Glossary

Alchemy

A theoretical practice, long considered impossible, whereby magic can be produced and directed without need for a mage. It seems that someone within the Triumvirate, somehow, might have finally managed a breakthrough in this experimental – and forbidden – technology.

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.

‘Daver

Petrified flesh of the divine corpses scattered across the world. A material with strange and supernatural properties, ‘daver is mined like stone and used in a variety of artistic applications. Highly in demand within the Triumvirate Empire, though its precise use is unknown…

Delegate

A high political office of the Triumvirate, Delegates serve as intermediaries between the Empire and the independent towns and cities of Qorth. The presence of a Delegate generally represents the Triumvirate’s desire to incorporate the community in question into the Empire.

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.

Thinning

After the Collapse, a fractured world was left to slowly knit itself back together over the next millennium. This “healing”, however, was imperfect, and localized patches of reality remain damaged. These locations, which may spawn, disappear, or shift at random are said to be under the effect of the Thinning – a phenomenon that triggers feelings of unease or nausea in mages, and can react to any magic cast within its barriers in chaotic and often extremely dangerous ways.

Traveler’s Guild

An organization dedicated to exploring Qorth, reclaiming pre-Collapse secrets and relics, and fighting for justice and safety across the Triumvirate empire. Travelers often journey in crews of three to six individuals, commonly tasked with particular duties (such as relic reclamation or Villain hunting), and are ranked on a constantly updated national roster based on their success. The highest rank within the Guild is known as a Hero – powerful individuals who usually work alone, and are tasked with tackling the greatest threats to the Triumvirate’s citizens.

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…