Fantasy 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙶𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚂𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚎𝚖 - 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚎

[SleepyConley]

The Gate of Sordem
Music

The Library of Eznia
Volume One

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The World​

The world of Eznia is vast and home to many riches and mysteries. They're a total of 7 continents: North Hadia, South Hadia, Asherdan, Tyzen, Tetan, Okan, and Frostfar. The library you're currently reading this at is located in Asherdan. Below is a simple world map and a map of the Asherdan continent (note: a map of the entire world exists thanks to maps secured in ancient elven ruins).

Eznia


Asherdan

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The Asherdan continent sits in the middle of two large islands. The island to the south is called Elden, while the island to the north is called Tio. The two islands (as well as all the other smaller islands) are often just refereed to as Asherdan as a whole. The northern most region of Asherdan is artic, while the southern most region is tropical. The regions on the motherland are warm and deciduous.

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The Rothdane Empire

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The Rothdane Empire, a human ruled empire, currently controls all the land on Asherdan and its surrounding islands. The empire is compromised of seven total city-states: Cordis, Dekfar, Vallenfargo, Bruton, Rothdania, Fenci, and Eldencor with Cordis being the capital. The flag of the empire is red with a gold border, the emblem is a snake constricting a lion, representing the struggles the empire had to overcome to gain its glory. The Rothdane Empire allows all races to unite and be ruled under it. Despite being a militaristic empire, the focus on freedom and trade is still prevalent. Citizens are allowed to say and do most of what they wish, as long as it is legal. Education is a main priority of the empire. The current year is 1598, the empire has existed for nearly a thousand years being ruled by a long bloodline of human emperors. The empire was formed around the year 600.

The current emperor is Emperor Rox Rothfire (Rothfire is the royal family's last name).He is currently fourteen years old and has been the emperor ever since the previous emperor died, 4 years ago. He is dubbed a prodigy because of his wits, quick learning/adapting capabilities, and how easily he mastered swordsmanship at such a young age. Despite his age, Rox has proven to be a competent ruler in just the short four years he has been emperor.

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The City-States
(City-state: a city that with its surrounding territory forms an independent state.)​

The current city-states are: Cordis, Dekfar, Bruton, Vallenfargo, Rothdania, Fenci and Eldencor. The biggest city being Cordis, a fortress located deep underground that is heavily protected. Cordis is the capital of the empire and home to the emperor. Each city-state owns its own territory and gets periodic supplies and pay from the empire. Each city-state is ruled by a duke. They're countless villages and towns all throughout The Rothdane Empire, however we're only going to focus on the city-states, for now.

Cordis:
Cordis is located at the heart of the Asherdan continent, deep underground. Originally built by the dwarves before being conquered and assimilated into the Rothdane Empire. Cordis is the biggest and wealthiest city. If you can dream it, in Cordis, you can achieve it. The cavern that Cordis is located in - is massive, a giant river and a hole in the top of the cavern that sunlight pours out of - allows for the creation of a unique ecosystem. Farmers can grow crops, fishermen can fish, and hunters can hunt. Most of the empire's food is grown in the Cordis territories, both on the surface and underground. Cordis, is a towering fortress, and combined with the citizens of its territory is home to around 16 million people. Cordis was built with security in mind, it would be the hardest city in the world to raid. The entrance on the surface to Cordis is just as big and heavily guarded as the city itself. Cordis is the most peaceful city and has the lowest recorded crime-rate. Only the best of the best soldiers are stationed here, receiving the most pay.

Dekfar:
Dekfar and its towers were built with the help of elves. Dekfar is by far the most prestigious city-state (competing with Rothdania) with towering monuments showcasing their superiority. The emperor himself visits on occasion to tour the city. If you're looking to sell ancient artifacts, Dekfar is the place for you. Dekfar is named after sailors who settled in the area because of all the vast resources the territory had to offer, the only issue was that the ocean and coast was faraway. Originally the city was named Dockfar but slowy transitioned into Dekfar over the years.

