In the beginning, Elemental planes of fire, water, air, and earth converged onto one location creating what is now the material plane of Verdenheim. The realms of power The Nine Hells, Abyss, Celestial, and Feywild all joined in a war to claim the resources produced in the world. For tens of thousands of years, the world was reshaped by the furious war. The Elemental Lords and creators of the Verdenheim created massive armies of giants to give battle and retake the world. Eventually, uniting their power the Elemental Lords beat the planes of power and banished them from the world, however, due to the Abyss’s evil and chaotic nature, the plane was trapped in the core of the world. The Elemental Lords kept the Giants for the sole purpose to control the Abyss trapped within their core. The Lords of the Planes left behind six relics and moons to retain a foothold and power in the world. From the relics, the Ancient Gods were created. Unknown to the Elemental Lords, one threat remained unchecked and unchallenged, during the war a shadow of the world also appeared. Dendar, King of Shadow became ruler of the shadow world. From which ties Verdenheim to the Ethereal, Astral and Shadow planes.

After the creation of the world creatures rose from the planet, they have become the Ancient Gods. A forgotten power that cling to the planet from the moon; resting, waiting. The Ancient Gods were overpowered, outnumbered and cast out to rule the moon, cursed to never walk the planet again unless the creator relics could be found, brought together and restored.

The Old Gods came to power, these Gods did not forget the Elemental Lords of creation and by harnessing the powers of the elementals they were able to banish the Ancient Gods. Well over a hundred Gods reigned on the Planet. Each wanted power and worshippers of their own, the War of Gods began. During this time the mortals upon the planet were forgotten. The Old Gods battled for a thousand years until at last, a few remained, and a new threat rose. Unknown to the Old Gods the Planes of Power patiently waited, watching as the Gods killed themselves off.

The Planes of Power saw the richness of the planet and its rare, legendary materials and coveted the Planet. However, wise and long living the Planes of Power let the planet’s Gods weaken themselves. Then they attacked, with overwhelming force the Planes of Power attacked creating portals all over the planet. For one thousand years the wars between the Old Gods, the Races, and the Planes of Power lasted. Until heroes rose from the ranks of the mortals, and with their combined strength and powers they drove back the Planes of Power, and on their victory became the New Gods.

The New Gods created a beautiful city in the cosmos, circling the planet. The City of Asgard, City of Gods. Also, they created a realm large enough to hold all those that championed for the New Gods, this realm was called Valhalla. Lastly, among the cosmos, the New Gods created another realm for all mortals’ souls to find rest in Elysium, and for those that did not deserve any reward in the afterlife, Hel awaited them.

With the New Gods established in the cosmos, they looked down upon the planet and saw to their shame the state of the world. They realized to retain their Godhood and power, they could not directly influence the world. Especially, knowing the Planes of Power could always attack again.

The New Gods spread themselves upon the Planet, taking upon new names, identities, race, and genders. This they did to attract more worshippers, thus gaining more power, for unlike the other Gods, the New Gods saw their power was not of its own device, but rather bound to the mortals. The New gods became the planet's protectors from the Planes of Power, and any other threat that may arise. To help in the struggle, the New Gods blessed certain mortals that proved themselves creating armies of Demigods, Valkyrie, Champions, and God-Touched with them they protect the planet, and themselves.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:36, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

The Ancient Gods

After the creation of the world by the Elemental Lords six powerful beings were born, each worshipped by one of the six creator races. Their power resided upon owning of one of the relics. All arcane magic was held in the relics, no user of the magic of the arcane arts could use magic without the existence of the relics. Divine power rested in the worship of the Ancient Gods, unknown to the Ancient Gods their true power was in the prayers of their followers, however, this power was hidden behind the quick and dreadful power of the relics. The Ancient Gods had children, these children were beasts and monsters, many of them smart and cunning, however, most were vicious and bloodthirsty. Their Children united and banished their parents, making themselves Gods.

