Mortagan Skal - Introduction
A Place of Ash
"When you step out into the wilds, beware of the bones that lay beneath your feet, for every part of this world was once a battlefield, and the last thing you want is to anger the fallen."
Fields Stained Red
Mortagan Skal is a world defined by bloodshed and hostility. Whether it be the deadly quarrels of neighboring nations, or the fiery battles between nature and its inhabitants, war and violence are as fundamental to the land as the passage of time. It is a cruel place, with danger lurking around every corner. Venture into the wilds and you will come across beasts and spirits that would not hesitate to attack, but seek safety in the towns and cities, and human nature may prove itself even more deadly, both to strangers and their own kin. Though even in the ashy remains, amongst hatred and spite, cultures still come together, and rise.
The Known World
Continents
The world of Mortagan Skal is split into 3 main continents;Mortagan
The largest continent and namesake of the rest of the world, Mortagan is a region with mostly temperate and cold climates. It is home to some of the most powerful nations in Mortagan Skal.Varuca
The southernmost continent of Mortagan Skal, known for it's large deserts and hot jungles. Varuca is perhaps the most diverse continent in terms of the species that inhabit it.Aao
The smallest of all the continents, the mainland of Aao is split into two large landmasses. Aao is known to have one of the most diverse climates, with cold regions in the north, and almost tropical parts in the south.Nations in a World of War
Diplomacy is a rare thing in Mortagan Skal. Even nations that trade remain wary of each other, knowing that a single mistake could mark the beginning of yet another long conflict. Two nations becoming allies is almost unheard of throughout Mortagan Skal's history, and those extraordinary instances usually mark the rise of an even greater enemy.
People & Their Ways
The world of Mortagan Skal is home to many species. Human are the dominant kind, and make up the majority of the cities and governments in the world. Alongside them, usually residing in the fields and lowlands, are the Minotor. The bridge between humans and the wilds are Changelings, who come in many different forms. And up in the mountains, are the often hostile Gos Dragons
Relations between species can often be shaky. Many humans, with their arrogance, seem to think themselves superior to all others that inhabit the world, seeing other species not as equals, but as another tool to harness. Minotor are the most favorable to humans, and are the only other species found commonly in human led governments. Changelings tend to keep to their own small settlements, away from the prying eyes of others, but their innate shifting magic and often unique appearance makes them a target for human nobles and militaries looking for weapons.
Gos Dragons share the same problem, however, they are a much more difficult target. Most Gos Dragons are hostile to all but their own kind, seeing humans and minotor as a part of their diet. The few that do live among the human societies are met with fear and often hatred.
The Gods of Old
Despite the continued advancement of technology across Mortagan Skal, most cultures still hold dear the traditions of eras long past. Gods that represent the might of the natural world are still worshipped with the same rituals as they were a thousand years ago, back when the biggest settlements were small villages in the wilds.
Magic
Mages
Believed by many to be a gift from the gods, magic, and those who wield it, are a valued part of society all over Mortagan Skal. Mages are encouraged to hone their abilities. Magic in Mortagan Skal is a chaotic and volatile thing, and no two mages have the same powers. Though magic is not typically something that can be learned, it is said that in rare circumstances, usually through connections to the Spirit World, a person can gain powers they otherwise wouldn't have. Although, legends say these powers come with a great cost to the wielder.
Spirits & Their World
With all the war and death, the existence of magic creates legends of curses, spirits, and demons. Fears of wandering wraiths,stalking battlefields of wars that have long since ended, are common for peoples all across the world.
Many cultures in Mortagan Skal believe in another plane of existence, known by most as the Spirit World. It is believed to be a dark mirror of the world above, where demons came from and draw their power. Some legends say that if something changes in the spirit world, then it must be mirrored in the physical one.
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