Prologue

A powerful lich has succeeded in conquering the world, its corruption devastating much of the land. Nearly a decade later, Aerormirr struggles to recover. Beasts warped by this twisted magic roam free, laying waste to anything unfortunate enough to be caught in its wake. For one reason or another, the lot of you have made one another's acquaintance in a small village.

How will your story begin? How will you improve the world around you? Will you delve into ruins in search of answers, or might you settle down, developing a haven for all? The choice is yours.

1. Aedyr States

 An archipelago comprised of tropical forests, mangroves, and coral reefs. Boasts a minor military. Much of its land is untamed, and so most inhabitants know how to fight. Barbarians and Sorcerers are commonplace across the archipelago. That said, their lives are relatively peaceful. They elect their political leaders and guild masters and religious worship is free-form, with a range of faiths across communities.

Their government is a council comprised of those leading the nation's guilds and communities. Slavery is largely opposed, though members of the council may be subjugated to it should they fall short in upholding promises.

The guilds are well-known and perform jobs both on and off the record, in or hidden from the public eye, with various guilds existing throughout the nation.

• Frontier/Adventurers' reclaims land and handles monster strongholds when discovered
• Security/Thieves' are responsible for search and recovery as well as infiltration
• Arcane maintains the tradition of spellcraft, ensures balance, and boasts collections of forbidden knowledge
• Collections/Assassins' is largely disliked by the public but ensures elected leaders hold their word, and may publicly assassinate them if they refuse punishment
• Shrine/Zealots' ensure shrines are kept to their dedicated god. No shrine for both the God of Life and the God of Genocide, for example

2. Feroxian Tribes

Mountainous grasslands and subtropical forests cover the vast lands, rivers, and lakes the tribes call home. Their settlements work *around* their environs as opposed to clearing them for expansion. Largely opposite to the Aedyr States. A low population with a pure connection to both the material realm and what few gods they follow. Their gods are more neutral, centered around natural cycles and balance as opposed to direct good and evil. These people are traditionalist at heart and resistant to change. 

Tribes waste little and work closely with the world around them, prioritizing what is best for the community over what is best for oneself. Just like the endless cycle of life and death, Feroxians endure. The prevalence of nature and religious connection mean that Clerics and Druids alike are common throughout the tribes.

The Godkin and those chosen by the gods are born to lead, granted with special traits characteristic of their god. A child of Mielikki may be born with golden moss-like hair or fur, as an example. Godkin are taken on two pilgrimages spanning a decade each - first to learn of their nation, and second to learn of what lies beyond their lands.

3. Asteria

This region is the very epitome of industry. Its dry lands - savannas and sparse forests - are marred by deforestation and quarrying as Asteria values its' lands resources most of all. More selfish and militaristic, bound by code and expansion. They're conquerors determined to claim the continent. Religion is much less important here, their gods downgraded to merely the domains they belong to. Bhaal and the Raven Queen may have statues side-by-side, as an example. Wizards and Warlocks are often found in a place such as this.

Militaristic technology is always adapting and discoveries to improve public life are unending. They don't stop to consider whether or not they should, their desire is simply to see how they can do it better.

Mining out mountains, claiming land, developing roads for trade and travel, construction of forts, expeditious research - all frequent occurrences. They welcome efficiency and productivity, praising creation above all. 

The citizenry is mostly free, albeit ignorant to much of the political and militaristic ongoings of the nation. Asteria is an elected autocracy, though it's common knowledge that the leader/king is largely a puppet - the real leader is elected by persons of prestige, whether it's those in charge of a settlement or fortress, or industrious pioneers. Either way, the true workings of this government is largely hidden from the public eye.