Gonna try something a bit different this year, courtesy of @Shards: each day of 2024, write a description of something that exists in a world you've created and tag it #Lore24.
Gonna use my D&D setting Auvia for this, 'cause I've been working on the worldbuilding for a while now and I need to do more translating from brain to page. Sharing ideas instead of having them kick around in my head is the point of the exercise.
Thread below for convenience, please mute #Lore24 if it's not your jam. =)
Starting off a bit wide in scope:
Auvia is a standalone continent primarily composed of one major landmass and a few handfuls of small islands close by. The mainland is divided into eight nations, but the vast majority of the land is called the Wild Untamed, where few settlements exist and their inhabitants are used to a life of survival against all odds. Northward, the oceans heat and tropical storms are frequent; to the south it becomes colder and snow begins to fall.
#Lore24 01/01/24 NZT
The seas stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction on the Auvian coasts. Some local histories claim the Auvian peoples were always here since before history began, while others state they sailed here in centuries past or were created by the gods. It is even said that if you sail far enough, you can reach other planes, such as the docks of Sunharbour, an entrance to the realm of the fey, or the rivers of Zhel where fiends hold sway over their domains.
#Lore24 02/01/24 NZT
Sea travel is common in #Auvia, but not all are equal in terms of fleet size and military prowess. The nation of Aeskell is spread across the southeast islands and mainland both, and is the dominant naval power.
Aeskell has piratical origins and has a generally communal society, in which most settlements are governed much as a ship captain rules their crew at sea. But Aeskellians always look out for their peers and will band together to aid one another in time of need.
#Lore24 03/01/24 NZT
And now, a dip into #DnD mechanics!
Character creation in #Auvia is a little different. You choose your Ancestry (what you were born into), Culture (how you were raised), Background (what you did before), and Class (what you do now).
All four of these give you traits and features to make you who you are. Ancestry and Culture are split from the racial options presented in the Player's Handbook to dispel stereotypes and promote diversity within the peoples of Auvia.
#Lore24 04/01/24 NZT
1/2
You can string the four choices together into a sentence to describe your character: "I'm a tiefling Aeskellian Privateer, formerly a Sailor by trade, now a Fighter training to be an Arcane Archer."
All the nations and the Wild Untamed have local ancestries and a handful of cultural options to choose from. As I pin down the details, I hope that the Ancestry and Culture system will give characters more depth and individuality as they grow into the heroes #Auvia needs.
#Lore24 04/01/24 NZT
2/2
For your consideration, a short descriptor of each #Auvia nation's defining features.
• Aeskell, the Seafarers, occupy the southeast islands. The Aeskellians haven't strayed far from their piratical leanings, and prize the freedom of all above all else: freedom to live without fear's icy hold.
• Dysta, the Keepers, control the northwest. The Dystan people believe it their sacred duty to chronicle the course of history, even as they make new memories themselves.
#Lore24 05/01/24 NZT
1/4
• Espre, the Students, shares a border with Dysta's easternmost territories. The Espren recently discovered ancient techniques to hone willpower and focus the mind, manifesting in the form of psionic power.
• Ioh-Né, the Architects, hold a large swath of the southern region of #Auvia. The Iohnites are the most magically able people, for they do not fear to build upon the basics of spellcraft and go beyond the limits of their peers.
#Lore24 05/01/24 NZT
2/4
• Khava, the Horselords, holds the northeast plains and woodland. Nobody holds as much respect for the wilds as the Khavan people: rather than tame the land and control it, they work in harmony with it.
• Rhizel, the Crowns, is situated on the eastern coast between Khavan and Aeskellian lands. The Rhizeli monarchs believe it their divine right to rule, and constantly test one another and the #Auvia nations alike, vying for power in an intricate game of intrigue.
#Lore24 05/01/24 NZT
3/4
• Thau, the Mountaineers, live in the southwest mountains - and beneath them. The Thaun mastery of metal and stone over generations of resolute souls has led to remarkable developments.
• Zesh-Mura, the Honourbound, is a disciplined and structured society on the west coast of #Auvia. The Zesh-Muran people strive to perfect themselves and their crafts all their lives, whether in matters martial, artistic, or even farming and providing for their nation.
#Lore24 05/01/24 NZT
4/4
Many of the classic D&D races can be found all over #Auvia. However, they are not bound by stereotypes of inherently good and evil races. Everyone is their own person: what matters is what you do with your life, not whether you were born a human, elf, goblin, or tiefling.
All Auvians have roughly the same lifespan of about 120 years, coming of age at around 20. Some scholars theorise that because of this shared trait, Auvians had a common ancestor in the distant past.
#Lore24 06/01/24 NZT
Humans are a multifaceted lot, found in a wide variety of places across #Auvia. They are an unusual race in that they have no distinct biological traits that set them apart from their peers. Perhaps that is their distinction: hardy and adaptable folk that thrive wherever they go.
Size: Medium
Speed: 30 feet
Multifaceted: You gain proficiency in one skill of your choice and one tool of your choice. You also gain one feat of your choice, for which you meet the prerequisites.
#Lore24 07/01/24 NZT
There are four different varieties of elf in #Auvia. Eladrin were the first, believed to be the result of unions between other races (most notably humans, dwarves, orcs, hoblins, and landers) and the fey that sailed from Sunharbour.
Three more came not long after: dark elves, adapted to life under the night sky and winter's climes; wood elves, naturally familiar with the forests thanks to dryad heritage; and sun elves, who thrive in the heat of summer and bright sunlight.