The Ancient Gods now reside upon the Moon that circles the planet, cold and lifeless, and from their prison they are in full view of the world and sit in loathing with one desire to wreak revenge upon the world, destroying all life. Their relics lost to time and decay lay within hidden chambers that will bring about the return of the Ancient Gods.

Unkulunkulu
Orc War-chief, God of War, and chaos in battle. He is known for riding astride his great war elephant. He towers 20ft tall and his elephant is even the much taller and bigger to support him. Known to have a magical bag of Javelins on his back and fight with metal claws hooked on his gauntlets in battle.

Jormungandr
A towering 40 foot tall the Minotaur is known for; strategy and honor within the field of battle. He duel- wields magical axes and his horns are tipped with metal where gore still lays dried. His battle cry can be heard for miles, though, thoughtful with his actions before battle. He kills without mercy.

Lang Wang
The four-headed and legged, eight armed giant lizardfolk, stands  30ft tall. Though large, his grace and dexterity surprise most in battle. He enjoys watching battles upon the water and seeing ships being eaten as he prowls the sea. Not using any weapons, using his giant claws and teeth instead.

Apep
The giant snake reached a length of 200ft. This lazy tyrannical serpent preferred, lording over the mortals and enslaving all those weaker them himself. However, do not think that war was not part of his routine, watching his subject’s battle was his greatest enjoyment, then he would eat the losers for a snack.

Gajalakshmi
An Elder Brain aberration from a lost and forgotten world many cosmos away, the elder brain infested the minds of its followers. Like a fungus, and virus it brainwashed all those with weak minds, and those with stronger minds turned them into his servants. It used its superior intellect to confuse and disorientated those that threatened it.

Xipe-Totec
A great flying monster it did not think or reason as the others. Rather it saw mortals as prey, and play toys. The other Ancient Gods used this giant vulture with a wingspan of 200ft, to fly around the planet with ease. It preyed on the mortals without mercy. It, however, did enjoy one thing, being brought sacrifices, to which it would eat, and possibly the priest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:36, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

The Old Gods

Numbering well over one hundred the children of the Ancient Gods, fought against their parents and banished them. This plunged the world into darkness. All magic was lost, and divinity was forgotten. Like most monsters, the Old Gods once in power, turned against each other killing their siblings. The Old Gods were not worshipped like their parents, and when they died they fell to the planet, their flesh creating versions of themselves that now reside all over the world.

The attack from the Planes of Power came without warning, and the Old Gods were not prepared, many more died. Now only eleven remain, each chained as guardians against the planes of power. The eleven that still remain are the most powerful versions of Kraken, Basilisk, Hydra, Rakshasa, Tarrasque, Dragon Turtle, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Remorhaz, Androsphinx, Roc, and an Aboleth.

The New Gods

Mortal heroes fought valiantly against the rising tide of the Planes of Power all seemed lost to the mortal realm. With one voice the mortals of the world prayed to the heavens, hoping for a miracle that their heroes would once again walk the world and save them. As an answer, nine heroes walked from their graves and in the last effort to save the planet, fought the Planes of Power which in glory, majesty and power rose the nine to become the New Gods. With their victory, the New Gods Restored Divinity to the world.

In the cosmos of the heavens above the Planet, the New Gods created Asgard, the city of Gods. There they also created Valhalla a grand realm for all those that are their champions. Unlike all other Gods before them, they understood the struggles of the being Mortal and sought to help them in their way. They created Elysium for all those that deserved an afterlife of peace, and Hel for those that deserved brimstone and dread for their behaviors as a mortal.

Now understanding and knowing the threat that lay beyond the world the New Gods could not sacrifice too much of their power. Thus, they created a law that no God would directly interfere with the lives of the mortals. Unless using divinity, or magic. Any God could name Demigods, Champions, and Valkyrie to form an army to defend against the Planes of Power. These beings, however, could only be mortals of extreme power, so as not to use too much of their own with the blessing.