Bruton:
Bruton is by far the poorest of the city-states. Bruton is the first and oldest city-state established and was the original capital of the empire, comprised of mostly wood and stone buildings. Bruton has become infamous for its high crime rates, that are continuing to rise. Thieves and bandits run amok, so much so, that those who live in the city had to adapt and become thieves/criminals themselves in order to survive. Despite this nobility is still present in the city, however, many are leaving and relocating in Rothdania. Bruton is popular for its Thieves Guild and many fences that have gathered in the area, many criminals gather here to sell stolen items. Guards sent to be stationed here are killed or resign. Bruton is unofficially known by the rest of the empire as the thieves capital. Many nobles want Bruton to be seized by the military and reformed. Because of this, Bruton doesn't receive as many supplies and pay as the rest of the other city-states, causing the already prominent poverty rates here to rise.

Vallenfargo:
Vallenfargo is one of two port cities, it is the only port city located on the motherland. Vallenfargo is the boat capital and is named after the Vallen ship model. In the early days of the city, the sailors built a mighty battleship, reinforced with iron that could go anywhere in the world and was a turning point in military power for the empire. Because of the Vallen ship model the empire was able to build and maintain the strongest naval fleet in the world. Vallenfargo is one of the wealthier city-states and is home to sailors, fishermen and merchants.

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Rothdania:
Rothdania is by far the wealthiest city-state (not including Cordis), almost surpassing the capital. Rothdania is the second port city, located on Tio, a landmass across from the motherland. The only way to travel here is by boat, usually from Vallenfargo. Most of the people who live in Rothdania are nobles or merchants. Rothdania is dubbed as the noble/merchant capital. Many political figures and nobles vote for Rothdania to be the new capital. However the emperor usually declines because of how open and exposed to enemy attacks it is. Despite not particularly being known for its scholars, Rothdania is becoming more and more popular for producing scholars at their prestigious and state-of-the-art libraries and academies. Those with aspiring dreams to become wealthy, famous or powerful (usually young adults) end up moving to Rothdania to seek out mentors. Because of this, a market for scammers is created that prey on the innocent teenagers and young adults that travel to Rothdania from all over the empire. Rothdania is slowly but surely becoming infamous for its scammers and blackmarket. Newcomers are often warned by guards at the port to be wary.

Fenci:
North-east of Rothdania. Fenci (FEN-CEE) is the northern most city-state, located in a snowy region on the island of Tio, the landmass north of the motherland. Fenci is the smallest city-state with the lowest population. Despite this the city still gets more supplies and pay than Bruton. This is because Fenci is special, Fenci is the military capital and is where those who enlist in the military are sent to be trained. The reserves in Fenci are massive and is the most well guarded city, except for the capital, in the empire. Fenci's entire population is mostly comprised of those born there, soldiers, veterans or those fleeing from Bruton that couldn't find a home anywhere else. Fenci's only tourist attraction is that it is on a mountain overlooking an ocean of ice and at night, the moonlight beautifully illuminates the crystals of ice, creating a glimmering star-like light show. A romantic spot that many noble lovers come to at least once.

Eldencor:
Eldencor is the southern most city-state, located on the tropical island of Elden, the landmass south of the motherland. Eldencor is the youngest city-state and was originally the capital to a nation that was exclusively made up of elves before being peacefully assimilated into the empire. Almost 80% of the Eldencor citizens are elven or half-elf. The island of Elden is home to plants and herbs that cannot be found anywhere else in Asherdan, making it a hotspot for alchemist and scholars. Eldencor was named by the elves and is home to a giant tree, known as the Elden Tree. A tree rumored to be as old as Eznia and is worshipped as the core of the island, holding the ecosystem for all living things on the island together. The city-state is built under the tree in a greatwood forest and was originally named Elden Core.

 

[SleepyConley]

The Gate of Sordem
Music

The Library of Eznia
Volume Two

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The Races

Common Races -
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Human:
Humans reach maturity at the age of 16 and on average live to be 80. Humans vary widely in height and build, from barely 5 feet to well over 6 feet tall.

- Humans are considered to be one of the smarter races and can breed and populate areas far more quickly compared to others. At first, humans were seen as weak and were only kept alive in return for being slaves. However, as generations passed, over thousands of years, humans grew in strength, growing in their confidence and intelligence. Populating areas they migrated to at insane rates and grew to be one of the most dominant races.

Elf:
Elves typically claim adulthood and an adult name around the age of 100 and can live to be 750 years old. Elves range from under 5 to over 6 feet tall and have slender builds.

- Elves are easily identified by their pointed ears. Some of the elves that are still alive, presently, remember and have lived much of what would be considered history to some of the other races. The elves love nature more than any other race. Elves usually live in small and hidden settlements/tribes, varying in population, usually only around ~500 elves per tribe. A few elven empires and cities exist, dependent on ancient elven technology (generators that power lights and plumbing) from when they were the most powerful and intelligent race thousands of years ago.

