The New Age

The Dawn of The New Age

After the calamity that was the The Devine War, by the Dawn of The New Age, came The Vineheart Realm named after the hero party who kept damages and casualties to a minimum during the war.

The Vineheart Realm

In the chaos of the Devine War, when gods themselves threatened to tear the world asunder, a group of heroes emerged who would shape the course of history. The Vineheart Party, as they came to be known, worked tirelessly to protect mortal settlements, evacuate civilians from divine battlegrounds, and minimize the catastrophic impact of godly conflicts. Their actions saved countless lives and preserved bastions of civilization that would have otherwise been lost.

Formation of the Realm

In recognition of their heroic deeds, the surviving powers and peoples united under the banner of these heroes, establishing the Vineheart Realm. This marked the beginning of a new era of mortal self-determination, where people looked not just to the gods but to their own strength and unity for survival.

Early Developments

The first decades of the Vineheart Realm were characterized by:

• Creation of emergency response protocols based on the Vineheart Party’s methods
• Establishment of sanctuaries in areas protected during the war
• Development of new magical techniques for containing divine residue
• Formation of a unified system of governance inspired by the heroes’ principles
• Creation of the Vineheart Chronicles, documenting both the war and the realm’s founding

Societal Changes

The Vineheart Realm brought significant changes to how society functioned:

• Emphasis on mortal cooperation over divine intervention
• Integration of divine worship with practical governance
• New forms of magic focusing on protection and restoration
• Development of communication networks between settlements
• Establishment of the Vineheart Rangers, protectors of travel routes

Legacy of the Heroes

The Vineheart Party’s influence extended far beyond their immediate actions:

• Their methods of crisis management became standard practice
• Their stories inspired a new generation of adventurers and leaders
• Their principles of unity across racial and cultural lines shaped policy
• Their techniques for dealing with divine power were preserved and taught
• Their names became synonymous with hope and resilience

Foundations for Recovery

This period laid the groundwork for civilization’s gradual recovery:

• Establishment of trade routes between surviving settlements
• Creation of magical academies focused on practical rather than divine magic
• Development of new farming techniques for magically altered lands
• Formation of diplomatic protocols between emerging nations
• Preservation of knowledge and culture from before the war

The Dawn of The New Age, through the formation of the Vineheart Realm, represented more than just recovery from devastation - it marked a fundamental shift in how mortals viewed themselves and their relationship with the divine. The heroes who inspired this realm proved that even in the face of godly conflict, mortal courage and unity could prevail.

The Godwound

The Godwound

The Godwound is the eternal imprint & lingering reminder of the Devine War It is the manifestation of the powerful & divine magic that created it. It’s effects are felt across all the land(s)

• Forcing the seas to rage & manifest monsters
• Causing forests, caves & dungeons to manifest monsters & magical properties
• Creating gates from which monsters appear
• Enhancement of natural disasters

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Calendar

After the end of the Devine War the realm has reset their time keeping to be in line for the new age.

• This was partially done since the last method for keeping time was unreliable.

• The oldest texts found after pre-Devine War were estimated to be around 100 years old. The calendar was determined to start the new age at the year 100.

• There has since been found what is thought to be older texts.

Days

• Moonday
• Tinsday
• Whensday
• Thiesday
• Fireday
• Surtday
• Sinsday

Months

• Janbuary
• Marpril
• Mune
• Jugust
• Septober
• Nocember

The divided land

After The Devine War the Godwound ripped the continent into several pieces. The landmass that was once whole, had become 4 continents and several islands

Continents

Arcanum

History

Named after the house of Arca the capital of Mystara lies at the center if this continent. Connected to Memberia via the city of Ironshore and Onyxia via the city of Riverport

Royalty

Once ruled by the royal house of Minli the results of the Devine War caused the deaths of several royal branches to go extinct, either in battle or as collateral from the devastation.

Many houses were left to lead this new continent, the new Monarch was picked by finding the one next in line. Many didn’t favor this approach but were out numbered by the ones favoring tradition.

With the dust settled the Arca family took the mantle of leading.

The house of Arca

Having been deemed the rightful heir of the kingdom the head of the Arca (Rondli Arca) whom deemed it to be that this new continent should be named Arcanum and that by this the kingdom of Arcanum would be born.

