17 years ago the War of Three was fought. Dwarves, Elves and Humans fighting for supremacy over Liberium. The war started with a kiss, a kiss that ravaged the land for 100 years.
A great Elven Temptress seduced one of the greatest warriors that have ever lived, he believed that she was made prisoner by her own people, that she was beaten and abused by the masses. Hatred and lust were all that he felt as he burned the Elven holy shrine to the ground killing the hundreds that were trapped inside. He returned to his ‘Love ’ and none ever saw or heard from him again but the consequences of his actions rippled across Liberium. Elves were in uproar and ambushed Human patrols of soldiers, butchered innocents and destroyed their homes. Humans retaliated but could not match the Guerrilla style warfare that the Elves employed; they struck hard then retreated beneath their forest.
Dwarves seeing the opportunity to control Liberium and its resources struck out from their mountain home. They created a network of tunnels that stretched beneath the land allowing them to strike quickly then disappear once more.
Humans took heavy losses and were almost defeated before a glimmering hope arose in the form of Orcs. The Human general Antalion united the segmented and persecuted Orcish people under his banner, he promised them land and a city, he offered them a home in exchange for their loyalty and their help. The greatest army to ever grace Liberium was born.
The war was ended in one night. In that night two races were pushed to the edge of extinction.
A two way strike. Orcs invaded the underground destroying and killing everything in their path including the once great Dwarven city Orazzimar. Humans burned the forest and killed any Elves that tried to escape.
The land is now blood drenched and scarred. Yet still there is those that crave more death.
map:
Map
Yellow bits are large beaches.
Green bits are grassy.
This is an island kinda like Ireland shape wise anyway ;)
Grey with black lines are burnt and destroyed areas.
Orcs and Avgord:
Orcs live in the city of Avgor given to them by humans for fighting on their side in the War of Three. Unlike their stereotype they have a rich culture in which they worship their ancestry; crime in Avgor is virtually nonexistent and what were once bare fields beyond the walls is now rich farming land.
In Avgor Half Orcs and Orcs live in unison. They produce some of the finest weapons and armour since the Dwarves were defeated and wilfully trade with Humans. Orcs are also held in high regard in Human society where once they were feared and hated, now they are respected and loved.
Humans, Dwarves and Elves:
Humans are still the most populous culture and control the majority of Liberium. Most humans worship the Silent with a one day of silence a week to worship him. There is a church in every human city which The Voice controls. There is no human king or queen the separate cities are ran by individuals chosen by the church who are in turn ran by a Lexius.
Few Elves survived the slaughter but those that did were mostly taken by the Church and either used as slaves are indoctrinated to their religion. Those Elves are now the most devout worshipers, virtually brainwashed they hold to a bare minimum of their past cultures and lives.
Dwarves are rarely seen. They hide in caves and some still live in the shell that was once their home. Some of the younger Dwarves that cannot remember the war venture out to the Human cities but they still hold an abiding hatred but everyone needs food and money.
Half Elves, Gnomes and Halflings:
Half Elves are often born from the perversion against Eleven slaves. Rarely accepted into a family they are often thrown into the street when they can walk and are left to survive on their own. Most don’t. If they manage to live they are persecuted and bullied.
Gnomes are seen more and more often in towns and cities since the war. A small band of Gnomes found a way to create a strongly hallucinogenic drug which they sell and take to relieve the boredom of everyday life.
Halflings are common and are often hired by the Shadows to get information on targets and also hired as snitches for those that would question their faith.
The City of Ansa:
Ansa is the largest human city on Liberium, it houses the Reverentium which is home to the leader of The Voice (The Lexius). It is located by the ocean and as such has a large dock, however most ships created are coastal ships that travel between other human cities located on the coast, other ships have attempted to venture deeper into the ocean but have never returned.
Sorcery is imbued on the outside of Ansa's white stone walls. This sorcery causes the stone to glow and shimmer, the purpose of which is to prevent an enemy besieging the city to be unable to sleep at night and to try and prevent eyes adjusting to the darkness thus impairing any assaults. The city has never been besieged so no one knows if it will actually help but some say as they approach the city they swear they see shifting shapes and figures beneath the rock.
The Silent is the God and mainstream worship in Liberium.
“He created this world and everything in it with a whisper, the land was perfect and peaceful till war ravaged it. Now he is silent and the world is in Chaos, murder and death rule above all else. His thoughts run through our mind listen to our Voice and it will guide you back to his words, worship your God. Worship the Silence and you will have peace.”
The Voice has one absolute leader; he is the one who has the strongest connection with the Thoughts and Wisdom of The Silent. Once you are elected leader you are given the title Lexius, your name, previous titles and history are forgotten. The Lexius is the closest to The Silent that a mortal can conceivably reach.
Their Holy Book is not a collection of words written by old men centuries after events took place. Their Holy Book is pure thought, the thoughts of their God captured forever on the pages of that book. Rarely do those who are not part of The Silent can glance upon the pages of that book. But all who do can swear that they connect with the mind of a God.
The Shadows:
They were formed at the beginning of the War of Three by The Voice. It started with a group of priests that had a specific skill set; Death and Subterfuge. They were assassins, they were Shadows. Initially used to infiltrate enemy camps and kill high profile targets and generally cause mayhem. They were useful assets.
Now that there is ‘peace’ the Shadows serve a different purpose. They keep the flock faithful. They are said to stand at every corner, listen at every door and watch your very dreams. Those that speak out against The Voice do not speak again.
Some work as shop keepers, some in the town militia. You trust and maybe love them. You shouldn't.
