Welcome to Gaia! ::

GEOGRAPHY
The Sphere is nothing but a round portion of dark space upon which the many worlds (called Discs) rest. Its measure encompasses the entire universe; nothing exists beyond the Sphere but the Heavens, where the gods are, and the Outer Reaches; the dark corners of quasi-existence, where the Elder gods sleep. Though The Sphere is finite, none but the gods and the Four Winds know just how vast it is. To compare The Sphere to the real world’s universe would be a mistake. Where our universe is seemingly infinite and ever expanding, The Sphere is finite and fixed. Round planets dot the expanse of our galaxies, rotating around suns. On the Sphere, flat Disc-shaped worlds slowly drift like glaciers atop a strange sea (yet never collide with one another due to the influence of divine powers). They are all self-contained worlds with their nights and days coming and going as dictated by the magical laws that govern each individual world. Our universe is based on immovable, unchangeable physical laws. The Sphere, while guided by many of the same principles (like gravity and force), is primarily ruled by the power of Mana.

The Sphere is divided into four Hemispheres; North, South, East, and West. Each realm is governed by one of the Four Winds; the cold and mysterious Boreas (North), the friendly, altruistic Auster (South), the strong and noble Eurus (East), and the hot-headed Zephyr (West). These divine beings are charged with the upkeep of The Sphere and the management of all the Discs that drift into their realm. The Four Winds’ duties include making sure that day, night, and the rotation of the seasons occurs as it should on each world, writing the fates of individuals (as dictated by Mana) on the stars of the night sky, preventing the Discs from crashing into one another, monitoring the Watchers of each world and a host of other unknowable duties. The Four Winds are far too busy to have any meaningful relationship with the residents of their realms, preferring instead to allow the Watchers and Mankind to sort out the details of all but the most cataclysmic events. Their limited involvement in the early part of the Disc Wars is evidence of this fact.

Watchers, on the other hand, are the more personal guardians of each world’s inhabitants. They were chosen and deified ages ago from among the greatest of native mortals and spirits from each world to fulfill the duties of their station. The Watchers all have different personalities, flaws, and personal politics, but were chosen because they ultimately embody the spirit of their world. They often disagree with one another, but truly do have the ultimate well-being of their people at the helm of their goals. The only issue is that each of them has different ideas as to what is best for their people, and the political/cultural climates of their worlds are a testament to this. Some, such as Lord Imodre, believe in peace, pacifism, and civility and his Disc of Zu reflects this. Others, such as Lord Bahm of Helios believe that man only grows stronger through conflict, and man must be strong in order to get the most from life. As a result, Helios is an endless battlefield.

Each Watcher observes his world from a tower fortress. The exact location, design, and nature of this tower depends on the Watcher in question…a warmonger might have an impenetrable iron fortress, for example. There, the Watcher uses various magical means to monitor events on his Disc; crystal balls, networks of spies, and even hidden surveillance cameras are all means Watchers use depending on the magical and technological resources available to them. In addition to a small, elite guard of semi-magical beings (such as golems, angels, demons, etc.), each Watcher keeps a trusted companion called an Archon. This Archon is either a powerful mortal or a cooperative Little god who serves as the Watcher’s messenger, assistant, and ally.

As the weakest and lowest ranking of the greater divinities, Watchers do not have the power and resources to deal with the many dangers that threaten their Discs at any given time. As a result, they have recruited brave mortals throughout the years to fight their battles, rewarding them with fame, honor, and golden treasures. Many tales are told in taverns and around campfires of mortal heroes called by Watchers to fight the dark children of Malice and make the lands safe for common folk. Of course, these tales grow in the telling. The honest truth behind many of them undermines the legend of how heroic their protagonists really were. Many were braggarts, drunks, murderers and polygamists who grew fat on their own legends and truly believed themselves untouchable. Regardless of their methods or the fault of their heroes, the Watchers stand guard above the Discs in their white towers of stone and ivory, protecting the blissfully ignorant populace from the horde of threats that hide just beyond the scope of vision.

Flat worlds (literally the magnitude of Earth-sized planets, only flattened out) called Discs rest upon The Sphere in constantly changing positions, like floating islands on a restless sea. Despite their apparently chaotic orbits, the worlds never collide with one another – a sanction attributed to the Four Winds’ guidance. These Discs house the many inhabitants of creation and each one is unique in its geography, culture, and ecosystem. Discs are separated from one another by an impassible sea of darkness called The Void. The Void appears as an endless, inky black ocean, constantly shrouded in grey mist. If a mortal were ever able to draw near to the Disc’s edge, he would find the ground there wracked by cataclysms, storms crackling through the skies above, and all the colors faded to black and white. At land’s end, the world simply ends abruptly, with steep cliffs dropping down into the well of foggy darkness. There are no stars or any lights whatsoever coming from The Void, no watermarks, and no way to traverse the misty waters. The most buoyant of objects sink like stones when placed in The Void. It is completely impassible.

In the skies above, one can see a sun (or in some worlds, multiple suns) which gives light and heat, and observe atmospheric conditions like rain, snow, storms, and other meteorological phenomenon (there are even unique weather patterns intrinsic only to certain worlds). The night sky is filled with glittering stars and a moon (and many worlds also have more than one moon), which many astrologers read as omens. Even if such technology existed, it would be impossible to travel starward beyond the scope of the Disc’s creation; a ship could literally fly in one direction for hundreds of years only to find itself at the same altitude it was at when it first reached the dark ends of the atmosphere.

The only means of travel between Discs is through Promethean Gates; those wondrous (and ultimately evil) portals given by Malice to enable transport of people, goods, culture, and ultimately war between worlds. Each Gate is a monolithic structure made from some unknown material. They are indestructible and their magic is too great to be affected by the craft of Man or even the gods. At the top of each portal is an inscription in the old tongue of the Disc (many of which have been lost for good) noting that Gate’s destination. Looking through the Gate, one can see the other side where they will appear, as though looking through a window connected to somewhere else. Anyone can walk through a Gate and be instantly transported to that Gate’s destination- no magical prowess is required. These Gates are sprinkled throughout creation and at least one doorway to every Disc exists somewhere on every world. Though it is believed that Second Age Men once knew the locations of all these Gates, much of this knowledge has been lost to the ravages of time and the ruin of the Apocalypse. Further complicating matters is the fact that the land changed during the Apocalypse, making the old tomes that detail the locations of certain Promethean Gates completely inaccurate in modern times…not to mention the fact that many Gates lay at the bottom of a sea or in some ruinous cavern, no doubt swallowed by the geographic upheavals of the Third Age.

This game focuses on 11 “core Discs”, all of which have been able to reconnect with one another since the sundering of the Apocalypse. 11 Discs is a far cry from the hundreds of worlds that traded between one another at the height of the Second Age. Though constant efforts are being made to uncover Promethean Gates that are either buried beneath scourged land or hidden in the far corners of a world, it can be surmised that the 12 core Discs are not the only ones who have managed to find the Promethean Gates; there may be other sets of “core Discs” interconnected with each other, waiting to be discovered.

Arcadia
The green expanse of trees and undergrowth stretches as far as the eye can see. Rays of bright sunshine filter down through the tops of the trees, lighting the quaint path that leads through the thick wood. The air is fresh and clean, filled with the scent of flowers, trees, and earth. Life is everywhere in this eternal forest; from the robins singing in the treetops to the spiders spinning their hidden webs to the deer, the foxes, and the mice. And though everything in sight is vibrant and new in the morning, something about this forest is also very ancient. A voice whispers, just beyond the edge of hearing, giggles…and disappears. A gentle breeze sways the tops of the trees in response and the rustle of the leaves against one another almost seems to form audible words. In the corner of the eye, something flits and vanishes…no more than a blur.

There is more at work in this sea of trees than just the complex cycle of life. Powerful magic permeates the living wood and Arcadia is home to many species who keenly feel the effects of this magic; Humans, Elves, and countless other species take residence among the branches of Yew and Oak, tending to the needs of the wood as it tends to theirs. Yet this idyllic place holds more than its share of dangers. There are dark parts of the wood where sinister evil holds sway, polluting the soil and trees. There are lakes, bottomless and treacherous where strange, alien creatures wait to pull the unwary into a cold, watery grave. And not all the inhabitants of Arcadia live in peace with their world. Some are treacherous and disdainful of those outside their small community. Others seek nothing less than dominion over the whole of the Disc. For the most part, however, Arcadia is a beautiful and magical world where ancient, wise trees grow tall, tended by the Elves and fairies. It has a rich culture of art and history filled with romance, triumph, and tragedy alike.

Helios
The color of blood stains the plains and skies of Helios. Armies of brigands march against one another, tearing what they can from the bleeding fingers of the war-torn world. As a Disc with few resources, the people of Helios are locked in an eternal struggle for survival. Everyone on Helios must be a fierce, cynical, violent opportunist. Those who are not are dead. The strong survive and the weak die off. Life on the Disc of Blood is as simple as that. Few settlements are permanent and any who stay in one place for too long are bound to be raided. Small parties of nomads make their living hunting and gathering (in other words, stealing) what they can as they wander across the red plains of grass and thorns. On this forsaken world, the forbidden magic of Necromancy is commonplace. Dark wizards vie with one another for control of certain territories more out of spite for one another than actual desire to control these wastelands. Many consider this practice for the wars they will wage against the rest of The Sphere some day. Because of constant war, Helios is inconceivably unstable. There is no sense of culture or community as every individual is out for his own survival. There is no art, science, education, or magic beyond that which is useful in war...for the ply and trade of Helios is in blood alone.

Those who reside on Helios are desperate to leave now that travel between Discs is once again possible. While some wish only for new worlds to plunder, most want to leave the hellish living conditions their Disc offers. However, few worlds are willing to take in these refugees, as they are (understandably) cautious of Hellions overtly criminal natures. Even those who would be considered kindly and generous by Helios’ standards are judged to be thuggish anywhere else. Most who wish to leave do not have the resources to do so anyway...not to mention the courage needed to cross the open plains where the Promethean Gates may be found. Helios is a poor world with little to offer. The land bears no fruit, water is scarce, and ranchers frequently lose herds to both human and inhuman predators.

Ishtar
The endless sand dunes cast long, round shadows as the twin suns set in the eastern sky, silhouetting the barely perceptible shape of a majestic city. As the starry host glimmers overhead, a chill wind blows across the desert in stark contrast to the blistering heat of the day. A falling star streaks across the velvet expanse as the silver moon hangs silent in the still night air. Miles away, the city of Melphina stands proud and unwavering. Its golden domes sit atop round stone walls, washed white by ages of blasting by the sand and the sun. Windows, cornices, and doorways intricately articulated with colored tile garnish the buildings that line the tight streets of the city…and this city, steeped in intrigue, tradition, and mystery does not sleep this night nor any other. It is as awake and alive now as it was by day. And all across the vast desert this scene repeats itself with the setting of the twin suns, Cassinero and Khandis. When day returns to Ishtar, it will bring with it the relentless, searing heat that defines this world of day and night, life and death, beginnings and endings.

Lockheed
As twilight descends across a grey haze that covers vast, nondescript miles of frozen tundra, the only sound that hangs in the cold air is the baying of wolves in the far distance. On the horizon a star twinkles once…twice…before shrinking back into the darkness, covered once again by a sea of shadowed clouds. Far ahead, the speckled electric lights of a town promise shelter from the deep cold of the oncoming night and respite from the despair of this land of wind and ghosts.