Each God, to gain more worshippers in doing so gaining more power, making them better suited to defend the planet, took upon themselves many faces. Each, has many different names, races, genders, and professions. In this way, all regions could worship how they may, and still worship the nine. Now, however, many have lost the true number of the Gods, and have all forgotten the true names of the heroes, this luckily does not matter to the New Gods because of their foresight and planning.

Offical Name: Torm - Also known as Any God with the listed Domains
The leader of the New Gods, Torm a Human Paladin, rode his friend Vasilheim an Ancient Gold Dragon to battle against the Planes of Power. With his greatsword, he dispensed death to all in his way. He is a tremendous warrior, and wise, he surrounded himself with friends of honor and trusted them to do their part. He is the founder of Asgard, and writer of the Law to keep out of mortal’s direct influence.
Domains:
Protection, War

Offical Name: Oghma - Also known as Any God with the listed Domains
Torm’s oldest friend Oghma, a High-elf Wizard, discovered the origin of the arcane power unrelated to the relics of the Ancient God’s. With his profound knowledge of magic, he protects the weave of arcane energy, and all things magic with his life. He alone understands its function, and how to keep the weave from collapsing.
Domains:
Arcana, Knowledge, Twilight

Offical Name: Also known as Any God with the listed Domains
Silvanus, a curious companion of Torm and Oghma, a Tiefling druid, weaver, and controller of nature. She was the first after the fall of the Ancient Gods to reconnect to the spirits of the Elemental Lords, thus creating a bond between mortal and nature.
Domains:
Grave, Life, Nature

Offical Name: Nike - Also known as Any God with the listed Domains
A friend of Athena, an Orc Ranger, who rode her Silver Dragon ally, Ragnar to battle against the Planes of Power. It seemed as if against all odds, she came out luckier than any, using her expert marksmanship she would begin killing the armies before the armies even saw her come in for a fly-by. At the end of the War, she was first to help mortals establish farms and husbandry.
Domains:
Light, War

Offical Name: Athena - Also known as Any God with the listed Domains
The wife to Torm, Athena, is beautiful beyond expression, an Aasimar cleric, she drew upon the lost Elemental Gods for Divine strength, and in so doing untapped divine power never before seen.  She was the first to discover that the worship of mortals is where the true power of divinity lay.
Domains:
City, Life, War

Offical Name: Re-Horakhty - Also known as Any God with the listed Domains
A gentle-hearted Dwarf, Re, created all the armor, weapons, and items used by the New Gods in the war against the Planes of Power. Though do not mistake, this fiery Dwarf barbarian raged and riding astride a Triceratops. He was first to enchant items with magic, and first to discover the usage of black powder.
Domains:
Forge, Knowledge, War

Offical Name: Osiris - Also known as Any God with the listed Domains
Not part of the Original group of heroes, Osiris, found them along the path of their destruction. The other New Gods were taken back by what they saw, Osiris was a Lich and Necromancer, behind Osiris walked an army of undead, too numerous to count. He is the first to suggest to the New Gods the need for some kind of Afterlife.
Domains:
Death, Grave

Offical Name: Thor - Also known as Any God with the listed Domains
A storm giant, monk/bard, Thor using his martial arts skills and battle songs as he waded through his enemies. All those that found Thor an ally felt inspired to be around him, and those that were foes, fled in terror from his thunderous steps, and booming voice. First to Suggest Valhalla for champions of the New Gods.
Domains:
Tempest, War

Offical Name: Freya - Also known as Any God with the listed Domains
Best Friend of Nike, Freya a small loving Halfling Rogue, helped the New Gods get out of many pickles, and always seemed to lighten the mood. While the others destroyed and fought in the war, Freya became a friend to all they passed. Not wanting to forget the little people, she suggested that all good people should be given Elysium in the afterlife.
Domains:
Life, Trickery
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:40, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

Region; Kingdom of SverdKyst

History; the Beginnings

Sverdkyst and the Warlord lands were once one “Nation” the city of Waterdeep was, prior to the Race War, an unwalled hub of trade and commerce that the Nomadic Warlords used to communicate together, trade and do business in peace. The cultural law required all visiting Warlords to remain peaceful and not brandish their weapons.

