Overview

A. Theme

Beyond the Vale is a story about what it takes to make a hero, what it takes to make a villain, and how those lines are often blurred. Nothing is ever really as simple as black or white, as shades of gray exist in every nook and cranny of this universe. This theme is a cornerstone of our campaign, providing depth and complexity to the narrative. Players will encounter characters and situations where morality is subjective, and choices have far-reaching consequences that might not be apparent before way down the line. This approach allows for a rich, player-driven storyline where decisions matter. Additionally, the story focuses on paving one's own way through those grays, and realizing that you decide your own fate. Most important of all, in the end it is you who choose both your home and your family - and they might not end up being what you thought they would when you first started.  

B. Tone

With a blend of drama, humor, and realism, this campaign is designed to be emotionally engaging with a focus on dramatic storytelling that immerses players in the lives and struggles of their characters. Alongside the drama, there's a steady undercurrent of humor, derrived from both intended and unintended consequences of one's actions. Expect quirky encounters, amusing situations, and light-hearted moments that provide relief from the intensity of the campaign's grittier, darker side. Despite the high fantasy setting, there's also a deliberate inclusion of everyday normalcy. This balance allows players to find humor and relatability in the ordinary aspects of their characters' lives, and not always worry about saving the world on a grand stage.  

C. Setting

This universe is a unique blend of different eras and genres, drawing inspiration from medieval and viking times, while also incorporating elements of solarpunk and high fantasy. The world is a tapestry of both the familiar and the fantastical, from bustling medieval markets to industrial mechanical cities. Magic and technology coexist, creating a realm where the wonders of the past meet the innovations of an imagined future. The world is divided into several interconnected realms: the mortal realm, grounded in reality, the ethereal realms of dreams, and more expanded upon in The Expanse. The veil between these realms, once stable, is now thinning, causing an influx of magic and unexplained phenomena in the mortal world. This event is central to the campaign's overarching narrative. The campaign mainly takes place in The Cyrinean Kingdom, specifically in the town of Goldenoak Vale. Here, players face their first major challenge as the Golden Oak, a symbol of tradition and legacy, begins to wither. The withering of the Golden Oak is a manifestation of the larger crisis affecting Drakaria—the weakening of the veil between the realms and the imbalance it brings to the world. The players are called to action in this time of upheaval, starting their journey in a place where the extraordinary meets the everyday, setting the stage for a campaign filled with discovery, challenge, and growth.