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.
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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
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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
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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
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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.)
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• 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.
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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
Yolcana, the Keeper of Fire and Lightning, is the god of craft. He taught #Auvia to adapt and overcome limitations, but He also taught of artistry: creating what is not only functional, but beautiful in its function.
Yolcana's teachings vary: each nation is abundant in some resources and lacking in others. He is often invoked by creative folk and those who wish ill luck upon their foes.
Alignment: Neutral
Domains: Forge, Tempest
Symbol: Hammer, chisel, and lightning bolt
#Lore24 20/01/24 NZT
Magic is incredibly rare in #Auvia. This means it is not very well understood, and people fear what they do not understand. The common folk have good reason to turn away a wandering wizard who might perform some magical favours: who's to say they won't turn it around and burn down a town or twist the minds of its people?
There is one exception to this widespread fear and misunderstanding: Ioh-Né. The Iohnites embrace magic and do all they can to learn to wield it safely.
#Lore24 21/01/24 NZT
A spellcaster who draws their magic primarily from their faith or a similar connection to the Seven, such as a cleric, paladin, or Divine Soul, is seen as a conduit for the holy power of the divine rather than a wielder of strange magicks. As such, they earn better reputations among the smallfolk of #Auvia than those who study magic and attempt to wield it as their own. The messengers of the Seven Gods are treated with naught but respect, even among the learned.
#Lore24 22/01/24 NZT
The druids of the wild could be considered priests, after a fashion, for they learned their magicks from Vestiri and Her teachings about the balance of nature. Because most of them make their homes in the Wild Untamed, they are often seen as reclusive and distrustful of the nations.
However, the Khavan people readily accept druids and rangers. Khavans treat them as emissaries of the wild; their leaders often have a druid or ranger among their closest counsellors.
Bards are an oddity across #Auvia. They are lauded for their performances that stir the hearts and minds of the people, but they are quick to lose an audience if they openly practice magicks, even as part of a show.
Most if not all Auvian nations have entertainers among their numbers, from Aeskellian shanters keeping time aboard ships, to Zesh-Muran warsingers spurring their soldiers on to greater feats, to Dystan chroniclers remembering the tales of old through song.
#Lore24 24/01/24 NZT
Perhaps the most common wielder of magicks in #Auvia at the present time is the one who makes a deal for it. Whether they turn to a fiend of Zhel, strike a bargain with a fey being under a full moon, or even petition a servant of the Seven for their gifts, warlocks have one thing in common: they want power, where they had none before.
Though it is not common knowledge, warlocks are most often found among the Rhizeli smallfolk. Perhaps it is to spite their scheming masters.
#Lore24 25/01/24 NZT
Magic items are not often seen in #Auvia, outside of a handful of commonly accepted magicks in Ioh-Né. However, there are means other than magic to empower a weapon, set of armour, or other such necessary equipment for adventurers.
Rumours abound of charlatans selling forgeries of swords and the buyers wielding them more effectively than an ordinary metal blade. It may be that the buyer's belief in the fake weapon's strength has somehow transformed it...
#Lore24 26/05/24 NZT
Worlds other than #Auvia are only dreamed of by the vast majority of the population. For the adventuring type, though, their entrances can be found by those who know where to look.
Zhel is the easiest to enter and the most widely known. Sail north through the heated storms and raging seas. Eventually you pass through Finality: a jagged obsidian archway that has claimed more ships than the fiends on the other side.
Going to Zhel is easy. Leaving is much harder.
#Lore24 27/01/24 NZT
There are four Courts of the Fey, one for each of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Their strength waxing and waning creates the seasons. Fey can visit any Court at any time, but Auvians can only visit the current season's Court. Eladrin teach this rhyme to their children to help them visit the Courts:
"At the turn of the year, you look for the deer,
In summer we sail to the sun,
When leaves start to fall, make a ring with them all,
To snowbanks in winter we run."
It is not known whether worlds other than Zhel or the Courts of the Fey can be reached from #Auvia at the present time. Perhaps their existence is not for mortalkind to know.
It is widely believed, however, that the Courts of the Fey are the four moons that hang in the night sky. The journals of famed Dystan explorer Kael Iselline, the first Auvian to visit all four Courts, document three moons in the night sky and a fourth larger celestial body of blue, green, and white.
#Lore24 29/01/24 NZT
Cultural Option - Aeskellian Privateer
The open sea is in your blood. Maybe you were born on a sailing ship, or followed your family into the privateer's life. Swaying decks, cannon blasts, hauling of ropes: these are lifelong memories.