This is the Disc of Lockheed, a frozen wasteland, barely inhabited by a hard-minded populace. Most believe there is little to be found across the cold miles of unforgiving terrain, but ever so rarely, a wondrous thing will raise its head from the gloom like a beam of sunlight through a cloudy day. There are secrets and great sadness buried beneath the snow of this world. And there are marvels to be found for those with the eyes to see them.

So why would anyone want to live in such a world? The population consists of fugitives, exiles, escaped criminals, and stubborn laborers with nowhere else to go. Many live here because they have no choice…and others live here because it’s the only home they’ve ever known. A remote Disc like Lockheed is the only place that fugitives can hide from the unfriendly eyes that seek them, and once there the social and economic conditions prevent most from acquiring enough wealth to cross the frozen plains and leave…so many who come to Lockheed have no choice but to remain for the rest of their lives.

Lyonesse
If the world-creating contest Kibs held at the dawn of the creation had not become an issue of pride, a game of treachery, and ultimately a divine debacle, then he would have undoubtedly chosen Lyonesse as his favored world. But as it stands Lyonesse is one of many worlds Man calls home. Lyonesse was created by Aldus, the god of art and inspiration. Hence, it’s no surprise that some of the most subtle and startlingly beautiful creatures and locales exist in the untamed corners of this emerald world.

Although humans are the Disc’s native inhabitants, many other races have come to call Lyonesse home as well; Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, Kindre, and Orcs have all made lives for themselves and some have even built cities of their own. Racial and cultural tensions are relatively tame; the bulk of discord on Lyonesse is in the conflict between man and wicked monsters; the children of corruption that taint the world and strike at Mankind from the shadows . While Lyonessians may have some degree of technology, and magic on their side, the denizens of darkness have numbers…and oh, how they have numbers. Throughout Lyonesse’s long history, there has been battle after battle between the hosts of Hell and the armies of Man.

Not only does Man struggle against his obviously evil enemies, but he also struggles against himself. Lyonesse is divided into 9 Kingdoms that have all warred with one another at one time or another. Though the outright fighting has ceased for the time being, there are still great tensions between states and many feel that a time is not far when the slightest spark will once again ignite the fires of war. Lyonesse also holds the honor (along with Zu, Arcadia, and Nod) of being one of the most magically inclined Discs. It seems that the currents of Mana flow especially strong on Lyonesse and many a powerful Mage roams the land. There are also wondrous artifacts both buried in the old ruins and sold on street corners; it seems that even commoners own a simple trinket or two. Magical academies exist in several locations throughout the 9 Kingdoms as scholars believe that Lyonesse is an ideal place to study the ebb and flow of Mana. As a center for magical study, a land of political turbulence, a host to many dungeons and treasure-laden ruins, and the home of both dangerous and wonderful beasts, Lyonesse is an adventurer’s dream come true. Armed with sword and wits, a brave man can go far in this half-tamed land of gold and glory…and he doesn’t have to go far to get there.

Marabolous
A heavy rain falls through the thick canopy of clouds. Wild animals take shelter from the deluge in trees and burrows, cringing as a flash of lighting tears through the clouds followed by a piercing peel of thunder. High winds whip through the tallest branches of the jungle, pounding powerlessly against stout, petulant mountains. The wet ground below turns soft and muddy within a few minutes and just as quickly as it started, the flash of rain is over. Slowly the clouds break, giving in to the sunlight behind their grey walls. Colorful birds of paradise take to the skies once more, flying over the tops of trees toward the hills. The dense jungle is once again filled with the sounds of life at the passing of the mid-day storm. Unlike so many others, this world barely knows the touch of man. The land is pure, wild, and virgin, inhabited only by exotic animals, feral gods, and a handful of fearless settlers. Though signs of an ancient civilization can be found deep within the jungle, these ruins are reluctant to give up their secrets so easily. The dangers of the jungle combined with the elaborate traps in and around such sites have prevented modern Man from learning the history of this striking world called Marabolous.

Marabolous is the “newest” Disc, having been discovered most recently by explorers through recently uncovered Promethean Gates. Though there is no way to be certain, many scholars belive that Marabalous had not yet been discovered at the time of the Disc Wars. Untouched by war, Marabolous undoubtedly underwent the same ice age the rest of The Sphere did…but civilization has yet to spring once more from its fertile womb. However, since its discovery about a hundred years ago, Marabolous has seen numerous settlers establish permanent colonies in the name of their home world. This has, unfortunately, led to more than a few conflicts over borders and resources in recent years. Marabolous may be the site of another great battle for dominance as worlds collide upon its (until previously) untainted surface.

Midgard
The light of Midgard’s twin moons, Volsteim and Yubra, filters through the thick pines, spilling onto the dirt of the shadowy mountain forest. A wolf howls in the distance as a crisp wind blows. In the distance lights and smoke from a town whisper through the quiet night, pleasing in their own way. As the dawn slowly rises, the darkness flees back into the caves and tops of the pines. Across the rugged plains of rock and stout grass, through the evergreen forests, and over the surface of cold, blue lakes the dawn finds mountains; glorious, tall, ancient mountains that stand against the winds and the ages like gods of the land. These titans cover the whole of Midgard, providing home and haven to those who call this Disc their own. Some of the greatest warriors and craftsmen on the entire Sphere come from this stony world. The Dwarves, Trolls, Orcs, and Humans of Midgard are all sturdy folk who build their cities on Midgard’s plains, in her forests and in the tunnels beneath her snow capped peaks. Their way of life is as hard as the land on which they dwell, having gone without change for centuries. Just as its people are set in their ways, Midgard is unmoving and unchanging. The Disc was born old and with such age comes great wisdom and many secrets.

Moribund
White veils of ghostly mist hang over the fallow fields. Clouds, like a velvet curtain, shut out the pale moonlight as they drift mournfully across the starless sky. The baying of dogs lingers in the air of a small hamlet that marks its borders with wooden crosses, garlic, charms, and all sorts of superstitious wards. Far from the town, across the shadowed fields and woods, a black iron tower rises from the cancerous earth, twisting its gnarled fingers upwards. Anemic lights shiver in the windows of the spire, their glow uninviting and cold. All across the world, the scene repeats itself; a small village or city, couched in fear, living in the shadow of a dark tower.

Moribund is a dark and terrible world where humans are subjugated beneath the rule of the Vampiir. Cities and towns rest some distance from the fortress of a ruling Vampiric family that governs its people with an iron rod. Their court is served by demons and Were-creatures known as Neguila (neh-gee-luh). The Vampiir demand tribute from their people in taxes of money, slaves, and blood, sending their dark servants to fetch it from the impoverished peasantry. In the wild places where Vampiir do not rule, conditions are even worse; bestial fiends claim rule over the open country, devouring any who dare trespass into their territory. For the most part however, the rule of the Vampiir upon Moribund is absolute. Their forces are powerful and their spies are many...crows, bats, trees, and even the wind itself serve the interests of the Disc’s dark lords.
Needless to say, this evil place is the brainchild of Malice, the former god of darkness. He mocked the contest by making his Disc a place where humans would live a blighted existence beneath the thumb of his world’s own twisted version of man, the Vampiir. Though his Disc was little more than a spiteful joke to keep up pretenses and to distract from his true intentions, Malice was perversely delighted that Moribund was created alongside all the earnest entries when the contest was declared a draw. Moribund is an eternal reminder of the dark god's hate for mankind and often serves as the last bastion of evil creatures with no where else to hide.

Nod
During childhood, everything was magical. A stick could become a sword, a dog, a dragon, and the chairs beneath the kitchen table, a labyrinth full of peril. During our youth, we saw shapes in the clouds, lying on our backs some summer noon. A walk down paths, now well worn, was once upon a time an epic adventure where everything changed with each new passing. In those days, we believed in dreams- in the reality of any fantasy our uncaged minds could imagine. Elves, chimera, gnomes, and phantasms bloomed like wildflowers within this garden we grew in daily.
And then something changed. Something stole away our sense of wonder. For whatever reason, we stopped believing in happy endings- in the stuff that magic is made of. We traded our elves, chimera, gnomes, and fantastic phantasms for doubts, worries, fears, and imagined complexities in a life we once found to be so simple. Our delight turned to melancholy as maturity dawned and, in each of us, that garden has grown wild, abandoned, and dark.

But what if there was a world where these things could never die- for they would be the very foundation of the world itself? A world where the dream would never end…where the fantasies of our youths are as real as you or I? What if there was a place where the sun never rose on a peaceful night’s dream- where the man in the moon simply smiled down upon each dreamer and sang his strange song, night after long, beautiful night? Behold, Nod; the land of dreams, where reveries, nightmares, and nursery rhyme clichés walk abroad, weaving a wonderful tapestry of story, song, and timeless metaphor below the dark sea of smiling stars on this Disc of Never-Ending Night. Nod was designed and engineered by Wendel, the god of dreams. He wanted to create a world where Men’s fantasies walked beside them instead of only when he lay claimed by sleep. His Disc was mocked by the other gods (though it still won by default), for they believed that Men would go mad when confronted by strange visions both day and night. To a certain extent, they were right.

Tortuga
Though the name Tortuga is synonymous with pirates, brigands, rogues, scoundrels, thugs, and all sorts of ne’er-do-wells, there is a strange sort of charm and a subtle draw to the Disc of Tides. Dramatic sunsets across endless plains of water, battles between noble soldiers and despicable pirates on the high seas, violent storms, buried treasure, and unexplored chains of islands…it’s easy to see why Tortuga draws travelers across it’s warm oceans into lives of endless adventure.

Tortuga has always been something of a work in progress. Their technology facilitates only so much as survival demands and while there aren’t many wars (the astronomical cost of moving armies across the vast distances sees to keeping the dogs of war at bay), there has always been an intense struggle between order and chaos. Because governments have such a difficult time controlling and patrolling their territories, because life is so difficult, and because the economy is relatively unstable in most places, lawlessness has become rampant as the plague. All manner of low-life scum walk the shores and sail the seas of Tortuga, living a life free of obligation to any government’s law. These pirates attack sailors and poorly guarded port-towns to make their way, looting and stealing what they can and leaving the rest to burn. While most of these seamen are merely criminals, some are free-spirited adventurers who refuse to settle down and live the boring life. Theirs is a world of danger, drama, and exploration. While the bandits search for treasure in other’s pockets, these noble few hunt for treasures claimed by the sea and righting wrongs wherever they find them. Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to distinguish one type of pirate from the other…and governments relentlessly hunt and mercilessly punish any pirates they come across. All in all, life on Tortuga is exciting, dangerous and if you’re not quick on your feet, all too short.

Zu
Above a blasted wasteland filled with mutant horrors, criminals and outcasts, the idyllic islands of Laputa float high in the skies. Emerald hills, crystal lakes, and golden cities shine upon these drifting treasures in stark contrast to the pale, flat plains below. Colorful, exotic birds fly through clear blue skies, migrating from island to island. Unpolluted rivers flow down from tall, snow-capped mountains, feeding the green countryside. Irrigation tunnels draw water from these rivers towards tall, immaculate cities that brim with magic and technology. This beautiful chain of fifty-two island nations is home to a great, advanced civilization. Magic, science, philosophy, technology, and government on Laputa are far more advanced than anywhere else. The Laputan’s world offers them little resistance and abundant resources, so it is no wonder that their society has managed to come so far in the time they have.

