Iridia
In the old days past, a barren world collided with the magical creature Irion. Rupturing the planet and shattering it into a thousand fragments. But with time the planet healed through the magical residue that the creature left behind. This event that created the world is now known as The Collapse, This event shattered reality and created enormous, interlocked scales each possessing unique properties. This world exists in a stable yet improbable formation, suspended in the cosmos by forces beyond comprehension.
The origin of the ancient creature is unknown, but there are many theories. Some say that it is a dragon that was petrified by a powerful magic. Thus causing a collision Others say that it is a giant creature that was created by the gods. Whatever the truth may be, the ancient creature remains a mystery.
The magical essence of the creature is what gives Iridia its unique properties. It is a world that is alive and constantly changing. The land itself is alive and has a will of its own. The rivers flow with magical energy, and the trees grow to impossible heights. Even the air itself is thick with magic. It is a world that is in constant flux, and it is this magic that makes it so special. It is said that in certain area's the magical essence has merged so much that Mountains shift, valleys rise and fall, and forests expand and contract as if the land itself were breathing.
In the aftermath of The Collapse, the survival of the people on Iridia hinged on their ability to adapt to the presence of magical scales left behind by the collision with the creature Irion. These colossal, shimmering scales, with immense height and width, became not only a symbol of the cataclysmic event but also a lifeline for the scattered survivors. The very essence of Irion’s magic courses through the land, shaping landscapes, sustaining civilizations, and fueling both wonder and conflict.
Scale Sanctuaries: Communities quickly discovered that areas where these magical scales were concentrated had unique properties. The scales emitted a soothing energy that repelled the more dangerous creatures that roamed the post-collapse landscape. People began to build settlements around these scale sanctuaries, utilizing the immense size of the scales as natural barriers and shelters against the monstrous threats.
Scale-Backed Infrastructure: The immense size of the magical scales allowed survivors to build intricate shelters and structures by incorporating the scales into their architecture. Scales served as roofs, walls, and even bridges between settlements. This integration not only provided robust protection but also fostered a sense of connection with the magical essence that had reshaped their world.
Scale Conduits: Over time, the survivors learned to harness the latent magic within the scales to power various devices and technologies. Scales could be infused into tools, lighting systems, and communication devices, creating a kind of "scale-driven" technological renaissance that facilitated their resurgence as a civilization.
There is no one ruler of Iridia. Each race has its own territory that it controls. But there is an overall peace throughout Iridia that is maintained by the Council of Elders. This is a group of wise beings who represent each race and act as mediators between them. They settle disputes and keep the peace throughout Iridia
Magic
From every place in the land, the remaining scales of the ancient creature can be seen towering over the world, their impossible heights a testament to forgotten times. These scales, infused with immense magic, are nearly indestructible, making them objects of both reverence and caution. Few dare to tamper with them, and those who do often pay with their lives. However, over centuries, some managed to pierce small gaps into the thick plates. From these openings, magic sparks pour into the land, raw and unstable. Cities (City of Or and the Mohinders Spire) have learned to harness these sparks with specialized means, stabilizing them as a power source. Yet, any new attempt to create more cavities is strictly forbidden.
The largest such cavity is found in the ruins of an ancient kingdom, now called Kin’Darei. This place, once the heart of a great civilization, has become an untamed wasteland. A moat teeming with deadly creatures surrounds the ruins, drawn to the site’s boundless magic. Even those who manage to cross it find themselves relentlessly hunted before they can even reach the broken walls. Not even giants dare to enter. What lies inside remains a mystery—none who have entered have ever returned to tell their tale.
It is believed that some of the most advanced research into this magic takes place in the Scholar’s Rift. Hidden behind a metaphysical barrier, this legendary enclave is accessible only to those it deems worthy. Most scholars theorize that the Rift Gate selects individuals based on magical aptitude, yet the baffling case of Barty Dunderfield—a man entirely devoid of magical talent—has left this theory in question. Some say the Rift itself chooses who may enter, though its reasoning remains an enigma.