Seafarer's Training: You have proficiency with three of the following options: battleaxes, cartographer's tools, longbows, navigator's tools, scimitars, shortbows, water vehicles, and/or one musical instrument of your choice.
Haul Away: Your life aboard sailing ships has prepared you for adventure. Whenever you make a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check, you can roll 1d4 and add it to the total. This die becomes 1d6 at 5th level, 1d8 at 11th level, and 1d10 at 17th level.
Born to the Sea: You have a swimming speed equal to your walking speed, and can hold your breath for twice as long as normal.
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Aeskellian and Auvian Trade.
#Lore24 31/01/24 NZT #Auvia
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Cultural Origin: Dystan Chronicler
Memory is life. You know these words to be true, for you were raised among record-keepers and archivists.
Quick Mind and Eye: Whenever you make an Intelligence (History) or Wisdom (Perception) check, you can roll 1d4 and add it to the total. This die becomes 1d6 at 5th level, 1d8 at 11th level, and 1d10 at 17th level.
Keeper's Training: You have proficiency with three of the following options: calligrapher's supplies, (cont'd)
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cartographer's tools, glaives, light crossbows, painter's supplies, rapiers, shortswords, and/or one musical instrument of your choice.
Thought Scribe: You know the Encode Thoughts cantrip. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for it (your choice). You can also press thought strands from this spell into blank pages. Consuming a strand instantly writes down its contents.
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Dystan and Auvian Trade.
Cultural Origin: Espren Collegiate
Much of your life has been occupied with academia: learning all you can of the world around you and everything in it. Your studies often took you out into the world, as well.
Student's Training: You have proficiency with three of the following options: alchemist's supplies, cook's utensils, hand crossbows, herbalism kits, light crossbows, longswords, one gaming set of your choice, and/or one musical instrument of your choice.
Academic Intuition: You are adept at gathering information from your surroundings and other people. Whenever you make an Intelligence (Investigation) or Charisma (Persuasion) check, you can roll 1d4 and add it to the total. This die becomes 1d6 at 5th level, 1d8 at 11th level, and 1d10 at 17th level.
All-Nighter: You can complete a long rest with two hours of sleep and six hours of light activity.
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Espren and Auvian Trade.
Cultural Origin: Iohnite Tradesfolk
The nation that embraces magic is not yet without the blood, sweat, tears, and elbow grease of its tradespeople. You are one such person, having done plenty of hard work to serve your homeland.
Architect's Training: You have proficiency with three of the following options: battleaxes, carpenter's tools, nets, smith's tools, tinker's tools, warhammers, weaver's tools, and/or one musical instrument of your choice.
Tradesfolk's Knack: Whenever you make an Intelligence (Arcana) or Wisdom (Insight) check, you can roll 1d4 and add it to the total. This die becomes 1d6 at 5th level, 1d8 at 11th level, and 1d10 at 17th level.
Magical Helper: You know the Unseen Servant spell. When you cast it, it takes the form of a visible Tiny construct that resembles a humanoid or a household pet (its form is cosmetic).
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Iohnite and Auvian Trade.
Cultural Origin: Khavan Outrider
The open plains and woodlands of Auvia's northeast are your home, for you have spent most of your life in the saddle. With your hand-raised, trusted steed, you roamed the wilds in service to Khava.
Horselord's Training: You have proficiency with three of the following options: cook's utensils, herbalism kits, javelins, lances, leatherworker's tools, shortbows, spears, and/or one musical instrument of your choice.
One with the Wilds: Whenever you make an Intelligence (Nature) or Wisdom (Animal Handling) check, you can roll 1d4 and add it to the total. This die becomes 1d6 at 5th level, 1d8 at 11th level, and 1d10 at 17th level.
Whisperer: You have a suitable mount: a riding horse if you're Medium; a pony or mastiff if you're Small. You can talk to beasts of the same species as your mount via body language.
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Khavan and Auvian Trade.
Cultural Origin: Thaun Frontliner
In the majestic mountains of Thau, you volunteered to serve your nation's army, defending it against the perils that lurk in the darkness. Whether you fought above or below, you can withstand many dangers.
Mountaineer's Training: You have proficiency with three of the following options: heavy crossbows, mason's tools, mauls, medium armour, smith's tools, war picks, warhammers, and/or one musical instrument of your choice.
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