Introduction

A forgotten Cataclysm and a Dead World

The world has been devastated by an apocalyptic event, leaving only the immortal Hierophant with knowledge of the past. According to the druids accounts, in a past age, the hubris of mages incurred the wrath of the gods, who decided to destroy all creation. In the end the Hierophant raised primordial entities that killed the gods which caused a Cataclysm that destroyed most life in the plane.

Tainted Magic

As a side effect of the Cataclysm, the magic in the world was tainted.

Divine magic connects the caster with the faith of gods long dead and forgotten. Connecting with the dying divine spark spread insanity into the world. Lone clerics lose their sanity and end wandering the desert searching for visions and miracles, while some paladins pursue imaginary feats. While the ones that settle into a tribe or village start spreading madness into their flock, but sometimes madness is a worth price for protection against the dangers of the desert.

Arcane magic is cursed. No one really knows if the curse come from gods, druids, primordial or it is just that without a god of magic, it isn't stable. Truth is that the Wave is like a powerful drug for mages. The more they channel the Wave through their minds and bodies, they more they need it. This addiction makes mages steal and hoard magic objects and arcane knowledge, and it requires two strong willed mages to collaborate.

The primal magic is fueled by the life itself. Druids and rangers must shed blood to appease the primordials or risk their rage. The followers of the Hierophant demand constant sacrifices to sustain their powers. While rebel druids and rangers, should use their life force to cast their spells.

Omelas, The City

In the middle of the immense Ukleg desert lies The City. A vast oasis of life where civilization and nature meld in harmony. Thousands of isles in a vast lake populated by centenary trees that mingle together to form bridges and support houses on different levels.

Legends says that after the battle against the gods the Hierophant sit on top of a hill and used the lasts remains of his power to bring life to the city. For centuries their followers have been sacrificing spellcasters and other enemies to fuel his power and maintain him in a state between life and death. After centuries, the druids have transformed the hill in an immense Ziggurat and sitting on a throne on top of it is the immaculate body of the Hierophant sustaining life in the City.

As part of the Hierophant's rule any spellcaster (even other druids) are hunted and given the option to serve in life (as slaves) or in death (as sacrifices to feed His power).

The power in the city

The Necropolis of Atuan

In the middle of the desert lays a colossal necropolis. The place is ruled by a cleric order and his army of cultist and undead. This clerics are charged with the protection of the tombs of 8 gods and it is rumored that there is a 9th tomb locked so nothing can enter... or escape from it.

Anyone arriving to the necropolis is given asylum for 8 days, one for each god and on the 9th day is forced to leave the necropolis or join the service of the necropolis forever. This makes the necropolis a neutral ground and a safe place for refugees and escaped slaves.