The World of Tokavah

Recent History of Tokavah

The known world of Tokavah is a large continent that shares the same name. For hundreds of years, the five human cultures who share the land have struggled to hold back the creeping influence of Gograzh, a nation of monsters. It was not always this way. Ancient tales speak of a time when monsters were weaker, disorganized, and isolated. However, the current era began as a huge force of united monsters suddenly attacked the central nation of Ora. The attack was unlike any that had come before it. The blindsided Orani desperately fought back against the hordes of monsters as the other nations rallied to support them.

A brutal world war raged for many years. After the Gograzhi's initial assault failed to completely overtake the capital of Ora, they deeply entrenched themselves around Ora and laid siege to the whole land. The other nations tried to help, assaulting Gograzhi from the other sides and breaking through their lines to provide much needed supplies. But the unending, tireless assault of the monsters took its toll. The Gograzhi recklessly and ferociously threw themselves into battle, unconcerned with causalities as long as the objective was achieved. To make matters worse, every human casualty provided a way for the Gograzhi to replenish their ranks as their most powerful mages could corrupt humans into horrible monstrosities and raise Undead abominations.

As the chokehold of Gograzh tightened like a noose, the Orani made the difficult decision to abandon their homeland. The other nations welcomed them, providing what protection and solace they could after such a heartrending loss. Without any obstacle in their way, the Gograzhi fully claimed the land that had once been Ora. For a time, the fighting ceased, but no one was surprised when the Gograzhi began to skirmish along the borders of other nations.

And so it has continued for centuries. The current era has become known as the Gloaming Years. Thankfully, the Gograzhi seem to have lost the unity they once had, but factions tirelessly battle for more territory. The borders of Gograzh have crept further and further, reaching into the other nations like the tendrils of a devouring amoeba and severely limiting travel between them. Some believe the consumption of Tokavah by Gograzh is inevitable, but members of every nation hold the line against that evil, praying for a better tomorrow for their children.

Then, in the year 724 GY, power exploded from the center of Gograzh and all magic in the world doubled in strength. Expeditions braved Gograzhi territory to investigate, and found that the magical explosion had cleared the immediate area of hostile forces. They found a pair of massive stone doors standing ajar. Inside, the way was blocked by another pair of large doors engraved with five runes. Scholars quickly deduced the runes to be symbols for the five nations. The nations brokered a treaty to allow an equal share in whatever was to be discovered.

When the doors were opened, more Essence - raw magical energy - exploded from the structure, and a group of entities, who referred to themselves as Guides, stepped out to greet the humans. The Guides claimed that it was humanity's privilege and duty to Delve within the Citadel and explore its mysteries, and it was their honor to assist humanity in that process.

The treaty of nations built a town near the entrance of the Citadel, naming it Kallarai after an ancient Orani city in the same location. Before long, people began to Delve within the Citadel. Although it promises great wealth, knowledge, and power, the labyrinthian structure is filled with a life-draining Miasma, difficult obstacles, monstrous creatures, and ancient magics.

Overview of the Nations

Ishui

Off the western shores of Tokavah lies the nation of Ishui. Its hundreds of islands boast everything from towering cliffs to pristine beaches, and its seas are rich with colorful aquatic life. The Ishui seek balance in all things, especially in regards to the cyclical flow of nature. They are often driven by a deep curiosity, and strongly value reflection and introspection.

Kyr

The land Kyr lies in northern Tokavah. The only reprieve from its jagged mountains and treacherous chasms are the areas of primordial forests. Due to its lack of flat land, the Kyrie primarily live in elevated cities and towns. The Kyrie see life as a series of intellectual challenges to be considered and solved, and have some of the most comprehensive libraries in the world.

Ora

Ever since the Orani were driven from their homeland in central Tokavah, four tribes dwell within the other nations and a fifth travels between them. Each tribe is centered around a shard of the Font of Ora, carried by that tribe's High Priest. They have forgone owning property and instead strive to contribute to the collective labor of their host communities who, in turn, provide for their needs. They are often consulted as judges and neutral arbiters.

Razir

The vast savanna of eastern Tokavah belongs to the nation of Razir. Breaking up the mostly flat, arid lands are multiple large mesas which surround a central volcanic mountain. The Raziri live as nomads during the long, dry season but gather atop the mesas during the rainy season. To the people of Razir, life is a gift that should always be lived to the fullest. They have a deep loyalty for their family and tribe and are fierce warriors who consider hunting to be the ultimate test of skill.

Vonor

The land of Vonor occupies southern Tokavah. Its fertile hills represent the majority of the arable land on Tokavah, and underneath its mountains lie sacred halls devoted to the care and memory of the dead. Vonori believe that they are the foundation that supports all of humanity, so they tend their terraced fields with great care. Some Vonori take holy vows, committing themselves, either for a short time or for life, to administrations surrounding death and the deceased.

Gograzh

The stolen land in central Tokavah has become as harsh and horrible as its current inhabitants. Humans have a very hard time navigating through any part of Gograzh as time and space behave oddly there and a shadowy haze blankets the sky. The Gograzhi are the monsters of legend, both small and great, and the humans who, willingly or not, have been corrupted by these malevolent forces.