The Rift Gate is the first and final trial for those seeking knowledge, power, or perhaps just the consequences of a truly terrible decision.
The Five Scales
Up until now there are Five Scales that penetrate the surface. But it is believed that there could be many more hidden deeply underground. A dangerous group called The Ragged Goons made it their sole purpose to find and exploit new (unprotected) scales.
The Armour of Or (slightly red with white, largest, lowest)
While it is the largest scale with a crossection of about 30.000 feet, it is also the lowest. It got excavated underneath a mountain by the Flatstone family. The lands surrounding it are mostly tundra with a bit of fertile land here and there. In addition to being the largest scale, the Armour of Or has unique crystalline formations that grow on its surface, which are highly prized by alchemists for their magical properties. The City of Or, built by dwarves beneath the scale, is known for its impressive forges and metallurgy.
Batès Lamina
The smallest of all scales, Its a bright red colored scale. it became a precious place to the Followers of Irion. Its sits in the middle of a lake with a city build around it, in open fields this city has barely enough defenses to protect itself. Batès Lamina has a highly unusual property in that it emits a low-frequency hum that can be felt throughout the city built around it. The hum is said to have a calming effect on the inhabitants and is even used as a form of meditation by the Followers of Irion.
Eldeviérs Shell
The Shell is colored in a bright opal green. On this scale that mostly represents a tall looking spire the city Mohinders is build hanging suspeded in the air. It is attached with several large iron rings that were build around the spire to give the city stability and attached at the top with iron chains. The city hangs at a height of 2000 feet and can only be reached trough magical manners. The peak of the shell has device that collects energy from the scale powering several portals to the ground. The opal green color of the Eldeviérs Shell is not just for show - the scale actually emits a soft green light that illuminates the city of Mohinders suspended above it. The light is also said to have healing properties, making Mohinders a popular destination for those seeking to heal from ailments.
Umperas Hull (yellow)
A large curved scale with the top broken off, it pretty much resembles a long running wall, that curves away making for a great city surrounded by the hull, its color is a beatifull yellow with slight hints of orange.
The Asara Plate
The Asara Plate sits at a 30° angle and is broken in half, with a route running underneath the overhang and a side road between the two halves. This unique scale is a sight to behold, with its stunning blue color caused by the reflective crystal formations that cover its surface. The reflection of the sun's rays creates a dazzling light show that can be seen for miles around, which has become a major attraction for the merchants and travelers who use the roads below. Many of them time their journeys to pass beneath the plate during sunset to witness the spectacle, adding to the allure of the scale.
The Ornite Ring
Surrounding Iridia is the Ornite Ring, an immense black ring with a glowing red inner lining that orbits the world and is always visible in the sky. This celestial structure is the subject of countless myths and religious beliefs, with many considering it a remnant of Irion’s immense power or a divine boundary separating Iridia from the unknown beyond.
Religions
- Followers of Irion, a religious organisation that communes with the remaining spirit of the magical creature Irion that still resides in the magical scales. They use Batès Lamina as shrine's and will protect it whatever the cost.
- The Arcane Fangs are a group of culprits that focusus on finding and exploiting magical scales. Usually for their own benefit of becoming rich or powerful. They believe that the scale's should be for everyone to use to make life easier. Some of them have obtained immense powers through different means of refining scales, and fusing them into specialized gear or even themselves.
- The Cult of Dy theorizes that every action and reaction by living beings is randomly determined by the three deities called Dy, who roll their magic stones to determine the outcome. Even though evidence for this is slim, the Cult of Dy has many dangerous rituals where they challenge their faith by subjecting condemned criminals and lesser animals to The Fire Trials. If luck is on their side, they are set free unconditionally.
Organisations
- Gorgraths Wrath, a secret organzation bent on brining down the Flatstone dynasty in the City of Or
- The Sisterhood of Assassination
Crack's are formed between continents they lead into a place called The Dense
Notable Places
Cities
Triz Valley Momentus Outpost Arkona
Places
Mountains of Triz The Desert of the Rendishing Night
To be determined
The Unborn -> Benúron