Lore
Arpago is a world thousands of centuries old, but its recorded history reaches only few hundred years into the past.
Most of the habitable land represents The Continent – a huge landmass that over 40 years ago has undergone a unimaginable cataclysm, called The Downfall. After many decades of complete hiatus, mainland’s volcanoes started erupting one by one. Falling debris destroyed cities and villages, ground being shattered in many places ruined farmlands, lava burned every sign of life it encountered on its way, and dark smoke covered the skies as far as it could.
The population of The Continent, consisting mostly of Humans, reacted quickly by abandoning their belongings, leaving their homes, and taking their families onto dozens of ships that have sailed to the East, where many islands were said to be uninhabited. The Archipelago, as it is called, greeted them with open arms. They’ve had occasional contact with natives of the islands before, but felt no need to go into each other’s way, so until this moment, their cultures were mostly separate. Native people – Fox Folk and Troglodytes have provided them with places to build settlements, taught them about their culture, about their habits of living, and how they could get along. As complete separation was not an option anymore, the Leaders of each faction have agreed upon several basic rules, written them down in the both languages, and swore an oath to keep peace regardless of differences.
“There will be more meaningful issues than any petty quarrel you might have with any of us, so save our time and strength, since we are going to meet on the same side in any case.” – Host Feirika, leader of Fox Folk
“Just because tomorrow is not a given, it doesn’t mean that the next day doesn’t matter.” – Chosen Icci, leader of Troglodytes
“What could have been the end of the tale, has become the beginning of a new chapter. We shall write the rest of it together.” – Sovereign Raettif, leader of Humans
Everyone was allowed to pray to whoever they want. Most popular were three Known Gods, two of whom were appearing and actively interfering with the world. Nature’s spirit – Folaei, who took care of all living beings, healing spells, enchantments, and magical runes, had a symbol of tree-shaped stone. Another one – Amaranfire, symbolized by cold flame, was the god of ice, warmth, low and high tides, seasons, sunlight, and arcane knowledge. The last one who hasn’t been heard from for many centuries – The Gone One – he was known for providing safety for the weak, and protecting families, but his exact domain is not remembered anymore.
As the refugees kept coming for a long time from The Continent, a proper place to live was needed. Humans were experienced builders, so they constructed cities, with much more houses than required at the time, as well as bridges and shipyards. All such decisions were made together by the Leaders, while unusual and major ones – like establishing traderoutes or lumberyard locations were discussed with anyone who wanted to take part in debates. As Fox Folk used to live in small huts in the woods, and Troglodytes were using cottages near the coasts or caves, large cities were a new concept to them, and some of them wanted to give it a try.
In the end, everyone lived wherever they wanted regardless of origins. Troglodytes happily protected the cities with their magic against wild creatures, Fox Folk were the main voice of reason in any discussion that took place, translated written material into islands’ native language – Folii, and served as guides through the forests, while Humans helped everyone travel on the islands by building roads and bridges. Apart from high tides, rare diseases, outlaws, and occassional Hydra or Vyvern attack, there were no larger issues going on for many years.
Until The Second Downfall has happened. Initially regarded as a much smaller one, as it just slightly missed the Archipelago and didn’t destroy anything of greater value, it cracked the land open in many places, revealing Neverending Abyss. At first, there were rare and far between sightings of shadowy creatures flying in the distance. Later the dead were said to be coming back to life. When Sovereign Raettif died to a never seen before beast made of tar and smoke in presence of tens of citizens, everyone knew that these weren’t just myths made up by madmen. Situation has slowly begin warping and twisting. That’s where your story begins…
“High tide is forthcoming, but it won’t be water this time.” – Chosen Icci, paraphrasing an old proverb
“Bravery is the only cure to fear. Stop moaning and protect who you live for, now.” – Host Feirika, leader of Fox Folk, speaking to the people who turned to her after Raettif’s murder