After the cataclysm and at the beginning of the Race War Waterdeep was transformed into a walled fortress, the first city in the region to do so. The order the city brought disrupted the lifestyle of the Warlords. However, the people felt safe, warm and comfortable within an actual walled city. Especially during the Race Wars. Toward the end of the Race War, the Warlords hoped the city would return to its former nomadic style. However instead a king was appointed, and the Sverdkyst kingdom was created with Waterdeep as the Capital city.

King Robert the first, began a conquest of the region around him. Small cities dotting the area around Waterdeep assimilated into King Roberts’s growing kingdom. The warlords did not like this idea. Their Nomadic lifestyle was being taken from them, regardless of the fact that King Robert did not take his borders more East leaving what he saw as plenty of lands for the Warlords to live as they may. Many of the people supported the conquest of King Robert and saw it as an establishment of order and comfort. All across the region, people welcomed King Robert with grand applause.

Roads were built by his army as they traveled. Generals and Lieutenants he appointed became the ruling noble lords and houses of the land. Many cities grew and prospered. This growth was not met without resistance. The Warlords constantly harassed the cities, peoples, and armies of Sverdkyst.

The Great Warlord Banner Greyhair, formed the largest army the Warlords had ever seen. The army outnumbered the Sverdkyst forces two to one and were well trained mounted warriors. They had seemed like an unstoppable force, wreaking havoc and pillaging as the Warlords moved through the region. Worst of all was through the chaos the Warlords attracted druids, rangers, and barbarians believers in chaos and anarchy, who formed the faction Wards of Nature. The Wards of Nature, originally believed order and civilization was a blight upon the land. The Seventh Sanctum a proclaimed neutral group, joined the war when the Warlords attacked their city Branntarn. From the beginning, the Holy Order of Nine believed the Gods supported King Robert.

In the end, it was the inner warring of the Warlords that ended in the invasion, and possible annihilation of Sverkyst. The Great Warlord Banner Greyhair lost control of his Warlords and slowly they turned on each other grabbing for power, land, and men. The army eventually disbanded and the armies of Sverdkyst mopped up the Warlords as they fled back to their Land in the East.

With the death of King Reboert the Great a bloody civil war ensued.  After the Civil War, the Capital City was moved from Waterdeep to Victus Roma, another Coastal city on the far southernmost peninsula of the Region. This was picked as the seat during the Civil War for the Eastern side of the war. Its location gives it favorable positioning into the lands east, and control of the Strait of Ulki-Roma. The city is not the melting pot that Waterdeep has become. However, it is the largest City in Sverdkyst, and a newer City then Waterdeep only being founded at the same time as the signing of the First Treaty of Waterdeep.

Regional Terrain/Commerce/People

The Sverdkyst Kingdom, region, is within the Inner Ocean. The location of the region has made the cities and peoples living there rich, fat, and happy. The land is mainly rolling hills of grassland savannas. With forests spread widely through the land. Many natural rivers flow from naturally occurring springs in the forested hills, and the larger stronger rivers flowing from the mountains in the central area of the region. The wildlife of the region consists of rhinos, elephants, cheetahs, lions, water buffalo, wildebeests, and other African style animals. All these animals can be trained and are still all used for travel, warfare, trade, and caravans.

Waterdeep, one of their major cities sitting in the coastal middle of the region, has become a melting pot of culture, race, and trade. However, outside the City of Waterdeep, which the Kingdom is best known for, the native people and scenery become one. Orcs, before the Race War, dominated the lands roaming in Clans and family groups. Alongside the Orcs, Humans made up the majority of the population. Still, over one hundred years after the Race War the people that live and travel the lands of Sverdkyst are a majority of Orcs and Humans, living in peace. There is one major city in the mountains that the majority of Dwarfs call home. In the Northwestern part of Sverkyst, an area is inhabited mainly by Elves, they all seem to conjugate in one location. Because the coastal city hubs, many other races dot the landscape, however, none of them in large numbers.