Relation

The former King of the Kingdom of Mysta (Xon Minli) had 3 children. His youngest had another 2 the oldest of which then had 3 of her own. Where the middle child married into the “peasant” merchant line of Arca and had 2 children, the oldest of which was the head of house Arca (Rondli Arca)

History

The Arca used to be a peasant family with no last name, it was only once the first Arca decided to become a traveling merchant that (after many years) relations and trades were made with the then King of Mysta that a last name for distinction was needed, the merchant decided to take the name of his company (Arca trading co) and thusly became the first of house Arca

Re-Settlement

The early settlements of what was now Arcanum, were focused on getting the coast operational for easier access to food such as fish, while farmland was being recultivated.

Trade ports were quickly established with Memberia via Ironshore and Raven’s Watch Trade with Onyxia however took a while to establish via Riverport and Bayshore Trade with Luminia goes through Onyxia

Godwound Ritual

Tide Sealing

• Performed at the edge of their deepest ocean trench
• Uses sacred pearls charged with moonlight throughout the year
• Failure results in massive tidal waves and sea creature attacks
• Requires cooperation between multiple coastal temples

The Arcanian Priestess

The Tide Singer

• Their tears have powerful purifying properties
• Communicates with sea creatures

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Memberia

History

The name Memberia comes from the ancient word “Memor” meaning “memory,” referring to the continent’s vast libraries and centers of learning. Connected to Arcanum through Raven’s Watch, and to Luminia via Shadowbrook.

Royalty

House Sapient rules Memberia, having risen to power through their mastery of both magical and mundane knowledge. They survived Devine War by using their vast magical archives to protect their territories.

The House of Sapient

The Sapients distinguish themselves through their tradition of requiring all family members to master at least three schools of magic before taking any position of authority. Their rule is characterized by a council-style governance where wisdom is valued above birthright.

Relation

The current ruling branch of house Sapient gained legitimacy through their maternal connection to the previous ruling house of Mandia. When the last Mandia heir fell during Devine War, the Sapients were chosen for both their blood ties and their unparalleled magical expertise.

History

The Sapient family began as a guild of scholars and mages who founded the first magical university in Memberia. Their transformation from academics to rulers came gradually as their influence over magical education made them indispensable to the previous monarchy.

Godwound Ritual

Frost Tethering

• Performed in the frozen north of the Memberian continent
• Failure results in devastating magical winter storms and ice monsters
• The ritual involves a month-long preparation of special ice crystals

The Memberian Priestess

The Frost Speaker

• Wears ceremonial armor made from blue titanium called eternal ice
• Has the longest lifespan of all priestesses due to the preserving cold

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Luminia

History

Luminia takes its name from the eternal aurora that dances in its skies, a phenomenon said to be a blessing from the gods themselves. Connected to Onyxia through the Obsidian Gate and to Memberia via the Scholar’s Bridge.

Royalty

The royal house of Dawnweaver rules Luminia, having maintained their position through the Devine War by harnessing the continent’s unique celestial energies.

The House of Dawnweaver

The Dawnweavers are unique among the continental rulers for their claim of divine lineage, claiming descent from an ancient solar deity. Their rule is marked by a claim of a deep connection to celestial magic and prophetic abilities.

Relation

Unlike other kingdoms, Luminia’s ruling house remained relatively stable through the Devine War, though many of their subsidiary noble houses were lost. The Dawnweavers maintain their position through both “divine right” and the support of powerful religious institutions.

History

The Dawnweavers’ originated from their ancestor’s ability to “manipulate” the morning sun’s light during the kingdom’s founding. Originally priests of the ancient sun temple, they gradually transformed into a ruling dynasty as their prophetic abilities and “celestial” magic became crucial to the kingdom’s survival.

Godwound Ritual

Wind Weaving

• Takes place atop their highest mountain peaks
• Uses wind chimes forged from meteoric metal
• Failure leads to devastating hurricanes and flying monstrosities
• Requires precise timing with specific wind patterns

The Luminian Priestess

The Wind Whisperer

• Their voice carries power over the air itself
• Traditionally remains unmarried, wedded to the sky
• Often develops the ability to levitate (not fly)

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Onyxia

History

Named after the onyx that form in the northern mountain range, Onyxia stands as a testament to natural wealth and architectural grandeur. Connected to Arcanum through the bustling port city of Bayshore, and to Luminia via Sapphire Bay & Coral Bay.