Below the floating islands of Laputa, Zu is an empty, grey wasteland called the Geanolan Heights. This flat plain is home to a population of criminals and outcasts exiled from idyllic Laputa for their heinous deeds. These people, called the Jur-Al, scavenge the best life they can from the harsh plains, but most are unable to survive for lack of resources and the ceaseless attacks of the Geanolan Heights’s secondary citizens; twisted mutations who roam the plains, ravaging any living thing they come across. And so Zu is a world divided against itself; the islands of light and progress contrasted against the wasted ground of darkness below.

FAITH, RELIGION, & THE AFTERLIFE
Before they left The Sphere to its own devices, it is said that the gods wrote upon two great tablets many guidelines for moral living and a description of the afterlife. They gave these tablets to The Four Winds, who charged The Watchers with tailoring the message into religions appropriate for the nations and people of their worlds. In the early days, the faith of people in such religions was strong but as time progressed, men began to doubt the stories told about gods they never personally knew. In this vein of thought, many new religions and philosophies came about and the teachings of the old religions grew more convoluted as time went on as scriptures were added to, taken out of, and misinterpreted from the original texts. The great loss of knowledge and culture from the First Age due to the Apocalypse has led to wide variations in religion across the Sphere, though most stem from a common origin. Obviously, all the religions of all the people in all nations across the entire Sphere would take far too long to list. What follows instead is a brief summary of the most widespread religions and the actual reality behind death.
Adventism

Also known as the “Old Religion”, Adventism is the religion closest to the old teachings given by the gods. It teaches that man is fundamentally flawed and dies in varying degrees of imperfection depending on how moral and devout he was in life.

His sins are cleansed by a punishing fire in purgatory after death and upon reaching a state of perfection, he is reincarnated. Adventism has a great many laws and traditions that must be upheld if one is to be considered righteous (though all will be punished to some degree for their sins) including baptism, a ceremony performed on infants and new converts to wash away sin. They denounce ancestor worship and the exaltation of Little gods, claiming such acts are heresy.

Followers are taught that reincarnation is desirable and the natural order of things. Ghosts who linger do so because of their shallow character and there are a many temptations in the Underworld that can cause the unfaithful to stray from the path towards glorious reincarnation. The righteous are those who can find their way through these snares to reach Purgatory and join the living once again in a new body. Adventist funerals are important affairs where gifts of flowers, incense and even material riches are offered to the body to appease its angry Po (the lower spirit which is said to remain with the body) and two coins are placed on his eyes as payment for the boatman who bears him on to Purgatory and reincarnation. It is believed that offering prayers and money to the church or performing good deeds on behalf of the deceased will speed them on the path to reincarnation. During life (preferably during infancy), Adventists are expected to be baptized by either sprinkling or immersion in water which represents purification of sin. They are taught to do good deeds, help those less fortunate, attend church gatherings, confess their sins to the priest (who can grant them forgiveness), and offer daily prayers and meditations to the gods.

Adventist churches became widespread just before and during the Disc Wars as religious crusades were launched to convert “heathen” nations. It is currently the most widespread and wealthy religion across The Sphere. Though most followers of Adventism are good-hearted people, many of its leaders use their wealth and power for selfish gain, leading to schisms in the church which have created a number of alternate Adventist denominations. A follower of Adventism is called an Adventist.

Atheism

The modern age has seen a great rise in atheism as a viable philosophy, especially on culturally advanced worlds like Zu. Atheism claims that there are no gods.

The old stories told about creation are just that; stories. These stories were created to cope with a world primitive men couldn’t understand. Though theories as to mankind’s origin vary, most atheists believe that The Sphere simply popped into existence for no particular reason and that all forms of life evolved from single celled organisms over billions of years. Little gods and ghosts are nothing more than conscious collections of Mana. Magic is a natural phenomenon that man can understand and harness. There is no true meaning to life and there is nothing after death. This pessimistic philosophy finds more followers among the educated, the wealthy and the hedonistic. A follower of atheism is called an Atheist.

Kabos

Kabos was started by the enslaved Men of Ishtar who rebelled against their masters at the end of that Disc’s Third Age. It replaced Oskibar as the official religion of Ishtar and was influenced greatly by memories of Adventism during the Disc Wars. A recent schism in the religion has violently divided extremists who adhere to an older version of Kabos (Orthodox Kabos) from liberals who hold to the new, more widespread version (Reformed Kabos).

Kabos is a quasi-mystical religion that strongly influences the culture of Ishtar. The caste system is derived from its teachings (Kabos states that those who belong to a higher caste have naturally purer souls than those of a lower caste) as are Ishtar’s beliefs concerning women, the rights of foreigners, and how crime should be punished. Kabos does not preach a doctrine of mercy, but of judgment. Its creed is strict and those who break these commandments are harshly punished. This is not done out of a desire to do evil, but out of a desire to spare them an even worse punishment in the purgatory of the afterlife. The reasoning is that, if sin is punished and atoned for during life, there is no need to do so after death.
In this same doctrinal vain, Kabalists believe in the practice of a Holy War against unrighteousness. Orthodox Kabos believe that this Holy War means that those who do not follow the teachings of Kabos should be converted by force. Reformed Kabalists believe that this Holy War refers to the evil within oneself that one must always be fighting against.

Orthodox Kabos engages in a great deal of ancestor worship, whereas such practices are considered heresy by Reformed believers. Obviously, these differences of belief cause a great amount of tension and fighting between Orthodox and Reform Kabalists. Other differences include the Reformed Kabos practice of baptism and religious gatherings on the 7th rather than the 6th day of the week.

After death, it is Kabalist tradition to burn the bodies of the dead on a funeral pyre in order to prevent them from rising as Po. Coins are placed over the eyes of the deceased and the dead are honored in a ceremony prior to the burning and after the pyre is lit, the family and guests of the funeral all join in a feast to celebrate the life of the loved one who has passed. Like Adventists, Kabalists believe that reincarnation is the way of the righteous dead, but to linger in the underworld or as a ghost is to bring shame to one’s memory and family. A follower of Kabos is a Kabalist.

Oskibar

A religion that dominated Ishtar during the Third Age and practiced grizzly death worship and Necromancy. It is officially a (pardon the pun) dead religion, but some still follow its teachings and practice its rituals in secret. Oskibalts believe that death is not something to be feared, but to be embraced. Death is simply change and all organisms must undergo death in order to transcend to a higher plane of existence. This philosophy set forth by the early founders grew from seeking to intimately understand death into a religion that both worshipped and sought to control the process of death. Naturally, this led many of its practitioners down a very dark road. Religious rituals included torture, human sacrifice, defiling tombs, and acts of necrophilia. Most practiced necromancy and kept small coteries of undead as servants.

Historically, Oskibar is an important historical advent on Ishtar. In Third Age, the upheavals of the Apocalypse allowed the death priests to conquere and enslave Mankind. Their dark rites were practiced regularly on Ishtar’s people. At the dawn of the Fourth Age, Man rebelled and overthrew the cults, burning their temples, killing their priests, and replacing Oskibar with the newound Kabos. However, many of Oskibar’s leaders had learned to control death, and were able to ultimately escape their grizzly fates. These dark priests dwell now in tombs beneath the sands, spreading their religion in secret and hoping to once more plunge Ishtar back into darkness. A follower of Oskibar is called an Oskibalt.

Paganism

A widespread and widely varied set of beliefs, Paganism is a term used to describe the many rites involved in the worship of ancestors and creation’s Little gods. Though pagan practices are discouraged by both Watchers and Adventists, the religion has always had a strong following among those who live in rural areas where these belligerent and powerful spirits demand worship and threaten punishment if offered anything less. Rites vary between Little gods but many practices such as the burning of incense, the offering of prayers and song, and animal sacrifice are common themes. Pagans also tend to practice ancestor worship, burying loved ones with all their favorite possessions and enacting Necromantic rites at funerals that trap the honored dead in Limbo. Even when these rites aren’t enacted, pagan spirits tend to linger in the afterlife rather than pass on to reincarnation. Some even stay behind on their own accord, haunting their graves and loved ones as ghosts. Sacrifices to the spirits of ancestors are made in exchange for aid during times of trouble (though actually, there isn’t much a spirit who has passed on can actually do from beyond the grave if the Narakas deny him passage to the physical world). A follower of paganism is called a pagan.

Soto

The chief religion of Shoukai is less a true religion and more a collection of folklore and superstitions. Sotists believe not only in the gods, but in a bevy of lesser spirits as well. Its practitioners follow no set form of worship and have no written texts to describe the creed of their religion…in fact, there really is no creed. Occasionally a Little god or the ancestors will be venerated, but generally there is no such thing as a “good” or a “bad” Sotist. There is either one practices Soto or one who does not. Soto does not have a moral code for its followers to adhere to, nor is it particularly concerned with morality to begin with. It does however, offer protection from malicious spirits and details the proper ways to deal with ancestoral ghosts, Little gods, yoma and other such beings.

Sotists believe that when a person dies, one of three things happens. If they were not properly buried, their body rises as an angry Po and their spirit joins with similarly disenchanted souls to form a Yoma. If they were properly buried, but are not continually honored with gifts and prayers after death, their Po may sleep but their Hun haunts the lands as a troublesome ghost. But if their body was properly buried and their memory continues to be honored after death, they pass on to the afterlife and join the rest of the ancestors in paradise. A follower of Soto is called a Sotist.

Zaiyen

Zaiyen originated on Zu where it was practiced by spiritualists and philosophers for many years before it gained ground with practitioners of Soto (many of whom faithfully practice both Zaiyen and Soto, integrating the teachings of both religions into a hybrid some have taken to calling Zoto) and in trendsetters tired of Adventism. Zaiyen teaches that in order to attain not only a speedy reincarnation after death, but peace during life, one must free himself of all material attachments. Zais believe that the soul is pure in its nature but matter is corrupt and since the soul is surrounded by material things (including the body), it too becomes corrupted by diffusion. Those who follow Zaiyen practice meditation, stern physical discipline, flagellation, fasting and a number of other pursuits to free themselves of attachment to the corruptible things of this world.
As far as religious rites and scriptures are concerned, Zaiyen draws its teachings from the writings of a mystic who called himself The Gujim. His teachings were little known during his lifetime, but following his martyrdom, his disciples spread his teachings and the religion grew like wildfire. The Gujim taught a doctrine of tolerance and equality, saying that all men were equals despite their social status. He fought for fair treatment of Zu’s outcasts and criminals, and it was his beliefs opposing the exile of criminals to the Geanolan Heights that eventually got him killed. His followers continue his campaign of peace and tolerance towards people of all races, backgrounds, and religions. A follower of Zaiyen is called a Zai.

The Truth
The human soul is comprised of two parts; the Higher Soul (called the Hun) and the Lower Soul (called the Po). The Hun is the part of the soul dedicated to rational thought, personality, memory, virtue and civility; the seat of logic. The Po is the less rational part of the soul where animal urges, instincts and passion comes from; the seat of emotion. Balance between both parts of the soul are necessary for a healthy life but after death, the two halves separate. The Po sleeps with the body while the Hun goes on to the afterlife.

