Mistwreath

the Mistwreath Nebelmeer

Description

The Mistwreath is so called because of the permanent mist that lingers in the geographical bowl that is made by the surrounding mountains. The intensity of mist varies, but it is never truly absent, and it conceals whatever may be lurking in it. Make no mistake, there are things in the mist, which has led to the cities being settled in the higher regions, where the mist is thinner or all together absent.

Ruins of old, or mist covered settlements can still be used for cover from both creatures and harmful weather, but which ruins are safe varies. Approach them with care, bring a local guide, pray for safe passage, and you should be fine. Travel by boat with a skilled navigator when possible, as the water surface is mostly safe.

Political structure

Cities have their own leadership, but they all more or less swear loyalty to the king in Dunric.

• Political structure: City states with central monarchy
• Strong influence: Religion and wealth
• Foreign relations: Restricted from isolation

Religion

For most, life is influenced by the rituals and observations of Mistfaith, a religious practice based on local mythology and history. Not everyone are active devotees to the pantheon, but as their culture is heavily influenced by it, even the most pragmatic of them act in accordance with the religion's tenets.

The main seat of religious activity in the Mistwreath is at Dunric and The Silent City of Brugenheim, and take the form of Mistfaith

The high level of religious reverance in the Mistwreath has made it the center for the whole continent for such things. This stems from the cultural heritage the settlers from Mistwreath brought with them as they spread out to repopulate the continent after the Destruction of Orn. This adherence has declined somewhat over the years in the distant regions like Mendaris, but for most it is the goto religion if they have one.

• Type: Mistfaith
• Associated: Ceremonies and festivals
• Prevalence: Observed by all, believed by most

Vestiges and spirit binding

Most Binders on the continent reside in the Mistwreath, and specifically near Wywold and Helmerheim. It is suspected these placed hold some significance to those in the know.

Their practice is outlawed, and anyone suspected of binding vestiges are sure to be stigmatized or banished. If a binder is caught showing signs of a pact, they are pursued by the religious authorities, and tried for consorting with evil forces - a verdict usually resulting in an execution.

History

Ever since the destruction of Orn, there has been a thick layer of mist covering the lowlands of the geographical bowl that is the Mistreath.

The first century after 64 p.o. was spent reestablishing civilization. Wild time. Crazy stuff. Adaption to the mist.

Economics

• Main export: Alchemy, magic items, religious artifacts
• Main import: Luxury goods, exotic crafting materials
• Wealth distribution: Concentrated in a small merchant elite and the nobility

Ecology

• Climate: Temperate, mostly shrub lands, bogs and small forests
• Feature: Persistent heavy fog limiting visibility
• Trouble: Monsters and other fog related phenomenons

Culture

commoner clothing style

The culture of the Mistwreath is one many outside would describe as dreary and depressing, but to the inhabitants it is the only proper way to live. Security is found in community and a shared burden for survival. An overwhelming majority of the population are humans with the Mistwreath heritage, with most of the rest being humans visiting outsiders from other regions and the occasional gnome.

• Values: Wisdom and self reliance
• Known For: Fish and fog, religion
• Popular Entertainment: Storytelling, drinking
• Respected Profession: Clergy, artisan, high ranking guardsmen
• Discrimination: outsiders, religious irreverence
• Major Taboo: Heresy, unsanctioned magic
• Major Social Ill: Apathy,

Military

• Strength: Good defenses, fortified cities
• Main Unit: Infantry,
• Soldiers: Drafted and volunteers
• Main Use: City guard, convoy escorts

Magic

• Occurence: Rare
• Types: Arcane, divine, binding, alchemy
• Major Use: Divination, communication, crafting
• Viewed: With respect, but also shunned if uncontrolled or unsanctioned

TODO:

• History from before the Ornian Renaissance. What did the region look like?
• History during the recent dark ages. Adaption to the new dangers, shelter in on peaks
• Vestige binding. How did it start, and why is it shunned? How has it contributed to social ills?
  • Tied to the Mistwreath, and opposed to the orthodox Mistfaith clergy and leadership.
  • Practice of vestige binding was more prevalent in earlier centuries, but has later been suppressed after it got branded as heresy.
    • Source of a historical conflict between vestige binders and divinely supported clerics.
    • In some way resulted in presence of demonic forces.
• Traditions and notable influences
• Founding of the Stargazers at Ivonvar. Institution of diviners.
• the Curse of Beasts. A recurring curse that flares up from time to time.
• Notable people
  • Jerun
  • Vergil
  • Igric

Cities and places of interest

• Nevosob
• Athar's Fall
• Greywater lake - the central great lake in the middle of the region

Naming convention

Class and theme suggestions

The following classes are a recommendation of themes that suit the region. Archetypes and classes are often tied to some cities more than other, and they are linked in the list below.

Some are not common, and fame or infamy may come to any adventurer pursuing these paths.

Base classes

• Fighter
• Warlord
• Rogue
• Alchemist
  • Psychonaut ^Ivonvar
  • Visionary Researcher ^Cerelum
  • Chirurgeon ^Cerelum
  • Lycanthologist^[1]
  • Royal Alchemist

• Ranger
  • Skirmisher
• Paladin
  • Holy Gun
  • Templar of Spirits
  • Oath Against Fiends ^Ivonvar
• Cleric/Oracle^[2]
• Shifter^[1]
• Pactbinder^[3]

Prestige classes

• Stargazer ^Ivonvar