#Lore24 08/01/24 NZT
When the peoples of #Auvia first gave name to each other, the term 'halfling' was considered for the landers, on account of their tallest being half the height of a typical human. Then the other Small races pointed out that was stupid, and so the landers chose their own.
Landers are curious wanderers by nature, driven to explore and try new things. As a result, they are not often seen in Zesh-Mura, where almost everyone is raised to devote themselves to a singular pursuit.
#Lore24 09/01/24 NZT
Goblinoids are prevalent across #Auvia, and much like elves there are four varieties: goblin ('small folk'), hoblin ('quick folk'), tovlin ('deft folk'), and orclin ('tall folk').
• Hoblins and orclins (or simply orcs) were the same race once, but their sexual dimorphism gradually became more and more prominent. Now almost all hoblins are masculine, and most orcs are feminine. (It is entirely possible for them to transition into a masculine orc or a feminine hoblin.)
#Lore24 10/01/24 NZT
1/2
• A foreign visitor to #Auvia might call some goblinoids by different names, but Auvians would consider 'bugbear' an insult to anyone, not just the tovlins that share a resemblance to bugbears of other lands.
• Halflins are the result of a union between a human and an orc or hoblin. The child typically shares traits with their goblinoid parent, but it can be difficult to recognise a halflin at first glance: they inherit diversity of appearance from their human side.
#Lore24 10/01/24 NZT
2/2
The dwarves of #Auvia are known for being tougher than most. This can be attributed to their expertly-cared-for facial hair. It's composed of extremely fine hairs that filter impurities from the air they breathe, as well as assist with their immune system. Mountain dwarves of Thau have the easiest time underground because of this.
As a result, all dwarvenkind maintain at least a mustache and beard to cover their nose and mouth, not just men as you might see in other races.
#Lore24 11/01/24 NZT
Tieflings are named for the legendary explorer Captain Tief, a man who came to #Auvia at the head of his very own fleet. The stories about him are as widely varied as the people who tell them, but they all agree on two things.
Tief led his people out of the depths of Zhel and up to the surface, but he and all he brought with him were forever changed by their time in the fiendish plane. Some say he had the aid of the god Atalex; others claim he *was* Atalex in mortal guise.
#Lore24 12/01/24 NZT
Seven gods preside over #Auvia and all who dwell there. Each has a retinue of divine messengers, agents, and warriors to act on their behalf. The Seven do, however, visit Auvia in mortal guise when the mood strikes them - but they are always given away by their golden circlets and otherworldly aura.
Each of the Seven holds sway over two divine domains, and it is believed that these domains are strongest in hidden places across the land where the gods are claimed to reside.
#Lore24 13/01/24 NZT
Yatherie the Open Tome is said to have knowledge of all there is to learn. However, She does not give up Her knowledge easily, as She teaches that knowledge must be earned.
Her agents take the form of sentient books, archivists, and wandering wizards. The latter are treated with the most reverence and fear, as magic is still new to #Auvia and people fear the unknown.
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Domains: Knowledge, Arcana
Symbol: Open book with a wisp of smoke rising from it
#Lore24 14/01/24 NZT
Tempresa the Tender of Hearts is the deity of emotions both mild and strong. Recklessness, passion, fear, joy, rage: all these and more are part of Their domain. They inspire lovers to meet by chance, and stoke the flames of war.
They and Their servants appear in myriad forms. A mercenary, courtesan, advisor, or poet might be Tempresa or one of Their retinue in disguise.
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Domains: Peace, War
Symbol: Love heart held in an armoured gauntlet
Cheriya the Caretaker is often looked to as a protector of the smallfolk and healer of the wounded, but She is also affiliated with spirits of the dead. She guides them to the afterlife, and on occasion, leads them back to #Auvia for a time.
Midwives, healers, and armourers often pray to Cheriya for guidance, and Her blessings are always accompanied by a sense of serenity and calm.
Alignment: Lawful Good
Domains: Life, Death
Symbol: Alchemical vial holding a red potion
#Lore24 16/01/24 NZT
Losastra, the Sun and the Stars, is the deity of fate. They read fortunes for Their petitioners through a simple deck of cards. Every card has a different meaning, and nobody receives the same result twice.
Losastra is also the deity of acceptance. It is often said that he who fights the fate They have foretold will bring it about before he is ready for it.
They are the patron of diviners, weather-watchers, and those who want to believe that tomorrow will be different.
#Lore24 17/01/24 NZT
Vestiri, the Shepherd of All, oversees the fundamentals of nature, the Wild Untamed, and the turning of the seasons. She taught the reclusive druids of #Auvia their ways to shape wood and stone, and stir or settle the hearts of wild creatures.
Vestiri ensures the balance of nature is upheld, both by encouraging life to flourish and ensuring those who try to cheat death invariably fail.
Alignment: Neutral Good
Domains: Grave, Nature
Symbol: Oak branch bedecked with leaves
#Lore24 18/01/24 NZT
Atalex, the Vigilant Scoundrel, is the god of community. He knows that every rule or law that mortalkind sets for itself will be broken by hundreds, for He taught that the laws of men are not infallible.
Atalex is most often invoked by thieves, city watch, and leaders of men. His servants appear as an ordinary part of the smallfolk, though each one plays a part in His grand designs.
Alignment: Neutral
Domains: Order, Trickery
Symbol: Dagger and quill pen, crossed
It just occurred to me I skipped some details about Losastra that I noted down for the rest of the Seven. Whoops! >_<
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Domains: Light, Twilight
Symbol: Candle with seven stars above it
#Lore24 (from back on the 17th)
WriterRaven