Royalty

The continent was traditionally ruled by the royal house of Shadowrest, masters of both commerce and diplomacy. During the Devine War, the Shadowrest dynasty maintained their hold through careful maneuvering, though many of their closest fell. After gaining power, the capital Onyxia got renamed to Shadowvale to signify the change of the kingdom, and to honor the Obsidia the kingdom remains as the Kingdom of Onyxia

The House of Shadowrest

The ruling family gained prominence through their control of the continent’s valuable mineral trade. Unlike other noble houses, the Shadowrests were originally mining barons who earned their titles through economic influence rather than military might.

History

The Shadowrest line traces their noble legitimacy through marriage to the youngest daughter of the former ruling house of Obsidia. When the Obsidia line ended during Devine War, the Shadowrests’ combination of economic power and royal blood made them the clear successors.

Re-Settlement

The early settlements of what was now Onyxia, were focused on getting the mines and raw material resources operational for trading and tool creation. This was in hopes of gaining the favor of the other kingdoms & islands. With the farmland being neglected by the new king, a famine quickly set in, and the recultivation of food access got implemented. It was however, too late. As most skilled farmers & fishermen had either gotten too old to continue working or died with their knowledge.

This new era would have Onyxia trade for food & knowledge, heavily supported via trade with the island of Rubilande. Not quite what the new king had envisioned.

Trade ports were quickly established with Luminia via Coral Bay and Sapphire Bay Trade with Arcanum however took a while to establish via Bayshore and Riverport Trade with Memberia goes through Luminia

Godwound Ritual

Flame Binding

• Conducted within their deepest castle dungeon
• Uses sacred flames that have burned for thousands of years
• Failure causes volcanic formations & eruptions and fire elementals to run rampant
• The ritual requires rare combustible materials gathered throughout the year

The Onyxian Priestess

The Flame Guardian

• Bears special resistance to extreme heat
• Shortest average lifespan due to the intensity of their powers
• Can communicate through flames with other fire temples

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Frostveil Sanctuary

Blizzard’s Edge

Islands

Cat’s Eye

Rubilande

Dragon’s Roost

Starfall Isle

Frostspire

Ironcliff Island

Euphoria

Four Centuries Later

The Sundering of Lands. When The Godwound first manifested, its power didn’t just tear the fabric of reality—it physically ripped the continent apart. The once-unified landmass known as Magnica was split into four distinct continents, separated by great waters born from divine chaos.

The Waters

• The Godwound’s energy created the Sundering Seas
• New island chains formed from fragments of the original continent
• Some islands hold powerful concentrations of divine energy
• Maritime trade routes have become crucial for inter-continental commerce

Modern Political Landscape

The Sundering brought an end to ancient territorial disputes but gave rise to new forms of conflict:

• Naval supremacy became the new measure of power
• Trade routes and island control drive modern politics
• Each continent developed distinct cultural identities
• Inter-continental alliances are both vital and fragile

Technological and Magical Evolution

The post-Sundering world saw unique developments:

• Navigation magic evolved to cope with the Godwound’s interference
• New forms of communication developed to bridge the continental divide
• Each region developed specialized magic based on their environment
• Trade in unique regional resources drives innovation

Cultural Transformation

Four centuries of separation have led to:

• Distinct regional interpretations of the old gods
• New traditions born from adaptation to changed environments
• Unique architectural styles influenced by local conditions
• Regional variations in magical practices and beliefs

Modern Challenges

Despite centuries of recovery, the world faces ongoing issues:

• Periodic expansions of the Godwound require constant vigilance
• Pirates exploit the dangerous waters between continents
• Religious conflicts persist over interpretations of divine intent
• Resource competition drives inter-continental tensions
• Some dream of reunification while others defend independence

Legacy of Division

The Sundering, while catastrophic, brought some unexpected benefits:

• Clearer borders reduced traditional territorial warfare
• Diverse environments promoted cultural and technological specialization
• Separated populations developed unique solutions to shared problems
• New forms of cooperation emerged between distant lands

The world may be physically divided, but the challenges of the Dawn of The New Age have created connections that span the Sundering Seas, proving that even in separation, the peoples of these lands find ways to reach across the raging divide.