Dwarf:
Dwarves mature at the same rate as humans, but they're considered young until they reach the age of 50. On average, they live about 350 years. Dwarves stand between 4 and 5 feet tall and average about 150 pounds.

- The dwarven are a noble race. They mostly live underground in cities. They're master blacksmiths and are famous for their weapons, armor and architecture. Dwarves closely resemble humans, however they're much shorter and have a broader build. Despite this, most dwarven still decide to fight in heavy armor and are seen using battleaxes and hammers.

Giant:
Giants have lifespans comparable to humans. They enter adulthood in their late teens and usually live less than a century. Giants are between 8 and 12 feet tall and weigh between 280 and 380 pounds.

- Giants are a proud race. They tend to isolate their settlements and nations from the outside world. They don't allow other races to enter their cities. Giants are the strongest race physically. Despite their size, giants are actually quite fast (but they make a lot of noise). Giants love war, violence and testing their strength.

Lizardfolk:
Lizardfolk reach maturity around age 14 and rarely live longer than 60 years. Lizardfolk are a little bulkier and taller than humans, and their colorful frills make them appear even larger.

- Lizardfolk prefer to live in swamps and marshes. They're an amphibious race and can stay underwater without breathing for up to 4 hours. Lizardfolk are incredibly agile and fast, both on land and in water. Lizardfolk are the fastest race, with beastfolk not far behind them. Lizardfolk usually live in small tribes or settlements. Only one Lizardfolk nation exists on the continent of Tetan and it is fairly small.

Beastfolk:
Beastfolk mature and age at about the same rate as humans. Beastfolk are typically over 6 feet tall, with some standing over 7 feet.

- Beastfolk are nomadic by nature. Most beastfolk that decide to settle down usually do so in an already established nation. Beastfolk can see in the dark and have heightened senses like hearing, smell and taste. Beastfolk are incredibly fast and swift and make the perfect rouges (they're the only race that can see in the dark). On top of their speed, they're incredibly strong. Almost rivaling orcs, in terms of physical strength.

- The beastfolk are the only race to have an alpha variant.The alpha variant of a beastfolk is simply referred to as an alpha beastfolk. Alpha beastfolk are extremely rare. One out of every 10,000 beastfolk is born as an alpha variant, on average. Alpha beastfolk can grow as tall as 12 feet and weigh up to 300 pounds. They're extremely strong and swift, rivaling giants. They can live to be 300 years old, easily surpassing the lifespan of a regular beastfolk. They learn much faster and make excellent, natural born leaders. An alpha beastfolk is basically a beast giant, except much faster with the ability to see in the dark. They have long razor sharp claws.

Orc:
Orcs reach adulthood at age 16 and live up to 80 years. Orcs stand easily 8 feet tall and are corded with powerful muscles, weighing up to 280 pounds.

- Orcs were once an aggressive and warmongering race. However, over the centuries have started to become more civilized. In the past orcs were exiled from every nation for their aggressiveness. Some uncivilized orc and goblin tribes still exist, with the two races working together. However, most modern orcs have evolved and have acquired a taste for knowledge and technology. Orcs are surprisingly growing fast, with multiple orc nations popping up throughout the world. Orcs usually have green skin, but the color of their skin varies.

Goblin:
Goblins mature faster than humans, reaching adulthood around age 12. They age noticeably faster, and though a few goblins live to be an old age, the most cautious rarely live longer than 50 years. Goblins average about 3 feet to 4 feet tall and weigh about 40 pounds.

- Goblins exist in small tribes scattered throughout the world. While Goblins are intelligent, they're often not intelligent enough to start nations on their own. Goblins have survived by becoming servants for other races/nations in return for their tribes protection. Similar to humans, goblins can breed and populate areas fast. While a single goblin isn't a threat, a horde of them is.

 

[SleepyConley]

The Gate of Sordem
Music

The Library of Eznia
Volume Three

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The Gods



The Celestials are beings of untold power. They apparently created the universe, they're massive, multiple times bigger than a planet or sun. Only once has one ever been observed, but thanks to advancements in telescopes, we can see remnants of others. It is not sure if they can communicate or if they would even if they could. It is not sure how many exist or what their goal is, if they even have one. It is believed that these celestial beings created the gods and goddesses and the afterlife as well.

