical religious power attempting to “purify” the continent by divine mandate. Ancient artifacts, forgotten heroes, and sealed divine forces play a central role in shaping the fate of the world.

Eukoa is the main known continent and contains several distinct political entities: Kingdom of Télérion A fertile human kingdom of plains and rolling hills, focused on agriculture, trade, and military organization. Ruled by King Niklas II d’Argemont. Sylvan Kingdom of Elenor A forest-based realm tied deeply to nature and druidic traditions, ruled by long-lived leaders chosen by the forest itself. Federation of Borébos A wealthy maritime federation of port cities with Mediterranean climates, known for trade, luxury, diplomacy, and naval power. League of Galdarim A powerful dwarven alliance of underground cities, supported by gnome and halfling settlements. The industrial and military backbone of the continent. Unified Clans of Kreshnor Orc clans united under a council of seven chiefs. Brutal, martial, and clan-driven, but capable of alliance when respected. Lordship of Lavaltrois A smaller feudal domain with a castle and villages, politically flexible and later allied with the players. The White Order A militant religious state with fortified cities and strict theocratic rule, acting both as a nation and a crusading order. Major landmarks include: The Blue Mountains, home to the Mage Academy Strategic mountain passes, forests, fertile plains, and rich coastal regions

Eukoa is highly multicultural: Humans dominate Télérion, Borébos, and the White Order. Dwarves rule Galdarim, masters of metal, mithril, and warcraft. Elves inhabit Elenor, deeply spiritual and bound to nature. Orcs, with some ogres and trolls, form the clans of Kreshnor. Gnomes & Halflings support Galdarim with engineering and logistics. Fungus beings (Sporophilia) live in isolated colonies, producing powerful fungal brews—considered drugs in some kingdoms and sacred tools in others. Relations range from trade alliances to open hostility. Distrust of orcs and fear of fungal cultures are common, while religious tension cuts across racial lines.

The central conflict shaping the continent is the rise of the White Order: The Order seeks to “purify” Eukoa, believing their god has commanded the destruction of the current world to restart it anew. They promise their followers survival and salvation in exchange for absolute obedience. They summon beasts, wage holy wars, and overthrow governments. During a critical moment, they seize control of Télérion, Galdarim, and Elenor. This creates: Continental war Religious persecution Political collapse Opportunities for rebellion, alliances, espionage, and artifact hunting The players’ actions directly influence which cities fall, which alliances survive, and whether the gods themselves are unleashed.

Magic Magic is widely known but carefully regulated. Formal magical education exists (Blue Mountains Mage Academy). Ancient magic, sealed artifacts, and divine remnants are far more powerful and dangerous. Magical items and experimental brews exist, some unstable or forbidden. Religion The pantheon is hierarchical: Aëdrion sits at the top but is distant and rarely worshiped directly. The Primordial Children (Lysariel, Korthan, Némora, Thalmyr) are the primary objects of worship. Lesser gods influence daily life, secrets, death, and forbidden knowledge. The White Order interprets divine will in an extremist way, using religion as justification for annihilation rather than balance.

Other planes do exist and actively influence the material world of Tao, but direct interaction is rare and dangerous. In ancient times, planar boundaries were far weaker. Legendary figures such as Thalandor Feuille-d’Or sealed many planar breaches, stabilizing reality. Today, planar contact usually occurs through: Ancient artifacts tied to forgotten heroes Forbidden rituals, often conducted by the White Order Accidental breaches caused by unstable magic or relics The White Order deliberately opens rifts to summon beasts and servants they interpret as “divine instruments.” Some planes are believed to house slumbering gods or imprisoned divine fragments, which may be released if enough seals are broken. Long missions in other planes cause time distortion, explaining why major political shifts occur while heroes are absent. Planar travel is not common adventuring magic—it is a campaign-defining event.

The Primordial Age The gods and their children shaped the world directly. Continents were unstable, magic was wild, and mortal races were young. Ruins from this era are rare but immensely powerful. The Age of Founding Kingdoms, clans, and federations formed. Legendary heroes (such as the Company of the Nine) rose to prominence. Many great artifacts of Eukoa originate here. Major cities, fortresses, and trade routes were established. The Age of Sealing Powerful mages sealed planar boundaries and divine remnants. Magical borders, wards, and ancient prisons were created. Many ruins from this age remain hidden or half-forgotten. The Age of Fracture (Current Age) Faith has turned radical. Old alliances collapse. The White Order seeks to undo the seals and “reset” the world. Ruins, sealed tombs, and lost cities are now vital objectives rather than relics.

Currency Gold, silver, and copper coins dominate human and elven lands. Dwarves use coinage but value mithril weight and crafted goods more. Orc clans rely on loot, trophies, and barter rather than formal currency. Some regions trade in favors, contracts, or relics. Trade Routes Maritime routes controlled by Borébos are the richest and safest. Overland routes connect Télérion, Galdarim, and Elenor. A continental train line links major capitals and select cities, symbolizing progress and unity. Smuggling routes exist through forests, mountains, and orc territories. Special Goods Mithril arms and armor (Galdarim) Fungal Brews (legal or illegal depending on the realm) Blessed weapons and relics (White Order) Siege machines and mechanical constructs (gnomes)

Justice Systems Kingdoms rely on royal courts, magistrates, and city guards. Elenor favors restorative and nature-based justice. Orc clans enforce law through strength, honor, and council judgment. The White Order uses absolute religious law, where heresy is punishable by death. Adventurers Generally viewed as necessary but dangerous. In cities, adventurers are tolerated, licensed, or hired as mercenaries. In rural villages, they are feared, admired, or desperately needed. The White Order labels unsanctioned adventurers as criminals or heretics. Reputation matters: heroes can become saviors, warlords, or outlaws depending on their choices.

Major Threats The White Order A militant religious cult turned continental power. Led by fanatical commanders and a chosen “Blessed One.” Seeks total destruction followed by divine rebirth. Summoned Entities Beasts from other planes, warped by divine ideology. Often unstable, aggressive, and resistant to conventional weapons. Ancient Evils Forgotten gods or god-fragments sealed beneath ruins. Creatures bound to ancient battlefields or cataclysms. Relics that corrupt or dominate their wielders. Mortal Threats Rogue mages and artifact hunters Criminal syndicates trading in forbidden magic Ambitious warlords exploiting the chaos Many monsters are not random—they are consequences of history, faith, and broken seals.