If angered by an improper burial, the desecration of its grave, or goaded by dark magic, a Po may rise from its sleep, turning the corpse it occupies into a rampaging, undead horror. Such beings run amuck in the wild country surrounding their gravesites, killing everything they come across in their implacable anger. Nothing of who they once were remains in a Po; for the part that comprised their thinking mind, memories, and personality has gone on. Po are nothing but a seething mass of instinct and uncontrolled emotion; if the body is destroyed, so is the Po. But this is a feat that even many trained warriors are not up to. These creatures are unnaturally strong, fast, and brutal. They attack without pity, hesitation, or remorse and the best means for dealing with them is prevention. Proper burial and respect is the surest way to keep the dead buried.
Complications beyond death are not limited to Po, however.. Huns that do not move on to the next life upon leaving their bodies are called Ghosts. Deaths that are particularly sudden, traumatic, painful or violent can result in the creation of a ghost. A particularly strong will and a powerful attachment to something in the material world (be it a person, a place, a memory, a goal, etc.) can also keep a spirit bound to the land between life and death; a place of shadow and hyperbole called Limbo. Once that which anchors the spirit is resolved, destroyed, or otherwise dealt with, the Hun may move on to the afterlife. Ghosts that linger in the physical realm for too long slowly go mad. Over the years, a ghost will become consumed by its madness and lose its personality, memories and reason. These spirits are called Lost Souls or Wraiths. They are violently insane, dangerous, and disturbing to encounter at the very least.

Two final factors can also keep a spirit in the physical world; certain Necromantic burial rites (innocently practiced at Pagan funerals for the purpose of sustaining the existence of departed ancestors for the purpose of worshipping and honoring them), curses that bind the soul to the earth, and an incomplete fate. An incomplete fate implies that the ultimate destiny of the individual was not fulfilled before death and now he must satisfy fate’s requirement as a ghost. Upon fulfilling his destiny, he will move on. This is admittedly rare and most often occurs only in people with a strong connection to Mana and therefore, an epic destiny.

Occassionally, the Narakas (the rulers of the Underworld) will grant a spirit passage to the material world for a brief period of time. These leaniencies are granted ever so rarely, and often come at a high price (either in money or favors) to the spirit who returns to the land of sunshine and blue skies. Most spirits are more than willing to pay whatever the Narakas ask for just a small taste of the physical world.. These visiting ghosts are required to return to Dis after the length of their stay is completed (few visits last more than a day or so). Those who do not return are hunted down by the Naraka’s servants, the Reapers, and dragged back to the underworld for punishment…but for some spirits, just a few more moments in the world of light, even as a ghost, are worth such a price.

Very few spirits ever become ghosts. Most people lack the strength of will to hold onto something vehemently enough for it to become an anchor for their soul. The majority of spirits separate and pass into Dis (pronounced deez); the Underworld. There, the first sight they behold is Styx, the river of the dead; a churning, sickly yellow river where lost souls, eternally caught in its flow, wail, moan and reach with skeletal arms for those who come too close to the water’s edge. The hooded ferryman stands next to his boat on the shore and bears across those spirits who were baptized in life. Those who were unbaptized can still cross if they are able to pay the boatman two coins (which any spirit would have if they were properly buried; coins are traditionally placed over the eyes of the deceased, even in non-religious burial rites). The unbaptized who cannot pay are denied passage across the river and must remain at the water’s edge for eternity. A slum of sorts has gradually come into being in the dead region surrounding Styx. This city is called Sheol and is the home of the dishonored dead; those who are trapped forever in the afterlife with no hope for reincarnation. The very sight of it is depressing and passing through it is dangerous for any soul. The utter poverty, misery, and desolation of Sheol are what drives many to desperately try crossing Styx only to join the damned that drown eternally in the river’s flow. To some, even this is a better fate than spending eternity in the hellish conditions of Sheol.

The Jade Kingdom, as it has come to be called, lies on the far shore of Styx. This vast region is surrounded on all sides by steep, impenetrable mountains where horrible fire-demons make their homes. In the center of the realm a pale, glistening spire called The Seat of Judgment seemingly stretches upwards for eternity. Here, the 13 Narakas (gods of death, whose power rivals that of even the Four Winds) rule over Dis, governing the great city of Tartarus and judging the souls of the dead. It is to this tower that souls go to be judged before being sentenced to Purgatory and eventual reincarnation. Many, however elect to remain in the Jade Kingdom, living out a shadow of the life they once knew on The Sphere in Tartarus. Those buried with possessions find the lion’s share of their goods (things like money, clothes, and a favored weapon will appear on the spirit’s person) waiting for them once they reach the Jade Kingdom. Elaborate burial chambers manifest in Tartarus as palacial mansions.

Servants and wives buried with the deceased become slaves in the afterlife, inexorably drawn to their eternal master’s side. Naturally, those with great wealth would rather continue existing on the endless plains of the Jade Kingdom than go on to judgment, punishment and reincarnation. Others who fear the judgement of the Narakas and the punishment that awaits them for their sins abstain from entering the Seat of Judgement. These wretches also make their home in the slums and dark alleys of Tartarus. And so, the plains surrounding The Seat of Judgement have become the greatest necropolis in the Jade Kingdom. Tartarus is a confusing labrynth of shadowy buildings that house the dead with The Seat of Judgment at its center.

As more and more spirits make their eternal home there, the cities borders grow to accommodate them. Culture there borrows elements from every imaginable society since the beginning of time, which makes adjusting particularly difficult for newly dead souls. Trade and economy are based largely on whatever grave goods spirits bring upon their arrival to Dis. Some have only the clothes on their back, and others have palaces filled with servants, money, jewels, food, and other worldly pleasures. The problem with life in Tartarus is that it is only a shadow of life in the material world. There is no sunlight, nothing that grows, no new births, and every pleasure to be found there is hollow. Any possession (apart from servants) can disappear if it decays or is removed from the physical grave of its owner. Food has no taste, friendship has no warmth, and all good things that could be found in life serve only as a bitter reminder to the departed that they are indeed dead. Eventually, most souls decide to face Judgement for one reason or another and make their way to the tower at the city’s center.

Those souls who enter the tower are judged by one of the thirteen Narakas. The deeds of the soul are weighed against the weightless feather of perfection, and based on their deeds, the Naraka then sentences the deceased to Purgatory for so long as it takes the fires therein to cleanse the sinful stain from its soul. Once a soul has entered Purgatory, it is impossible, even for the Narakas, to remove it from that place. The lonely spirit slowly ascends through the tops of the tower as the weight of his sins (along with all his memories) are purged through tormenting flame. When he has reached perfection, he is light enough to float through the top of the tower and be spun once again in the great wheel of souls, a great ethereal device which spins the raw Mana of souls into creation where the babies inside of mothers receive a newly purified soul at conception.

It is important to know that Dis is a literal place that mortals and spirits can actually walk into. Certain remote, dark, and forbidden places in the physical world (there is at least one on each Disc) house a gateway guarded by an enormous three-headed dog or an angel with a flaming sword. This portal is connected directly to the land of the dead. The old stories say that some heroes have walked directly into the Underworld to retrieve the soul of a lost loved one or to ask a question of a departed sage. Such a journey is obviously lined with peril. Only the exceptionally brave can keep their sanity in such a place and the boatman is loathe to shuttle heavy mortal bodies across Styx on his rickety vessel. But if the mortal can cross the river of the dead, he may enter the Jade Kingdom and do what he came to such a terrible place to do.

Helios in Detail

Geography
Helios is, for the most part, a parched wasteland of jagged hills, volcanic mountains, and dry river beds. There are a few stagnant ponds that are viciously guarded by powerful clans of nomads and some parched rivers that run by the few cities. The plains of Helios are covered with either its trademark red dust or red grass. Legends say that the god of war, Marduke, stained the land and sky with the color of his blood during its creation.

Long chains of volcanic mountain ranges span the Disc, erupting daily. It is not uncommon to come across active lava flows when traveling the plains. Thermal vents that spew gases hot enough to melt the skin off a man dot the ground in the more dangerous areas and earthquakes are commonplace across the Disc. This high amount of violent geological activity underground seems an ironic parallel to the constant strife above ground.

There are no oceans on Helios and the few sparse forests grow in remote areas, as easily accessible wood is covetously harvested by those who can get their hands on it. Since there is little water and few nutrients in the ground, trees and plants grow slowly. Only hard-bodied, bristly plants grow commonly across the fields and these are often harvested to fuel bonfires for heat during the bitter nights and winters. All manner of carrion birds thrive in the aftermath of battle. Other than the occasional flock of vultures, wildlife on Helios is rather limited. Half-starved, ragged wolves roam the steppes, disease carrying rats haunt the cellars of the cities, and a number of highly venomous snakes make their homes in holes across the wastelands.

Culture
What culture? On this Disc of unending strife, there is but one purpose for progress; to fuel the war effort. Technology, art, magic, science, and all the other accoutrements of culture are useful only insofar as they can be used to kill others. Outside of that one function, Hellions have little use for them. Science is applied to the task of providing new siege engines. The only songs sung are battle marches or epic songs that celebrate a great victory. The highest function of logic is to provide adequate strategies for an extended campaign. Stories are told and passed down through oral tradition since books are never written for lack of time, libraries to house them, and widespread illiteracy. This one-sided culture therefore, has little to offer The Sphere as a whole. It is no wonder that nearly everyone’s mental image of Helios is a blasted wasteland with no redeeming qualities. For the most part, they are right.

There are three divisions of people on Helios; the scattered bands of nomads, the city folk, and the Necromancers. Nomads are by far the largest group. They wander Helios’ stricken plains, hunting whatever bony animal’s trail they come across and scavenging what they can from the land and anyone (dead or alive) they find in the process. A group boasts anywhere from ten to a hundred individuals (though few come across enough resources to sustain this many members) and are always led by the strongest, meanest b*****d in the group. Most bands of nomads are malnourished, untrained, and ill-equipped…their only advantage is that they have nothing to lose.

City folk are the next largest social group. Like all things on Helios, only the strong survive. This applies not only to individuals, but to socio-economic systems as well. As ill-equipped settlements fall to raiders, the impenetrable fortress cities stand unwavering siege after siege. Smart bands of nomads know better than to attack a city, but every now and then a desperate group will make their last stand at the unbreakable gates. But Helios does not have the resources with which to feed its many mouths and though cities are well-fortified, they are also very small. Citizens are all branded at birth and passage through the city gates is denied to those who were not born inside. Crime is punished swiftly and harshly. Committing even a minor crime is considered a valid reason to remove someone from the community; exile and execution are the only two outcomes of any trial. After all, fewer citizens to consume resources means more to go around.

Necromancers make up the final social echelon on Helios. They are by far the smallest, most powerful, and most depraved of all Hellions. Their ranks include not only the thirteen Death Lords, but a great many living consorts, students, underlings, and slaves kept in the courts of the Death Lords. The armies of undead are the only force the gates of the cities shudder at the thought of. Nomads who come across a troop of undead soldiers will flee in terror, having heard stories around the campfire about groups abducted by Necromancers who performed twisted experiments on their very souls. The Death Lords war constantly against each other, fighting for control of worthless territories. To most, this is merely a game; practice for a war that they soon plan to wage on a grander scale. Almost everyone on Helios has a great desire to leave and Necromancers are no exception…only their plans for leaving involve turning every world into a dead wasteland over which they hold absolute sway.

History
Marduke, the crippled god of war, created his Disc as an obvious reflection of his character. He had always been a thick, competitive, and intolerant brute but the fact that he not only expected to be the victor of Kibs’ competition, but half dared the king to choose otherwise was true proof of his undeniable gall. None would point out to Marduke the obvious flaws in his design as his world lacked sufficient resources, desirable climate, and wildlife among many other things that Men needed to make their world a home. As with all Discs, Marduke’s character was inadvertently poured into the very fabric of his world’s reality. Just as those on Arcadia were given a portion of Miranda’s beauty, the people of Helios would have a portion of their creator’s aggressive nature.