Sverkyst has entered a new age of black powder. Still a new product, the government is scared of what it can bring and do. The Cities are all walled, and for the most part, well taken care of. The army and guards are all prevalent making traveling from city to city easy, and safe. Bandits and Brigands, don’t stick around long as they are killed, or otherwise put out of business very quickly by the protection of the kingdom. Nests of different monsters and creatures will rise, but will also quickly fall from the well-patrolled roads. In the last few decades Queen Laural Galadra has brokered many new trade deals with neighboring Kingdoms namely the Kingdom of Sjorover home of the Minotaur, the Giant Lands the Various Factions of the former Per-Atum Empire, the Elf lands of Solosse Turinasta, some of the Dragon Kingdoms, and most recently she has made trade agreements with distant lands of Wangchao and she continues to secure the safety of the people. With the Queen sick, and close to dying without an heir, many are scared of what will follow. Many believe the Golden Age the Queen as brought them back into will end with her passing.

The houses and noble Lords are all relatively new, few only just starting their third generation of heirs, while most are first generation nobles or second generation nobles. Due to the youngness of the nobility, squabbling, and fighting over position is a common occurrence. Many, first generation nobles have already been proving themselves to be as powerful as the third generation nobles. Because of this each time a new King or Queen is to be appointed, the country breaks into battles of commerce, bribery, and skirmishes. After the appointment of Queen Laural, seeing the conflict her eventual death would bring, she established a new Law. Noble houses would nominate each other for the throne, six months after the nominations are made all the Nobles, one vote per household, would vote the King or Queen on the throne. This only takes place if the current House sitting on the throne does not have an Heir appointed that is through blood. This law is established, however, many scuffs at the idea, not seeing the virtue in this, having other plans or ideas of how the throne should be crowned.

The death of Queen Laural was devastating for the kingdom of Sverdkyst. Secretly before her death an organization was created to plan and form in preparation of establishing a Republic. The Vacuum the Queen predicted happened, though in a way she did not predict. The younger Nobles stirred the people to revolt, while  the older more established Nobles fought for their power. The Warlords, waited and when seeing the lack of unity, attacked. The player characters, with the eminious fortune they came into, supported the Republic and when the warlords attacked jumped into the vanguard helping lead Sverdkyst to victory. Though, unraveled a nefarious plot. The founders of the republic orchestrated the Warlord invasion, hoping the war would help their cause. Those responsible for the war crimes were prosecuted.

The warlords were pushed back, but the Nobles continued their civil war. In the end a treaty and agreement was made, and peace was restored. However, with the armies formed, and in the interest of unity, what better than battle, the Republic voted to take their standing armies into the Warlord lands and expand. They met little resistance, as the Warlords don't have organized armies, nor a unified region.

At the end of the Campaign into the region, a proclamation was spread all through the Republic. The newly conquered lands needed owners and settlers, explorers, and adventures.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:24, Sun 16 Feb 2020.

