Characteristics of Orbis

Ancient History
Ages come and go, with many things being lost to time. Orbis is an old and ancient world where civilizations have turned to dust and events transpired long forgotten. Lost ancient cities, tomes of knowledge and artifacts of old powers remain hidden and buried beneath the earth, waiting to be rediscovered by brave souls that dare to venture so deep and so far. Many myths and legends could prove to be more so, what we once thought to be stories and tales is our true history. What remains hidden from view may never be found, or be discovered by those that never live to tell of it.

A World of Diverse People
Orbis houses an impressive host of cultures and nations across its lands. From hot sands of dessert, high snowy mountain peaks and deep below the ocean’s waters, all manner of people can be found. From the rare celestial offspring known as Aasimar to the common lowly born peasant, everyone has their place and role to play in the world. Many of its nations differ from one another. Democracy, Oligarchy, Theocracy, Monarchy and many more are all presented in the vast realms across Orbis. You’ll find highly aggressive cultures and immensely peaceful ones. There is something for everybody.

From Sticks to Airships
Nomadic desert tribes that struggle to survive on minimal water and the noble elite watch the world from their airships. As much as its people are diverse, so are its levels of technology and ability to utilize magic. Weapons utilizing black powder and minor magical enchantments are not an uncommon sight, but many still reach for the reliable spear or sword. The ingenious Gnomish people continue to push further the ability of golems, using them like suits of armor that act out their bidding, and the primitive Grogans still stick to their roots and traditions. Resourceful Halflings taking the advantages of steam power engines to run the basic functions of their cities, and the savage Saxhleel still practicing blood sacrifices. Technology is strong in some places, and almost non-existent in others.

Ravaged by Wars
Since the Age of Strife, Orbis has been plagued by war after war. Many great landmarks signify major battles such as turning points in a war or a destroyed castle or keep. Many of these places still hold unclaimed and famed relics of the Age of Strife, leading to potential riches, but these same places are plagued by dark, monstrous creatures that feast on the bones of the long dead or make these famed locations their lairs.

The Night is Dark and Plentiful of Dangers
When the sun is high in the sky, the realms of Orbis are blessed with

relatively peaceful atmospheres and calm days. But when darkness falls, monsters and other creatures go bump in the night. The sun scares off most creatures that would harm and hunt the people of Orbis, but when night comes, windows in small towns are shut and doors barred. The real dangers show themselves in the darkness of night and shadows of caverns deep beneath the earth.

The Shadowlight Spire
In the centre of the world we call Orbis, lies the Shadowlight Spire, or Mouth of the Worlds. Its size is immense and beyond any other achievements of the most accomplished mages and sorcerers. This phenomenon of pure magical energy surges between all the realms that are known and far more. It has been a massive resource into the study of planer travel and what lies in those planes, but also a great danger. Many tales tell of a researcher never returning from their trip through the vortex, as its destination is never decided when one steps through. This has made it highly regulated and guarded for everyone’s safety. It has acted as a neutral space between the world’s nations and races, acting as a place of knowledge and safety to those that seek it.