The flesh formed around the souls sent to Helios became the Orcs, a war-like race of brutes and savages. Almost immediately after Helios was created, the inhabitants began fighting amongst themselves. They split into like-minded tribes, families, and other loose affiliations determined by geography, race, or simple fate. These clans warred against one another for resources from the dawn of their Disc up until the beginning of the Disc Wars. Nothing truly significant happened in the days before the Great War….only the establishment of a few small cities, most of which later fell anyway. When the Promethean Gates first opened, it was a short matter of time before trade arose between them…and true to their barbaric natures, small raiding parties from Helios used the Gates to acquire the wealth their own world would never give them. It was only a short matter of time before Gates leading to Helios were put under guard to prevent anyone from going in or coming out of the world commonly referred to as Hell.

Several years before the Disc Wars began, an unforeseen benefit to Malice’s plan occurred on Helios. As the Discs had opened to one another, many Necromancers (persecuted on their home worlds for their macabre and perverse practices) fled to less civilized worlds where their dark arts were less likely to be interrupted either due to disinterest or the inhabitant’s lack of power to oppose them. Helios saw its great influx of Necromancers in that time and gained an even worse reputation than it had previously enjoyed. The first Death Lord rose to power, uniting many of the nomadic tribes under one banner. Others eventually rose as well, their number stopping at 13 Death Lords.

When news of the Disc Wars reached their ears, the collective might of the assembled nomads, undead armies, and city militias made Helios a major antagonist in the struggle. With their armies much more adapted to war-time conditions, Hellion forces had a distinct edge in battle. Most of the people living in Helios today came to their current homes not by choice, but are the descendents of those taken as slaves or prisoners during the Disc Wars. Despite the Hellion tribe’s prowess for battle, their efforts as a Disc were sporadic and frenzied at best. Some nomad tribes whored their services out as disposable mercenaries to wealthy worlds. Others fought under the banner of the Death Lords, whose terrifying forces not only fought for gains on civil worlds, but maintained their rivalries with one another throughout the course of the war. For the most part Helios was a world divided against itself and just as many battles were fought over the spoils of war as were fought to obtain said spoils. Many wrongly considered Helios a minor threat at best and concentrated their forces elsewhere only to be ravaged by skeletal armies or hordes of rampaging Orcs. Those who sought to campaign against Helios directly met with unfortunate ends as their inability to perform an extended assault on the barren wasteland led many to death on the red sands. As the war escalated, all the Discs suffered great damages…but not Helios. After all, what was there to damage? The few small cities that were destroyed by starved, frightened invaders took more effort to burn than they were worth…and the only ones who missed them were the handful of city folk that lived there. At the close of the Disc Wars, Helios walked away with minor cuts as the rest of The Sphere bled openly. Many significant gains were made by the Death Lords. Their armies had swelled with the ranks of the dead and valuable plunder from off-world gave them great wealth amongst the damned of that Disc. Life on the whole had not improved for Hellions in the wake of the Disc Wars as some had hoped. Then again, it hadn’t gotten any worse. Other than the reshaping of the land, a change in the climate, and the utter destruction of any remaining cities (and more than a few Necromantic lord’s unholy kingdoms), not much changed on Helios after the Apocalypse. In fact, many tribes continued raiding through the Gates, forcing other Discs to quickly succumb to the darkness and savagery Helios had known since birth. The return of the Watchers saw the entrance of far fewer Hellion raiders on civilized Discs and things on Helios returned to the way they had been for centuries.

Divinity
Many Little gods claim the volcanoes, steam vents, chasms, plains, and stagnant ponds of Helios. Nomads are highly superstitious and reverent of these minor deities, as they subsist off of what sparse provisions the wilderness can offer. While they have little to sacrifice, they perform various (often bloody) rites to win the favor of these bitter, fickle beings. More often than not, their prayers go unanswered as the Little gods of Helios prefer to concern themselves more with punishing mortals who offend them rather than blessing those who honor them.

Helios is watched by a being named Lord Bahm. Lord Bahm is antagonistic, headstrong, and quite rough around the edges, which makes him more enemies than friends among the other Watchers. Of course, this concerns him little- he enjoys a good fight. Lord Bahm believes that man (or any creature for that matter) grows stronger and wiser as it struggles. Pain and experience are the best teachers and the more damage a trial does, the better it ultimately is for those involved. Hence, he truly believes he is doing a service to his people- nay, the entire Sphere- by allowing the Death Lords to reside on Helios as they do. He believes the Disc Wars were a necessity and if it were up to him, mortals would still be warring with themselves. This grim philosophy has given rise to jokes among people across The Sphere, such as when one child hits another and says, “Lord Bahm is helping you!”

Lord Bahm is unique among Watchers in that he does not have an Archon. Ever distrustful, he believes that using a lackey is a sign of weakness. If there is anything that needs to be done, Lord Bahm will see to it himself (though in his eyes, few matters truly require his attention). He is no fool, however. He knows his limits and is aware of the need to defend his tower against nomadic raiders and over-ambitious Death Lords. An army of fire demons fortifies his stronghold and frightening rumors abound as to what happens to those who cross Lord Bahm.

Lockheed in Detail

Geography
Half of Lockheed’s land mass consists of frozen tundra and the other half is made up of impassible mountains. These mountains serve as the backbone of Lockheed’s rich mining economy. More iron, gold, gems, Mythril, and other precious materials can be found on Lockheed than on any other world. Many fortunes have been won and many lives have been lost digging into the cold earth, searching for precious ore. Because of the economic benefits, most major cities are located near the mountains. However, due to the difficulty of extracting and refining ore from the rock, not to mention the cost of maintaining the technology that keeps each town alive, production is relatively low and wages are poor. Another issue the mountains face is over-mining. Though the veins of ore are incredibly rich, those which are actually accessible to the available technology are beginning to run dry. Cities are fast becoming ghost towns as citizens are forced to pick up and move to new mines with nothing more than a feint hope of literally striking gold there.

A great icy sea divides Lockheed’s three continents. Because of the dangers associated with navigating the iceberg-filled waters, there is little travel between the three continents. In fact, most people spend their entire lives in one town. It is far too dangerous (not to mention difficult) to travel across the frozen plains. Steam and coal-based technology manage to sustain people inside the relatively safe haven of the town borders but without these technological marvels salvaged from the wreckage of the Second Age, life on Lockheed would be impossible. People live in the cities or they don’t live at all. The wastes are far too harsh for any normal person to survive on their own; freezing snowstorms blow constantly across the tundra. Packs of wolves stalk field and fen. Even the rare avalanche comes down from the hills, burying all in its path.

The plains are populated by white wolves, snow rabbits, polar bears, frost worms, hawks, owls, mice, moose, and other arctic creatures. The coasts are inhabited by seals and penguins on the ground and whales, orca, sharks, and dolphins in the ocean. Unique species of animal, found nowhere else on The Sphere, call the frozen lands and seas of Lockheed home. The larger animals are hunted for their meat which is eaten, blubber which is used as oil in cooking, lamps, and fires, and for their furs which are worn for warmth.

Culture
It snows constantly on Lockheed. Blizzards are a daily affair out on the plains and the occasional snowstorm can knock a town’s power out for days. During these times of crisis, the townsfolk must band together to fix the broken lines or freeze during the ensuing nights. Even during the warmer summer and planting seasons when some of the snow melts from the ground, the air is still cold enough to turn any rain into light flurries. Come harvest time, the few townsfolk that tend small gardens are able to pull hardy vegetables like potatoes and turnips from the cold ground.

Some other villagers raise goats, pigs, chickens, or a creature unique to Lockheed called a churdu (which looks like an elk with muted red and white fur and two straight, long horns coming from the top of its head). Sometimes a particular food source is not abundant enough to feed an entire village and meals can become very expensive due to their rarity. Others who don’t grow their own food resort to hunting it. The land provides a great deal of game from elk to salmon. Men on Lockheed spend their free time hunting for sport or sustenance. Those who cannot afford or catch natural foods often eat a nutrient broth produced by machines. The goulash is made from trace amounts of oats, herbs, eggs, and a generous helping of parts left over from the butcher’s. This chunky, runny soup (called hobash) is the cheapest and most commonly consumed food on Lockheed and despite its bland taste, some townsfolk have actually come to prefer it.

People on Lockheed believe that any problem can be overcome through hard work and perseverance. While they are not optimistic by any stretch, they do believe in Man’s ability to surmount adversity on guts alone. This principle has been applied to all aspects of life from pulling a living from the very mountains to finding a way across the tundra. Since it is too hazardous and difficult to traverse the plains on foot, Man found another way. Over the course of many long, difficult years, a railway was built connecting major cities. Trains called Steam Lines now run between these stations, through mountains, and into the larger mining sites. At least one railway runs between the major cities on each continent.

Settlements are generally small, consisting of under 1500 people on average. They are governed by a mayor who appoints capable and trustworthy citizens to a town police force of sorts. These police are responsible for enforcing laws, defending the town from danger, putting out fires, and helping other citizens in any way they are able. Laws in Lockheed towns are not particularly strict and it takes a lot to actually get arrested. Public drunkenness, brawling, and other rowdy activities are mostly overlooked. Theft, on the other hand, is a very serious crime second only to murder. Since people are poor and only own what they need to survive, stealing from another person is a very serious offense. The mayor himself presides over every criminal trial as judge and jury and trials are only held for serious crimes. For other infractions, the police hold the offender(s) in prison for as many days as they like until they feel the punishment has fit the crime or the accused has become repentant.

Ancient steam and coal technologies provide the towns with heat and electricity. Generators send smoke into the air on street corners and alleys and every building is outfitted with a stove, and a network of gears and vents in the basement. The few men who innately possess the knowledge of how to maintain and repair these delicate instruments are called Gadgeteers and are a valued commodity, often living in the biggest houses in town. Many regard them as even more important than the mayor. History does not remember the origin of this technology- as far as anyone knows, it has always been around and there have always been a select few who instinctively knew enough about these machines to maintain them. Not only do Gadgeteers instinctually possess knowledge of how to fix these devices, they seem to somehow resonate and empathize with the machines like a tamer with a beast. Knowledge of how to sustain these machines cannot be taught to another. Only Gadgeteers possess “the touch”, as it is called, to maintain the machines. As mystics are revered in some societies, so those with the engineer’s gift are admired by Lodjans. Especially respected are those who keep the trains in good repair. While someone with enough skill in Technology (6+) can temporarily fix them, only those with the Gadgeteer’s touch can permanently fix a problem with one of Lockheed’s mysterious machines.

History
None living on Lockheed remember the history of their First or Second Ages. No known records, no old ruins, and no memory recalls the old days. Ever since the Apocalypse, Lockheed has been a frozen wasteland…but the existence of the machines and the Gadgeteers who maintain them seems to indicate that somewhere in Lockheed’s distant past, it was a land of technological marvels. It is unfortunate then, that none can recall these days and bring an end to the long ice age that the rest of the Sphere stepped out of a thousand years ago.

Once upon a time, Lockheed was a beautiful, green world full of life and light. It was a proverbial paradise, created by some unknown god as an earnest entry into Kibs’ contest. Its Watcher was benevolent and protected Man from the evils of Malice’s children. In time, Lockheed became a hub of social, magical, and technological development. It was a peaceful utopia characterized by a hybrid of magic and technology found nowhere else. These wondrous machines performed a variety of functions from creating food to healing the most grievous of injuries completely. When Malice came to the Lodjans with his Promethean Gates, he offered them a chance to bring peace and prosperity to other, less fortunate lands. Unable to refuse the philanthropic offer, the idealists of Lockheed opened their doors of culture and technology.