Timeline

Creation 0
The Elemental Planes War
The Creation of the Shadow World
The Creation of the 6 Creator Relics
The Creation of the Ancient Gods
The era of the Gods Wars 1 - 3090
Creator Race Control 1 - 2980
1-760 the Ancient Gods Reigned Supreme
761-801 the Old Gods banished the Ancient Gods
801-1610 the War of the Old Gods
1611-2455 the 2nd Planes War
2456-2979 the Rise of the New Gods
Cataclysm (10) 2980 - 2990
The World once one large continent splits in the center
Race War (100) 2990-3090
The New Gods are established
The era of the New Gods - Kingdom of SverdKyst Circa 1- present
1 - Waterdeep Becomes the First City to establish itself, first Capital in the new kingdom of SverdKyst
2 - Founding of Holy Order of Nine
2 - Official Founding of the Seventh Sanctum in SverKyst
2 - King Robert the first crowned and begins the unity of the kingdom
5 - The Borders of SverKyst Established
5 - The Great Warlord Wars, The Great Warlord Banner Grey Hair attacks the Kingdom of SverdKyst
7 - Founding of the Wards of Nature
10 - End of the Great Warlord Wars
11 - Fundamental Philosophy divided within the Wards of Nature
11 - Treaty of Waterdeep First signing
the first treaty organized by King Robert
12 - Treaty of Waterdeep Second signing
Amended to include the Orcs Native to the area
16 - Treaty of Waterdeep Third signing
Amended to include the Dwarf and Elf cities
21 - Treaty of Waterdeep Fourth signing
Amended to include the Elf Kingdom and Ally to King Robert
22 - Founding of the Kings Coalition by King Robert
42 - Death of King Robert the Great
45 - Civil War
The Death of King Robert entered a power vacuum, Lords wanting to become the king, and not recognizing Robert ll as the rightful heir. Some, however, do support Robert ll as king.
50 - The Divide
Sverdkyst from West to East divided themselves into two sides.
Waterdeep Remains Capital of the West, the East Names Victus Roma as Capital
55 - Kings Coalition the Second signing
After years of battles and blood on both sides, the Treaty is re-signed and Sverdkyst is united again
55 - King Robert ll is crowned king of Sverdkyst
55 - Waterdeep becomes an independent City-state to the kingdom of Sverkyst
Still recognizing Sverdkyst as their kingdom, and king Robert ll as king. However, becoming its own independent power governed under its own laws and lords (Part of the Kings Coalition the Second agreement)
55 - SverdKyst Capital is Named Victus Roma
75 - Relative Peace throughout the lands, Death of King Robert ll
75 - King Robert lll is crowned king
the kingdom was on a decline during his reign he has been claimed to steal money from the State with Neverember, not a loyal King instead used the power to live lavishly and kingly
92 - Assassination of King Robert lll
A period of time where no one knew what to do with no heir
93 - Crowning of Queen Laural Galadra
At the time the most popular and powerful noble in the land
101 - Queen Laural Galadra brings Sverdkyst back to the glory of Robert the First
131 - Baron General Strahd broke away from the Kings Coalition
141 - The lands of Brovia Disappeared
149 - The lands of Brovia Reappeared
The people of Brovia claim it was 400 years that past in time for them
The player characters known as the Seekers are the heroes; Light, Q, Lilu, Donar, and Luke, with fallen companions Phia, Braoin, Veshni, Draco and Acklow
151 - The City of Brovia Rejoins the Kings Coalition with Ismark as Baron
152 - Queen Laural Galadra is sick, with no children, the Lords of Sverdkyst position themselves, and        begin posturing for ruler-ship
152 - Rumors of the Warlords raiding along the Eastern borders
152 - Death of Queen Laural Galadra and enter a period of morning
153 - A second Civil war begins - Nobles wish to retain power and follow the Queens last law, the people and notable Nobles wish to instead establish a Republic
153 - The Vault of Dragons (Gold) is discovered and with the money the Republic revolution is funded
154  - The Warlords invade
154 - The Second Great Warlord Wars begin
154 - A treaty is signed until the Warlords are dispatched
160 - The Warlords are pushed back
160 - The civil war resumes
170 - The Civil war ends - Player Characters Baelon, Darcia, Lars, Hariti, and Varis are instrumental in defeating the Warlords, and getting the Civil war to end
170 - Sverdkyst becomes a Monarchical Republic
170 - Manius Galerius Aper is apointed the first Prime Minister, with Caprenia Sarimarca as the first ruling Queen of the Republic
174 - A call for Exploerers, settlers, and adventures to the Borderland of the Warlords and Giant Lands is issued through the Expanding Republic