Welcome to the Riftspan! This primer covers key aspects of the world, the lore, and a few special rules you'll encounter.
Setting Description
The world is a fractured land, shaped by the catastrophic event known as The
Solaen Collapse. Centuries ago, a fifth of the once-mighty nation of Tharnis was
obliterated in an instant, leaving behind a planar scar that severed communities
and reshaped the world’s history. While Tharnis fell, the Collapse impacted
regions far beyond its borders. Trade routes were broken, neighboring powers
struggled with waves of refugees, and the arcane forces unleashed destabilized
planar boundaries, creating pockets of wild magic and dangerous anomalies.
Today, the world is a patchwork of cultures and kingdoms, each with their own
perspective on the Collapse and its lingering effects. The Descendants of Tharn,
are only one of many peoples navigating the aftermath. While some Sons and
Daughters of Tharn still cling to their heritage, others have assimilated into the
diverse societies that arose after their empire’s fall. The Tharnites are often seen
as pragmatic and resilient, but also haunted by the legacy of the Collapse, which
many blame on their nation’s hubris. Other cultures, from isolated tribal groups to
thriving city-states, have forged their own paths, influenced by the instability the
Collapse left behind.
Magic is both a necessity and a source of deep unease. While scholars and rulers
recognize its utility, the planar chaos caused by the Collapse has seeded
superstitions about its use. Many common folk associate planar magic with
disaster, often wearing wards or charms to protect against its effects. Meanwhile,
mercenary companies, adventurers, and treasure seekers thrive, venturing into
dangerous lands to retrieve relics of the past and uncover new sources of power.
The most recent discovery, however, has the potential to change everything: the
Riftspan, a pocket dimension linked to the Collapse, accessible through a gateway
called The Anchor. Only The Starshard Banner, a mercenary company operating
in secrecy, knows the true connection between the Riftspan and the Collapse.
Recruits are being sent through this mysterious breach, tasked with charting its
unstable terrain, securing its resources, and uncovering the secrets buried in its
depths.
This is a world of fractured alliances and unstable power, where history is both a
cautionary tale and a tool for those bold enough to wield it. If you’ve seen the
political intrigue and danger of The Witcher paired with the surreal landscapes
and fragmented history of Elden Ring, you’ll find yourself at home in the this
campaign.
World Overview
Nearly five centuries ago, the magical catastrophe known as The Solaen Collapse devastated the nation of Tharnis, shattering planar boundaries and reshaping societies. Life before this event has almost entirely passed out of living memory—it survives now only in fragmented stories, scattered ruins, and lost artifacts.
Key Points of Lore
The Solaen Collapse: Attributed primarily to the mage Lyra Solaen, this disaster created lasting instability between planes, deeply affecting global culture and attitudes toward magic.
Tharnic Empire: Once a powerful civilization, now mostly remembered through ruins and distorted historical accounts.
The Starshard Banner: This is the mercenary company you've joined. They didn't offer much detail about your duties, but the pay is good, and the contract only lasts six months.
Magic in the World: Due to the devastating effects of the Solaen Collapse, magic—especially planar magic—is viewed with suspicion and fear. Common people often associate magic with unpredictability, danger, and catastrophe. Many regions strictly regulate or outright forbid certain magical practices, particularly planar summoning, extradimensional travel, or powerful enchantments. Superstitions about magical wards and protective charms are commonplace, and arcane practitioners often find themselves mistrusted, ostracized, or strictly regulated by local authorities. Despite this, the necessity and utility of magic ensure it still holds
Peoples and Cultures
Dominant Races: Humans, halflings, orcs, goblinoids—adaptable survivors who thrive in a fractured world.
Uncommon Races: Tieflings, genasi, firbolgs—rare but intriguing, viewed cautiously due to their planar ties. Due to widespread planar instability, elemental mutations occasionally occur spontaneously, such as a genasi being born to human parents.
A Note on Elves: True elves no longer exist in this world. Only their distant descendants remain, their ancestors' presence lingering primarily in myths and legends. This is a flavor only restriction, mechanically you are free to use the elf race. Though for the sake of narrative coherence, please refrain from creating characters who possess memories predating the Collapse.
Notable Locations & Entities
The Anchor: A hidden gateway leading into the Riftspan pocket dimension, carefully managed by the Starshard Banner. Knowledge of this gateway is strictly limited, and its exact location is known only to a select few.
Mirror Stag: A mysterious planar creature that seems to be tied to an ancient druidic tradition. Often observed opposing chaotic entities, the Banner calls Riftlings.
Barrowood: Once a thriving halfling lumber town, now deserted under mysterious circumstances post-collapse.
The City: Predating the Collapse, this city was once a center of advanced magical study and is now filled with undiscovered secrets.
The Tower: A massive structure rising above the city, approximately 200 meters tall, formerly a renowned school of magic. Its depths and secrets remain unexplored.
Special Gameplay Rules
Character Revival: Free limited revivals are built into the setting. Two are allowed before your character's spirit is too damaged to be brought back. After dying for the third time players may channel their remaining life force into a heroic final act.
Others may be implemented as the campaign progresses.
Prepare yourself for a world where exploration is rewarding, survival uncertain, and mystery lies just beyond the next horizon!