Their technology and philosophies spread rapidly and many worlds began to experience a much higher standard of living almost overnight. However, Malice turned these worlds against their benefactors and sowed seeds of greed and envy in their hearts. When the Disc Wars erupted, Lockheed found itself assaulted on all fronts by those they had once been naïve enough to help. Though the war was not kind to the wonderful world, what came next was far worse. When the war in Heaven broke out and the Elder gods stirred, Lockheed was thrown into a maelstrom of violent earthquakes and cataclysms. The ground rose up, its bowels coming to the surface and forming great, jagged mountains across the once pristine landscape. The once solid landmass split into three fractured continents and all that once was a great, advanced society was destroyed in floods, earthquakes, and fires. All that was left living perished as the ice age came, covering the land in snow and blistering cold.

And so the Third Age on Lockheed began. The harsh, unforgiving climes made short work of the weak-hearted and fearful. Only those with guts and determination survived that first winter and went on to re-populate the world. Society developed slowly as civilization centered mainly on keeping warm, finding food, and maintaining the remnants of ancient technology. As time went on, Man began to discover he could make useful tools from the ore easily taken from the mountains. Life improved after mining and blacksmithing took root on Lockheed. It was in this time that Steam Lines crossed the bleak oceans of snow between cities and the first mariners crossed the oceans, discovering new lands and the people who lived there.

For some reason, the long winter of the Apocalypse did not end with the passing of the Third Age. Though they once again have a Watcher and society has come to the fore in place of barbarism, something has permanently broken in the essence of the Disc. Now, instead of the ideal paradise it once was, Lockheed remains a frozen, empty ghost of its former self. Those who live there fail to remember the days when life was remarkable, instead suffering to surrender each day to monotony and the deep cold of dark despair. The only echoes of the Golden Age are found in the ancient machines, whose original function has been lost to clumsy misuse by untrained Gadgeteers, who know them only in feint memories that hide in their spirits. Because none truly understand the machines, these delicate devices are often unintentionally abused and pushed beyond their limits. Pieces are removed and grafted onto existing technology (such actions often lead to the creation of new technology, as was the case with the Steam Lines). Repairs are often haphazard at best and each mend leads to further complications which bring the machine closer and closer to death.

Divinity
The North Wind, Boreas, appointed a stern being called Uniqette as Lockheed’s watcher during the First Age. But Uniqette was betrayed and killed by her own Archon when the Disc Wars first broke out. This shocked and surprised the other Watchers who then began to watch their own backs more than their Discs. Upon further investigation of Uniqette’s death it was discovered that the Watchers were being hunted by the forces of darkness. Afterwards, a cold, distant woman with a heart of ice named Marzana was appointed to watch over Lockheed. She put her powers of intellect to use and helped Lockheed get back on its feet as best she could. Through the years, she has been a kind, but disconnected ruler who only intervenes when absolutely necessary. She believes that if people do not learn to take care of themselves, they will forever be handicapped. The strong should be the ones who earn the gift of life while the weak die out. That is the way of the world. She is served by an Archon with a similar disposition called Viez, the unenchanted. Viez is a strong warrior, while Marzana is a powerful user of magic. Viez earned his title, the unenchanted, because he refuses to use magic to gain the advantage even when fighting the most powerful foes.

Marabolous in Detail

Geography
Much about Marabolous remains speculation, but from what survey teams have been able to gather thus far, the large Disc consists of at least 3 continents and several thousand smaller islands. A great sea covers the whole of the Disc, separating the continents and islands from one another. Many speculate that as many as five continents may exist on the surface of the world. There is great variation in vegetation and local wildlife between these land masses. The climate also seems to grow more and more tropical as one travels closer to the center of the Disc and become more temperate the further one goes north or south. Purple mountain ranges rise up from the midst of the jungle and more than one active volcano can be counted in their number. Throughout the jungles and plains, a number of lakes and watering holes (occupied by several species aquatic creatures) span for miles in all directions. Powerful, surging rivers (complete with waterfalls) flow down from the mountaintops, feeding the local flora and fauna with life-giving water.

Though tropical jungles cover a great portion of the Disc, there are also nondescript savannahs where herd animals and predators roam. Further north and south are deciduous and coniferous forests, hills, and plains to accompany the more moderate weather patterns. Human settlements are often located in these regions or on open savannahs, their citizens living behind strong walls armed with soldiers and guns to keep wild animals and hostile neighbors at bay. From these settlements explorers continue to dive into the depths of Marabolous, hoping to discover more about their wild world… not to mention the treasure of the scattered jungle ruins.
In the nooks of mountains, in the dark parts of the jungles, in the middle of the plains, and even at the bottom of some lakes there are hidden temples, shrines, tombs, and the remains of cities from a bygone era.

Explorers have only gone so far into these structures before being stopped by deadly traps, ancient guardians, and the threat of supernatural curses. It is surmised by many that only a small fraction of ruins such as these have even been discovered (let alone explored) and many more remain hidden in the thick of the Marabolan landscape. These places offer not only knowledge concerning this world’s distant past and the achievements of the ancient cultures, but also glittering treasures buried with that world’s princes…and this alone is more than enough to lure the foolhardy into certain death. As a result, many frontier cities prohibit unauthorized exploration of nearby ruins both because of the inherent danger and the rampant looting of priceless artifacts by grave robbers.

Culture
Human settlements are small at best and even the largest towns only consist of a few hundred brave individuals. Though acquiring food is not terribly difficult on the lush world, fending off disease, animal attacks, and other problems associated with frontier life are very real issues. Towns that have been around for any significant amount of time have one thing in common; a strong wall. The citizens are all a part of the local militia and everyone is expected to take up arms in defense of the city if there is ever a crisis. Because of this, everyone in town has some degree of military training. The towns are all spaced pretty far apart from one another (at least a day or two’s walk), so there is little cooperation and communication between them. As a result, the people of Marabolous have a very individualistic mindset. They believe that you should rely on yourself and no one else for help because help isn’t coming. They are also optimistic about the future, believing that Man makes his own destiny and that, in order to get the most out of life, you must pull yourself up by your own bootstraps and get what you want through hard work.

People from the same town all share a tight bond with one another and are untrusting of outsiders unless they prove themselves by pitching in and becoming part of the community. Everyone in town knows everyone else’s business and no secret is safe for long. Crime in such townships is simply not tolerated. Those who break the few, simple laws a town sets (such as laws against theft, murder, and assault) are either exiled from the community to die in the wilderness or hanged in the town square. Judges are notoriously quick to dole out harsh punishment for even minor infractions. In most cases, this keeps even the very thought of crime to a minimum.

Settlements are governed differently between towns. The model of government will most often be based on the paradigm set by the townspeople’s home world. Some radical towns have even begun writing their own constitutions, holding their own traditions, and forging a unique way of life separate from what their home culture dictates. As a result, culture and government across Marabolous are something of a hodgepodge that varies from region to region. Recently, strife has begun to emerge between some of the more populous colonies. Those from a town founded in the name of one Disc dispute borders and resources with those from a town founded in the name of another Disc. Though no one expects outright war to erupt any time soon, tensions are certainly present and grow worse each day.

History
Recent history is all civilized Marabolous really has. While it is known that a civilization of some sort existed on the Disc before its discovery by the rest of The Sphere, the clues and records offered by plentiful ruins are written in forgotten languages that no scholar has yet been able to translate…it seems that the jungle keeps its secrets well. Marabolous played no part in the Disc Wars either, due to the fact that it was only discovered within the past fifty years by way of previously undiscovered Gates…for whatever reason, Malice was unable or unwilling to pull this Disc into the conflict that engulfed most of the Sphere. Interestingly enough, the discovery of Marabolous poses the question of whether other Discs beyond the “core worlds” (those outlined in this chapter) exist and if so, why weren’t they drawn into the Disc Wars? Regardless of these curiosities, Marabolous is currently writing its own history and as tensions grow between settlements, people pray that Marabolous does not go wrong in her first hours.

Divinity
Contrary to popular belief, Marabolous does have a Watcher. No one living there now has ever heard of him or seen his tower, but Marabolous does have a Guide sleeping deeply beneath the dense foliage. His name is lost to the ages and it is probable that he doesn’t even remember it. He has no Archon, no treasure, and no cadre of mystical servants. He once watched over the ancient society that made Marabolous home, but following their extinction, he locked himself away in darkness and grieved until unending sleep took him. His mind grows feral with age, his features twist in the darkness into a bestial shape…when and if he emerges, it is anyone’s guess just how he will perform the duties of his station or if he will even retain any semblance of sanity at all.

There are hosts of Little gods living in the wild places, enlisting animals as servants and striving against one another for rule of the jungles. The monkey gods war with the bird gods in the tree tops. The boar gods strive against the puma gods in the thick of the jungle. The lion gods battle the wildebeest gods on the plains…and so on. As the inhabitants of old Marabolous worshiped these Little gods, sacrificed to them, and built them homes, shrines, and temples, they grew in power and importance. The Little gods of Marabolous are generally more powerful, more numerous, and more willful than elsewhere on The Sphere. Many of the structures that have been discovered are the remains of shrines, temples, and manses where these gods dwell to this day…which has only served to strengthen the gods anger against mortals who would dare trespass into their domains without sacrifice. The humans of new Marabolous also refuse to offer worship to these gods. They tread through the jungle like they are its masters and build their cities with no regard for the world around them. These, and many other offenses, have led the Little gods to lead their armies of trees, wild spirits, animals, and even elementals against the bastions of Man, making life even more difficult in this harsh land with each night’s assault.

Moribund in Detail

Geography
Geographically, Moribund varies little across its expanse of flat plains, gloomy swamps, dark forests, and small lakes. Small mountains occasionally raise their jagged spines across miles of hill country, but they are rarely tall, and serve better to make unofficial borders between baronies than act as obstacles of any significance. Beneath these mountains, great winding cave structures act as the homes of those who hide from the light of day. Some of these caves run so far and so deep, local legends speculate that the whole of Moribund is somehow connected by underground tunnels. Small settlements dot the countryside with communities of farms and ranches banding together for protection. Large cities are extremely rare as the ruling Vampiir prefer to keep Mankind scattered and disorganized in order to discourage open rebellion. And so Mourners reside in small, rural hamlets, living off their harvests and livestock as best as Moribund's harsh winters and cold summers allow.

Moribund has few stars, and those are barely visible, even on a clear night. There are, however, three moons and a single, dim sun. It is these celestial bodies that astrologers on Moribund use to venture their cryptic prophecies. The three moons are named Kagnus, Nimrod, and Timon. Kagnus is the smallest of the moons and shines a chilling blue color. Timon is only slightly smaller than Kagnus and is a sickly yellow hue. Nimrod is, by far, the largest of the three moons and often appears a giant crimson red across a quarter of the night sky (though on some nights, it is more a shade of pink which many astrologers view as an ill omen). Nimrod is also unique in that, the visible craters and gullies on its face mimic a human skull. Nights on Moribund last 36 hours, so the moons are prominent most of the time. When day finally arrives, it is a depressing affair. The dim sun illuminates the world with all the brilliance of dusk and the hazy light is often choked out by thick storm clouds. Day lasts a mere 12 hours, and after the sun quickly sets, another long night begins. One great ocean (called The Depths) divides the eastern continent of Lombarda from the western continent of Marsaille. Marsaille is the smaller of the two with about two-thirds as much land-mass as Lombarda. Though culture between these continents varies greatly, the continents are much the same geographically.

