The Collapse
An apocalyptic event brought about by rampant, unchecked use of magic roughly one thousand years ago. Those who would come to be known as the Collapse Mages sought to increase their power without limit, warring with one another ceaselessly in space-warping, nation-destroying magical battles that eventually resulted in a spasm of reality itself, scarring the land and destroying ninety-three percent of all living things. Those who survived were forced to venture underground and abandon eons-old racial and cultural divides to survive, facilitating the intermingling of species that had never previously co-existed.
Mages
Wizards, witches, sorcerers, warlocks – all of these and more refer to those born with a connection to the Vein, the source of all magic. Only Mages of Triumvirate nobility are permitted to live freely; all others are legally obligated, for the public’s safety as well as their own, to reside in enclosed communities known as Convents.
Mage Hunters
Specialized officers of the Holy Edict, equipped with antimagical training and gear. Tasked with finding and capturing rogue Mages.
The Opus
A legendary artifact dating back to before the Collapse, with as many tales about its origin and purpose as there are tale-tellers. What most do agree on, however, is that whoever should find the Opus would find themselves in possession of a vast amount of power – enough to alter the course of any life forever.
The Triumvirate
The dominant empire stretching out over the continent of Qorth, the Triumvirate government of three parts – the Holy Edict, the Traveler’s Guild, and the Arcanum – dedicated to justice, equality and reunification of a world torn apart by apocalypse. Under Triumvirate law, all sentient races are provided equal protection and opportunity, throwing aside the prejudices and interspecies conflict of the pre-Collapse world. The empire’s capitol is Dianophon, often referred to as the Golden City.
Villains
A term referring to two groups – the Collapse Mages of a millennia ago, and the rising group of individuals hoping to claim the power and notoriety of those ancient wizards for themselves. And with the recent re-emergence of the Opus, even those born without access to magic may have a chance of becoming something greater…