Lorelia is a very, very old land, that has seen many rulers and many wars. One hundred years ago, the country of Shimor banned magic within its borders, and, seven years ago, it began its conquest, determined to make an empire out of Lorelia. The mountain country of Geldenheim fell quickly under the might of Shimor, and then their gaze turned on the tropical country of Hyacinth. They fought a brutal war for five years, with Ceras joining the battle on Hyacinth’s side.

Everyone in Lorelia was affected by the war, be it losing family, suffering famine, or, for the very unlucky, their village burned to the ground. Yet, there is a tragedy everyone shares from the war: the day magic disappeared from the kingdom. Across the land, magic ceased to exist, and any resistance against Shimor was destroyed. Hyacinth came under control of the empire, and Ceras entered into a tense alliance with Shimor.

Why war? In Lorelia, religion reigns kind. It is why the kingdom is named for their god, and the countries for their giants. Many hundreds of years ago, though, this religion split Lorelia apart. Ceras, Geldenheim, and Hyacinth believed that magic was a blessing from Lor, a gift and a tool for worship, but Shimor believed otherwise, that magic was something stolen from Lor. This split drove a great divide within Lorelia, and several wars were fought over the fact. Only this time, Shimor won.

When magic disappeared, priests across Lorelia claimed it to be divine intervention. Lor took magic, so it’s clear that Shimor was on the correct side. With no more magic, nobody had a solid argument, and Shimor ruled supreme. Ceras, with their technological superiority, was able to remain its own power, but it was also severely weakened without its magic users. Today, as part of the alliance, Shimorian soldier patrol Ceras, searching for rebels or the random magic user who slipped through the cracks, both being persecuted as heretics.

You, for some reason or another, have been arrested by Shimorian soldiers, and are destined for the border prison, Shroudcliff. You’re traveling there with five others in the back of the wagon, but… why are you there?



Lorian Religion:
It is said that in the beginning there existed Lor, and from Lor came the world. He molded from himself four great and powerful beings, and bid them make a kingdom in his name. Blessed by Lor to create life and civilization, they formed countries and the peoples within them. From Lor and through them, the beliefs of the world were laid as so:
- The world is made how it should be, respect it and it shall respect you
- In everything, there is balance, and balance is the key

Countries:
Shimor – A land of frigid temperatures, Shimor is a craggy and desolate place, reflective of its citizens. They are battle hardened and stone cold, devoted to Lor first, and King second. If you are not a priest or a noble, most times you are a warrior, trained to fight in the name of Shimor. The common races in Shimor are humans, elves, and a great many half elves, but every race can be found here.

Ceras – This country, in a word, is well balanced. Every season passes through the year, and everything can be found in Ceras. Mainly known for their trade and technology, Ceras thrives in areas of commerce and economy. Their races are every race, as every race is welcome.

Hyacinth – A land more tropical in nature, Hyacinth was a very magical place. Everything was steeped in nature, and no land was marked for the sake of civilizations. The people here worship the world as Lor made it, praising nature and living within in instead of destroying it. The people are warm, welcoming, and lived most often in tribes. The common races are humans, wood elves, and halflings, but again, all can be found amongst the trees.

Geldenheim – The country in the mountains, Geldenheim is mainly tight nit communities found spread throughout the mountains. Isolated, the citizens of Geldenheim like their solitude, but are often a friendly face when met. Common races are dwarves, dragonborn, orcs, and the occasional drow community, though those should be avoided if they are found.