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Duekallan:
Duekallan (Do-Kal-An) is the god of wisdom and knowledge and is the oldest god. Duekallan is married to Cera and together they birthed five children: Synaya, Sheiyu, Kalarei, Betura and Lujadae. Duekallan is the father. Statues and altars of Duekallan are popular in libraries and academies and is prayed to often by students and scholars.

Cera:
Cera (Ser-Ah) is the goddess of beauty, birth, weather, agriculture, crops, and fertile land. Cera is married to Duekallan and together they birthed five children: Synaya, Sheiyu, Kalarei, Betura and Lujadae. She is the mother. Cera is the most popular among the gods/goddesses and has the most shrines and is prayed to the most often. Usually by farmers and pregnant women or men hoping for a safe birth.

Synaya:
Synaya (Sah-Ny-Yah) is the god of strength, time and magic. Synaya is the first born and first son. Synaya is responsible for birthing strength and magic (mana) into humans. He decides how strong someone will be and how much mana they will have. He is also responsible for bestowing skills to people. Aspiring warriors and magicians pray to Synaya often.

Sheiyu:
Sheiyu (Shy-You) is the god of youth and luck. Sheiyu is the last born and the youngest of all the gods/goddesses. Sheiyu is responsible for granting luck to people, acting as a guardian angel over the foolish. Sheiyu supposedly created and hid a fountain of youth somewhere and that those who find it will be granted immortality, like the gods. Gamblers and those who seek longer youth pray to Sheiyu.

Betura:
Betura (Beh-Tur-Ah) is the goddess of the sun, life, angels and hope. Betura is the first born daughter. She is responsible for protecting and maintaining the warmth of the sun. Betura is also responsible for breathing life into the children that Cera is responsible for birthing. The angels that reside in the afterlife were created by Betura. Betura is a compassionate and loving person and is rumored to grant miracles to those that pray to her, gifting people with hope. Betura is the second most popular god/goddess, right under her mother Cera.

Lujadae:
Lujadae (Lew-Jah-Day) is the goddess of the moon, ocean, tides, friendship and love. She is responsible for maintaining the moon, keeping it in orbit. Because the moon, ocean and tides have such a close relationship she took on the responsibility to maintain the ocean and the life that dwells within it. She is also responsible for maintaining the tides, helping sailors during storms and/or coastal/port towns. Lujadae is the most shy of the gods/goddesses and values friendship and love the most, because she always considered herself to be left out. Those seeking (or to maintain) friendships and/or lovers pray to Lujadae.

Kalarei:
Kalarei (Kah-Lar-Ey) is the the god of destruction, famine, drought and plague. Kalarei was the second born god/goddess and the second born son. Kalarei was originally a god of righteousness, however he abused his powers more often then he should have. To punish him Duekallan and Cera took away his godhood and powers, lowering him to the status of an angel. Kalarei felt abandoned and depressed, causing him to despair. The evil god, Duja, manipulated Kalarei to work for him, promising to restore his powers if he did. Kalarei fell for Duja's trap and was consumed with darkness. Kalarei started punishing the world out of spite because he was punished by his parents. Causing destruction, famine, drought and plagues. Kalarei is the least popular god, with almost nobody praying to him.

Duja:
Duja (Do-Jah) is the god of death, despair, demons and misfortune. He is evil in its purest form. Duekallan and Duja once had a duel, Duja almost killed Duekallan but chose to spare his life and in return was asked that he be left alone. Duja is responsible for death, despair and misfortune. People who are evil pray to Duja and are turned into demons when they die. The older a demon, the more power Duja gives them.

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[SleepyConley]

The Gate of Sordem
Music

The Library of Eznia
Volume Four

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Magic and Skills
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Mana: is similar to stamina and can be exhausted, rendering someone useless in a fight. Unlike stamina though, mana can't be built up through training and practice. So, not everyone is cut out to use magic. Depending on bloodline and luck, someone can be born with very little - to no mana - or an enormous amount of mana. The amount of mana stored within someone's body is determined at birth, along with their affinty. The amount of mana someone has determines how much magic they can cast, how long they can cast it and how powerful the magic is. Mana is stored in bones, wild animals with a lot of mana are hunted and killed, their bones used to make staves and other trinkets of magic. Those seeking to use the mana stored within their bodies must get certain runes tattooed on them.