Culture
There are two primary continents on Moribund and two dominant ways of thinking. Though this obviously does not apply to all individuals, the following stereotypes are mostly true regarding inhabitants of one continent or the other. Those living on the eastern continent of Lombarda have a traditional, old-minded way of thinking. They believe in stability over progress and hold fast to the way of life that has been handed down for generations. The courts of the Lombardi Vampiir are regal and treacherous, practicing ancient forms of etiquette and doing things as they have been done for hundreds of years. The Elder Vampiir of the Lombardi courts are honored for their wisdom and allowed to rule after centuries of growing in power and insight. The impetuous younger Vampiir heed to their inflexible, stubborn, and time-honored ways.

The courts of the Marsaille Vampiir are much more liberal…at least by Vampiir standards. They are adaptable and change with the times, growing bored of the old ways within a few centuries. Where rulers of Lombardi territories tend to be Elder Vampiir, the rulers of the Marsaille territories are, on average, much younger. In Marsaille thinking, those who are strong earn the right to rule-and only for as long as they can continue to demonstrate this strength. While the courts of the Marsaille are no more treacherous than those of the Lombardi, they are much more lethal…assassinations are quite common as it is believed that those who cannot defend their right to rule should not be allowed to rule. Marsaille Vampiir are fierce, opportunistic, and forward-thinking.

In the south of Lombarda, well beyond the seat of the Lombardi lord’s power, a new clan has begun rising in power. The House of Xerxes has cast aside all illusions of humanity and civility that the other two Vampiric clans hold to. They are vicious, bestial, and savage, giving free reign to the demon within their dark souls. They embrace their darkest, most carnal urges, giving in to wanton slaughter, hedonistic orgies, and an unrestrained, insane pursuit of power. Showing no sense of civility, they have bridled the wild spirits and monstrous barbarian hordes of the wilderness and begun claiming territories for themselves that the Lombardi once held loose sway over. Though this is of particular concern for the Lombardi Vampiir, the Marsaille are not immune from worry. The House of Xerxes has amassed in a short time the resources and man-power necessary to pose a significant threat to both houses. If allowed to continue growing, who’s to say that House Xerxes will not gain enough momentum to claim Moribund entirely?

Though Vampiric society varies widely between continents, there is a basic structure to their way of life that has always been. Vampiir are not undead, as many of the fearfully misinformed believe. They are living creatures that perform all the functions that any organic does. They breathe. They sleep. They feed. They reproduce. Unlike most societies, the children of Vampiir families are not raised by their biological parents, but rather by the family Matriarch; the oldest living relative. The reasoning behind this is that the Matriarch is, as the eldest Vampiir in the family, more capable of raising the family’s children than their biological parents, having centuries of knowledge and power to pass on to her young charges. Biological parents are honored just as much as any other adult Vampiir should be (which varies according to their station). The Matriarch, however, receives a special degree of devotion from her many children (especially in Lombardi culture). At maturity, a child is sent off to tour the world and gain some practical experience. When she returns, she is a full-fledged member of the family, entitled to all the rights and privileges therein.

Both Lombardi and Marsaille (and to some degree, House Xerxes) courts are comprised of several hundred Vampiiric families. Each family is headed by the Matriarch, who sets the precedent and rule for each and every branch of the family tree. Those who find favor with the Matriarch find themselves in possession of influence, lands, and even a castle and domain to rule over. Those sons and daughters the Matriarch chooses to shun are relegated to menial tasks within the house or may even become cannon fodder on the field of battle. The Matriarchs convene at least once a year (multiple times a year in days of crisis or war) to discuss the future of the court and discuss whether branch families have grown large and disparate enough from a tree to be considered a new clan of their own.
These Vampiric families divide Moribund up into thousands of duchies and baronies, and each realm is sure to include several small towns (which the Vampiir refer to as herds) within their borders. Vampiir constantly wage a passive war with one another, both internally and externally. Internally, families fight and argue amongst themselves for rule, prestige, or special privileges. Externally, they war with opposing clans for control over border territories. It is in their nature as callous, wicked creatures to despise, yet desire everything. Pacts are made and broken, battles are won and lost, and many are swept up as pawns in each Vampiir’s struggle to make themselves the most powerful being on Moribund.

Moribund is not terribly developed scientifically. Most settlements only have the very basic tenements of technology…running water, electricity from a bulky generator at the center of town, and a heavy iron stove in most homes. The occasional wealthy man may own one or two bulky luxuries such as a Victrola or an old automobile. But Men on Moribund are simple creatures. For the most part, the Vampiir are the ones who catalyze the progression of science, art, and magic. Their homes are collections of ornate (if old or impractical) appliances, baroque artwork, and vast libraries filled with tomes of lore and magic no one could ever finish reading in a hundred lifetimes. Though Vampiir understand and develop all manner of technology, they only share their findings within the clan (lest rivals get ahead of them). The spread of ideas occurs only through espionage (which often involves sabotage) or theft, so scientific development on Moribund, even in the Vampiir community, moves rather slowly.

Nearly all people on Moribund are subsistence farmers, living in small rural communities. Even small cities are rare on Moribund as the ruling Vampiir make a concerted efforts to keep settlements small, culling the herd in fear that too many Men living together could start a rebellion. The Vampiric Lords purposely send their henchmen into town nightly to keep the humans scattered, scared, and stupid.

Literacy and education are squashed to keep Mankind in check lest he grow wise, organized, and able to overthrow his oppressors. A town usually consists of small, scattered buildings and several large fields and ranches where the people collectively grow crops and raise livestock. These simple folk show no signs of development (or a desire to develop) in the less practical pursuits of art, music, science, and magic. They are (and rightly so) highly superstitious folk, and all towns are surrounded on every side by wards; garlic, crosses, and other holy symbols designed to keep the Vampiir and their unholy minions at bay. These totems not only line the borders of the towns, but are even integrated into the architecture of every structure. Priests, exorcists, holy men, healers, and witch hunters make a lucrative (if dangerous) living off this practical superstition. In some rare cases, the totems actually do serve to keep wild spirits and Neguila at bay. But the Vampiir make sure that enough misinformation permeates the local lore in order to keep the locals from exploiting any secret weakness the clan might secretly possess.

History
Like every Disc, the character of Moribund gave flesh and form to the soul of Man. And like so many Discs, these souls became humans. However, some of these souls were perverted and twisted by the land into an innately evil predator; the Vampiir. The Vampiir were stronger and more cunning than humans and quickly established themselves as the dominant species of Moribund. Even from Moribund’s earliest history, man has been subject to the whip and bridle of the Vampiir. The Vampiir were eventually able to bring the wild were-beasts, the Neguila, under their dominance much like other early societies learned to domesticate wild animals. These monstrosities worked as royal body guards and as cannon fodder in Vampiric armies while humans served as food and disposable labor as the Vampiir brought the dark world under their control, eventually allowing humans to build cities of their own within the sight of a lord’s tower.

In this time, there were four great Vampiric courts; Najave (which later became Marsaille), Beratrux, Poveaull (which evolved into Lombarda), and the greatest of all; Kainan. It is said that the founder of house Kainan was the very first Vampiir and his children grew to found the other three houses. The modern day houses of Marsaille and Lombarda are the obscure off-shoots of two of these original houses, having formed from the ruins of the Apocalypse. House Xerxes claims to be the eldest and only “true” clan remaining, asserting that they are directly descended from Kainan’s lost son, Xerxes. Though the validity of these claims is questionable despite (possibly forged) documentation from First Age ruins, none can disagree that the modern day Vampiric houses pale in prestige, power, and purity when compared to those houses of the First Age.

The First Age ended when Malice, in the guise of Prometheus, came to the courts of Lombarda and Marsaille. Knowing how best to approach his treacherous creations, he carefully hinted at the locations of the Gates to prestigious Vampiir lords, knowing that they wouldn’t miss out on a chance to gain power for themselves and undermine their competition. Little did they know, Malice had leaked this information to every lord of note, resulting in all of Moribund’s unwitting participation in the renaissance of the Second Age. During this time, few civil Discs wanted anything to do with Moribund. The Vampiric lords weren’t interested in trading goods or culture with “lesser” creatures (unless doing so would give them an edge over their competitors). Their primary goal was conquest and subjugation. Armies from Moribund were notorious for attacking and enslaving villages unprovoked and hellish monsters from Moribund regularly made their way through the Gates to terrorize the unsuspecting populace. The non-human population of Moribund is mostly descended from slaves captured during these raids. As a result, fortifications were built around those Gates leading from Moribund. For the most part, Moribund was a leech on the underbelly of the Second Age, taking whatever magic and technology it could from those who were brave or foolish enough to trade with them and giving nothing but strife in return. When Malice began his subtle campaign of pitting the worlds against one another, none needed much provocation to attack the fifes and baronies of Moribund and the Vampiric lords needed no reason to hold back from fighting back with all their might.

If the Apocalypse was bad elsewhere, it was brutal on Moribund. The entire world was already dark, but day never came in those long, cold years. Bitter winter crept over the face of the land, claiming the lives of Men and Vampiir alike. The shape of the land changed as geological disasters ripped mountains and seas apart at the Apocalypse’s onset. The continent split into two great land masses, petty baronies and dukedoms fell and the lords who once held a tight grip over their lands either perished as nightmares more horrible than themselves rose from the cracks of the bleeding land or became iron despots, unconcerned with the games of aristocracy; less Man and more monster. The four great houses fell into obscurity and no house today can accurately trace their lineage beyond the Third Age. Despair continued this way throughout the Third Age and many humans who survived the onset of the Apocalypse remembered the days of their oppressive enslavement like one would remember an idyllic night in paradise.

Finally, day broke and the Fourth Age came around. Lord D’Cabre returned to power in his tower and restored the Vampiric order. The Moribund of today is not the world of Victorian delights, powerful ancient magic, and zeppelins floating across the skull-faced moons. Remnants of ancient technologies and tomes of magic are heavily sought after by Vampiir wishing to make themselves more powerful or create a link to one of the original great houses to prove the purity (and therefore the right to rule) of their family…and a helpful bi-product of this struggle is the fact that the old world, while unable to be fully rebuilt, is rapidly being rediscovered by Vampiir who are just as treacherous, evil, and vicious as ever.

Divinity
Little gods on Moribund only hold power in the scattered areas where no standing Vampiir clan rules. These areas are few and far between and usually confined to intractable wilderness where no sensible clan would want to rule anyway. The gods of these lands are dangerous and crazed since there are practically no human settlements to offer them tribute. These beast-like gods of water, wood, and stone oftentimes the unwitting pawns or unwilling slaves of powerful Vampiir who are able to capture them and reign in their feral energies. Recently, House Xerxes has come to fill this role, recruiting (by force or by negotiation) many of the most powerful and insane petty gods on Moribund. They have assembled an army of these gods and their spirit courts, creating a force for both the houses of Lombarda and Marsaille to reckon with.

In the far, far east, on an island several miles off the coast of Lombarda stands the Well of Sorrow; tower of the Disc’s Watcher, Lord D’Cabre. D’Cabre is a being without remorse that fears no one- not even The Four Winds to whom he is pledged. His features are much akin to the Vampiir, though he is much more ancient than even the oldest living Matriarch. D’Cabre has been Watcher of Moribund since the First Age, having managed to escape the Titans during their bloody crusade. Though some speculate that D’Cabre actually made a deal with the Titans to spare his own life, no evidence for such accusations exists. A mighty blue-skinned demon bound in chains and blinded by rags named Shiki serves at D’Cabre’s right hand as his Archon. When D’Cabre needs anything done, it is Shiki he calls to lead his gruesome force of ghosts, walking corpses, and beastmen. D’Cabre has called heroes to his aid only a few times throughout the years as heroes on Moribund are a rare thing indeed. The Vampiir are too self-centered and untrustworthy and the Men of Moribund are too weak and stupid. Therefore, D’Cabre entrusts Shiki and his army of unfeeling soldiers with his affairs. His cynical approach has earned him the nickname, The Iron Hand.