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Runes: are strange looking symbols that act as a gate, allowing the user to channel their mana into magic. If someone doesn't have a rune tattooed on them, they CANNOT use magic. Runes don't necessarily have to be tattooed, they can be carved into the skin or drawn temporarily, however, tattooing them is the most popular process. The runes/symbols can only draw out magic if they're placed on something that has mana dwelling inside, usually humans. The knowledge and origins of these runes/symbols are unknown but are believed to have been taught to ancient civilizations by the god Synaya.

Rune tattooing is expensive. Most people who are poor don't learn magic unless they join the military.

Magic isn't insanely powerful, however, depending on the situation, can be. A warrior that is strong can block magic using a shield or dodging, however, this isn't always guaranteed. Magic is used for similar purposes as archery, for long ranged attacks, except magic has a lot more potential to be destructive and has a larger area of effect. (Note: archers have a lot more range and precision than mages/sorcerers.)

Magic Affinity: At birth if you have mana, you are born with a magical affinity. People are usually born with only one magical affinity, however, very rarely can be born with two. The different types of magical affinities aren't complex. Fire, water, earth, air, dark, and light. (Fire, water, earth and air magic is pretty straightforward and how they can be used depends on the users and writers creativity).

Dark magic is illusion/mind magic, light magic is healing magic.

Skills: On top of magic, Synaya has added an interesting mechanic to the inhabitants of this world, skills. The more you do something, train yourself in something, the higher the chance you'll get a skill is. If a mage liked to cast fire magic, they could unlock a fireball skill. Skills are like the spells of this world, however, they're different for each person, even if some may be similar. The damage might be different, speed, size, a lot of variables go into skills. They're super important! People who fight with weapons can get skills too, like a fast thrust or a traveling slice. They're some rare skills like necromancy, for example.

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[SleepyConley]

The Gate of Sordem
Music

The Library of Eznia
Volume Five

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The Story​

Then it began, the beginning of the end. The sun cast into darkness by the moon and a thunderous ringing that can be heard all throughout the world. It was time for The Gate of Sordem to open. The Gate of Sordem is located on the continent of Tetan, a large and mostly uninhabited continent that is comprised of mostly tribes. The largest desert, jungle and mountain are all located on the continent. With the insurgence of the gate opening, the minion of the evil god Duja, Sordem, would be freed. Sordem will creep from his tomb, his bones cracking from being stiff, he is a titan of a monster, so destructive it is said he brings Hell with him wherever he goes. The harbinger of the end, an attack on the gods. And so, Hell he will bring, summoning demons and otherworldly looking monsters from Hell to lay waste to the lands of the world. A miasma of poison will linger in all the places he goes, if you get near him your skin will melt but you'll be long dead before that as before you get close to him the air would be hot enough to damage and/or destroy your lungs. He truly is the embodiment of destruction and evil.

As the years go on, man will desperately try to fight back against the demons but won't be able to. Kingdoms will fall, untold amounts of people will die, the apocalypse. As Sordem summons more and more demons, soon they begin to form their own armies and cities. So far, the only safe haven that has successfully been able to deter the demons and Sordem has been the Rothdane Empire. All of the best warriors and magicians in the entire world are stationed and fighting there. This ruckus will attract the attention of the gods, who will wage war against Duja and their son Kalarei, for the son of the gods has forsaken the righteous path. Together all of the gods will fight off against the supreme ruler of evil, of darkness, of balance. As a battle raged on in the afterlife, Synaya, one of the gods, decided he would do the mortals a favor and killed Sordem. However, the damage was done and as the only remaining country in the world, the Rothdane Empire will have a tough goal of reclaiming the world from the demons Sordem summoned.

All around the world the remaining people have gone mad, except for the ones living or refugeeing inside the empire. Demons have turned the mortals into fodder, in return for protection the demons want sacrifices. Strange how over time the demons themselves are trying to peacefully co-exist with the humans, even if it is in their benefit. People have began to worship and praise these demons, so killing them might be harder than originally thought.

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Using the humans as slaves, they've been able to construct grand cities, finally the demons get a taste of luxury instead of Hell. However, that luxury wouldn't last long because warriors are excited to head out from the empire and re-conquer the world and exterminate the demons. We'll be on a team heading towards the continent of Tetan, where the gate originally opened to setup a colony and begin to take back the world.