Tortuga in Detail

Geography
Tortuga is a vast, vast ocean with small island chains sprinkled throughout the Disc. Many of these archipelagoes are unexplored, undiscovered, and uncharted. It’s not uncommon for ships to happen upon small deserted islands less than half a mile in diameter during their journeys. Many scholars (well…few scholars actually inhabit Tortuga, but most of those who do) believe that only 60% of the land on Tortuga is inhabited by “civilized folk”, let alone discovered. Barbaric tribes commonly referred to as the “Dark Folk” (or Korkanu, they call themselves) inhabit the wild, unexplored islands. These islanders fear and despise the intrusions of modern Tortugans and many have fortified their territories with a variety of traps and other hazards to keep outsiders at bay. While there are “civilized” tribes that are willing to (begrudgingly) trade with and carry on diplomatic relations with Tortugans, these tribes are few and far between and most islanders would just as soon attack an explorer as look at them (and the feeling is more than mutual).

There is a dark force thrives within the waters of Tortuga, polluting streams, patches of ocean, and even entire isles. It is known as Dark Water and it is a maddening, corrupting force similar to the Plague Lands of Arcadia. Those who drink the water or live in a blighted area for long slowly become mad servants of the creeping malice. Dark Water exists in seemingly random places across the world, in remote sections of ocean full of whirlpools and storms, in once tropical islands the force has twisted into barren, rocky, skull-shaped graveyards, and in tainted, black waters that pollute wells and corrupt the souls of all who drink. The Korkanu are the descendants of those Men who came to Tortuga through the Promethean Gates during the Second Age. They are those who fought in the Disc Wars and survived those terrible sea battles only to be corrupted by Dark Water. They are the original inhabitants of the stone cities, now cast down into ruin or claimed by the jungle. These unfortunate people were driven mad by Dark Water, a malicious force created from the horrors of the Apocalypse. Those who were affected by this water became shamanistic cannibals, passing these depraved traditions on to their twisted offspring.

Frontier cities are very large and well fortified in order to withstand the dangers of the wild lands upon which they are built. The citizens of these towns are well equipped to defend themselves, doubling as soldiers and laborers. On the colonized islands, geography rarely varies. Either sandy beaches with crystal clear water or sheer cliffs adorn the shores along with thick vegetation leading all the way to the center of the isles. Many of the larger islands boast small mountains and canyons towards their center and elevation generally increases the closer to the center one travels. Dense vegetation covers the islands, even where man has staked his claim with cities. Between smaller towns, the countryside is still wild and dense, making the small roads difficult to travel. Larger towns have better maintained highways, but the dense jungle may still lie to either side with large open fields being a rare sight, even on the bigger islands.

Beneath the sea, however, a whole new world of mountains, plains, cliffs, trenches, forests of seaweed, and other unique geographical features abound. Tortuga’s creator was Merton, the god of the sea, and his creativity was truly unleashed when developing the wonders of this aquatic realm. While most creatures, unaided by magic or technology of some kind, are unable to experience these splendors, Tortuga’s native people, the Atlanteans, make this place their home. It is in the vast kelp plains, the coral reefs, and the majesty of the undersea mountain ranges that the Atlanteans maintain their civilization.

Yet even under the sea, there are uncolonized and uncivilized areas. Like the surface, only a small portion of the underwater world is charted, let alone colonized. Atlanteans are less proactive about exploring and charting their world than the men who live on dry land, so many more dangers abound in the wild waters. Titans take on the form of sea monsters, living in the darkest trenches, and the brutal, warped Deltans (the Atlantean equivalent of the Dark Folk) all call the hidden reefs and unexplored depths their own. As a result of the great dangers facing exploration, most Atlantean settlements never extend more than a few miles beyond the center of the city where the majority of resources and the safety of numbers are prevalent.

Overall, the bulk of Tortuga (both above and below the waters) is uncolonized with the wild lands being home to twisted, savage tribes, hidden dangers, and buried treasure. But even with the colonized islands and sequestered Atlantean cities, it is towards the high sea that explorers, merchants, traders, settlers, and robbers all must turn at some point; for on this Disc of ocean and island, it is the sea that both connects and divides all, acting as a highway and the gateway to great adventure.

Culture
In the dry world, culture and society have begun to emerge with the exploration and colonization of Tortuga at the start of the Fourth Age. Over the past few centuries, Man has perfected the art of sea-faring on this Disc, which is quite a bit more complicated than on any other world due to the vast stretches of ocean, strange sea formations, and unusual phenomenon that occur on the open seas of this world. Settlements have been established and, on the large islands, self-proclaimed nations hold sway over the civilized areas and war against the Dark Folk who still hold out in the remote corners of the jungle. Two city-states stand apart from the thousands of smaller towns and cities that occupy the Disc’s many island chains; Dalton and Adjoa. These two city-states claim dominion over the two largest islands on the Disc’s surface as well as several surrounding island chains. Additionally, the two nations actively patrol the waters of their territories, hunting pirates, warring against Dark Folk, and attempting to impose some sort of order on the profoundly chaotic world. Dalton and Adjoa also maintain an uneasy rivalry with one another, serving to further complicate efforts to bring peace and civility to Tortuga.

To pirates, it matters little whether a navy is from Dalton or Adjoa; all symbols of authority are enemies. These gangs of sea-faring outlaws make their living raiding small coastal towns, looting merchant vessels, and (ironically) turning one another in for the bounties offered by Adjoan and Daltan governments. Though many groups consist of a single ship and crew, the larger more successful gangs can constitute an entire fleet of vessels. Most dreaded among these pirates are the Nine Warlords; nine captains of nine pirate crews who each claim a certain area of the great ocean as their territory. Though their control is far from absolute or official, all other pirates are expected pay some degree of fealty to them, fearfully offering up booty, supplies, crewmen, or dibs on a kill to a Warlord if they encounter one…and the consequences are quite severe for those who fail to show proper fear and respect before the incomparable might of a Warlord.

Though most pirates are scum, some are less brigand and more free-spirited adventurers who simply prefer to live outside the letter of society’s law. Though they may not be above looting and stealing, they find no glamour in senseless murder or destruction. To them, the high seas offer a chance for exploration, adventure, and buried treasure. Many will fight for justice where they find wrong-doing, and defend those who cannot help themselves…and many expect some kind of compensation for their good will. In any case, these bravados often get lumped in with the bad apples on the high seas, resulting in their constant need to hide from authority despite their mostly benign shenanigans. Though they are technically considered pirates, the term “treasure hunter” might be more appropriate.

History
On the world of water and sparse islands, the souls of Man grew gills and fins to suit their environment, becoming the Atlantean people who built cities from coral and pearl beneath the waves. They were guided by the gentle hand of Delphine, their Watcher, who gave to them knowledge, magic, and truths from the mouths of the gods. The Atlanteans built a great civilization during the First Age and, unlike other Discs, refused Malice’s gift of the Promethean Gates. This was not only due to the fact that they feared and loathed the Dry World above, but unlike so many other races, their inner wisdom allowed them to see through his disguise to the darkness that hid within his pleasing form.

However, this did not stop Malice from building Gates above ground on the chains of islands above the Atlantean’s world. Men from all over The Sphere came to dwell on what they thought was an empty world of vast oceans. Though few were eager to settle down on a world dominated by seas and tiny islands, those who ultimately did were of great pioneering spirit and they built their new homes with sweat and blood, beating back the wild jungles and engineering cities from the ground up. When word of these newcomers reached the Atlanteans, it was too late for them to attempt to drive back the “invaders”. Nonetheless, hostilities between the unwanted guests and the “demons of the deep” were high from day one and continued to escalate until fighting broke out and no harbor was safe from Atlantean attacks. Second Age Tortuga found itself mired in a guerilla war against a foe it had no chance of besting on the open waters. However, resources on land were abundant and Tortugans were able to trade exotic goods and knowledge of shipbuilding for off-world wealth and the means to resist their underwater enemies.

Of course, the strife between the wet and dry worlds played right into Malice’s hand and would-be-conquerors off-world saw the islands of Tortuga as easy prey. Tortuga was drawn into the Disc Wars and the Atlanteans struck out against both invaders and born-and-bred Tortugans alike. There were many losses on all sides, but when the horrors of the Third Age erupted on Tortuga, it was enough to drive its original inhabitants insane. In addition to the tumultuous earthquakes and fires from the ground, many of the waters became tainted. Those Atlanteans who dwelt there became crazed and their forms were perverted into the aberrations known now as Deltans. Men who drank from polluted streams or sailed in those dark waters became the wild tribesmen who now call themselves Korkanu. These wicked beings are servants of an unseen madness that haunts the ether of Tortuga to this day, striking against civilization in the name of pure and random chaos. They are like the Plague-Touched of Arcadia; slaves to the darkness that created them. They seek to cause pain and suffering so that the entire world will become engulfed in the dark water that they serve.

Tortuga’s original Watcher, Delphine, was swallowed by a Titan from the dark trenches. At the close of Heaven’s war, she was replaced by another aquatic benefactor named Salome. From a tower of coral deep beneath the sea, Salome guided Tortuga back to a measure of civility, cleansing a great deal of the dark waters and driving Deltans and Korkanu back to the wild lands. The Atlanteans and the Men of Tortuga reached a truce and even began working together to rebuild their world which had been broken by war, calamity, and violence. A city called Saint’s Harbor was even built to celebrate the newfound unity of the wet and dry worlds; above ground, the island city contains a harbor with a glass elevator shaft that travels down to a dry part of an Atlantean city below. Likewise, glass tubes filled with water connect aquatic tanks where Atlanteans may exist in the dry world above. Despite the idealism the city was built on, tensions still run high between cautious Atlanteans and corruptible surface-dwellers. On the open seas, piracy and brutal wickedness still abounds. Modern-day Tortuga is a very dangerous place with a poor reputation where many on The Sphere refuse to go.

Divinity
The aquatic Salome (pronounced saw-loe-may) is the appointed Watcher for this Disc and performs her task from a tower of coral beneath the sea at the very center of the Disc. Using a large magical pearl that sits in a black oyster and only opens at the sound of her voice, she is able to see whatever she wishes to see on her Disc…and in dangerous times, it alerts her to powerful threats that may unhinge the delicate balance of the ocean world. Salome has appointed a sea god named Daav as her Archon. This good natured, giant alligator walks upright like a man, speaks many languages, dresses like a commoner, and smiles often. Daav serves as Salome’s messenger, bodyguard, and servant. In the larger cities (both above and beneath the waves) it is not uncommon to see him meeting with city leaders on his mistress’s behalf.

There are many Little gods on Tortuga’s islands and in its seas. Those who dwell on the land find the worship they desire from the barbarous Korkanu who perform dark rites before these gods. Whenever civil folk encroach on their territories or are forced to defend against their attacks, they often find themselves fighting both the tribesmen and the supernatural forces levied by that tribe’s patron deity. On the oceans, gods take on the shape of storm clouds or giant sharks and threaten to destroy vessels unless someone is thrown overboard to appease them. Save for these encounters on the open sea, Man has little voluntary interaction with Little gods as they are seen as a part of the barbaric world of the Dark Folk that Mankind has struggled so hard to rise above.