Nor Galad (4e Campaign Setting)/Introduction

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Nor Galad is a universe building project designed to incorporate an myriad of planets, universe concepts, and mythos into one interconnected narrative. Once established, it allows for in-depth story telling within the universe. Presented here is the fantasy world of Sentia, which is designed specifically for d20 RPG systems.

Sentia

Kalina: The United Continent

On the continent of Kalina, nothing is at it seems. The people, while seemingly happy and content, are slowly being tainted by hatred and bigotism. As the right of freedom slips from the grasp of all but the most rich and powerful, it seems that nothing can stop the descent into madness. Even as Kalina rises to greatness, it's underbelly is being filled with greed and corruption. The only light to be found resides in the Divine Order—a front for the ancient and powerful Brotherhood of Warlocks who, branded as outcasts, terrorists, and criminals, have been forced into hiding. The world is a grim place—for those of Kalina who know the truth...and from the shadows of this dying society, a new kind of hero emerges.

THE PCs

The truth is out there
Through some combination of dumb luck, curiosity (and a DMS helping hand you), you, the PC, have caught a glimpse beneath the ever fragile mask of Kalinian greatness. You might know only a little—that there are secrets out there, waiting to be uncovered. Perhaps you have found, in the midst of paradise, the heart of darkness slowly pumping, infecting the ideals of freedom and truth that the people once held dear with a sick virus of corruption and greed. Perhaps all you know is that ideals that were once-precious are now slipping from your grasp...and of instead of happily signing away your life to a government that seems to care only care for your worth in working years, you've chosen to do...something more.
Be you outsider, resident, Brotherhood agent, or criminal turned anti-hero, your journeys have led you on a path, discovering more and more of the menacing force looming over the people of Kalina. Withought knowledge or power to fight back, you are the only thing standing between the people and the oncoming storm.

From the shadows of this dying society, a new type of hero emerges; fighting not for "good" but for "justice" and "truth." Whether killer or criminal, outcast, or villain, now they are the only ones standing between the people of Kalina and a fate far worse than death.

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Behind the Mask

Characters in Kalina are not saviors, but diviners; those who show the truth. While a Kalinan may may not fight directly against the government, you may have your own personal vendetta. Perhaps you wish to uncover the truth of your brothers murder. Perhaps explore the Wasteland or train with in the Badlands with the Nomads. Maybe you were once a criminal, living in the underbelly of society until you learned there was a different way with the Brotherhood. As you travel, you learn more about Kalina in all it's beauty and pain. Whether you gain the trust the trust of the people, or betray is up to you—as long as you find the truth.

PCs in Kalina can be evil. Common Terms for the Nation of Kalina:
Note: "Unified" and "United" used interchangeably, with "unified" being less a common term:
The Untied Continent (UC), the United Continent of the Monarch Races (UCMR), the United Continent of Kalina (UCK)

PC KNOWLEDGE

Player and PC knowledge of Kalina and the Sentian world can impact gameplay greatly. Starting with new players or new PCs, or older players with PCs from other continents or unaware of the "struggles" beneath Kalina will have different knowledge than "off-world" PCs with full knowledge of the events, or PCs starting in the Brotherhood. This quick guideline should help figure out the "knowledge base."

• 1. Oblivious
• 2. Event, shocks out of obliviousness (search for truth)
• 3. Aware
• 4. "Off-World" Aware (full knowledge)

The World is Changing

While not all heroes are searching for truth and justice, one thing is certain: the world is changing.

• Orcs and Drow rebuild the remnants of long-lost empires together
• Technologically advanced Drow form floating cities as Orcs follow behind
  • Defending against Unearthly raiders [Githyanki, Far Realm]

Political Powers

The United Continent of Monarch Races

The United Continent of Monarch Races, or more commonly known as the United Continent of Kalina, is a group of affiliated provinces, empires, and kingdoms from the established Monarch Races of Kalina (Dwarves, Elves, Gnomes, Humans). The UC is one of the major political forces in Kalina, controlling huge amounts of land and resources, and thus having some of the greatest power in Kalina. Although some of these individual parties may hold mutual interests, the establishment of the United Continent in Kalina linked all the major "Monarch" races was in the best self-interests of these parties, rather than their mutual interests in common goals. At one time or another, each of the various factions and racial alliances have taken more or less control over the UC's governmental power. Although the political power began as an republic, as modeled by the Ancient Elven texts and traditions, the government has fallen under the control of one single faction--the Humans. After the Dragonborn appeared in Sentia, the slowly budding republic faded quickly, as forces consolidated to "fight" this foriegn threat. The mountain danger of the Ancient Gray-Tiefling empire brought an close to the freedom once promised. Although many parties still work as they once did, such as gnomes and elves, many provinces are increasingly dictatorial, and the human factions have gained more and more control in the capital. An well informed propaganda and intelligence service keep the people complacent, happy, and ignorant--malleable and easy to control.

Warlock Brotherhood

The Warlock Brotherhood has an extremely long and complicated history. In the past five hundred years, the Brotherhood has undergone many changes, while still continuing to preserve it's ancient traditions, and many of the best traits of each of the more recent incarnations. One of the most important facts of the Warlock Brotherhood is the continuation of both magical, scientific, and worldly knowledge. It is here that most of the ancient scriptures, along with the ancient Elven libraries, are translated and kept. The Warlock Brotherhood is a major opponent of the UC's dominance, especially in the more heavily oppressed (generally more human populated) areas. The Warlock Brotherhood is also split into major factions-- this is understandable as the many changes that the Broterhood have endured-- some ancient sect to dark magic, to currently a political haven and refuge for almost everything in between has brought rivalries. Power has remained central under a triumvurate council of Arch-Wizards and Warlocks, and secretely [driztil] the cosmic warlock.

Social

Despite the many atrocities of the UC, most places under it's jurisdiction are relatively peaceful and free. Although still ruled the propaganda and racial superiority of the human elected powers of the UC, there is relative peace and prosperity throughout the UC--assuming you're one of the Monarch Races. Although many of the other nations have kept there own ties, teachings, and knowledge safe, the UC controls many aspects--including the technological advancement-- of the people. By repressing the common folk and making it difficult for budding technologies and magic to appear throughout the continent, the UC weakens the people and strengthens their own hold. The Warlock Brotherhood works with many of the terrorist and resistance force communities both inside and outside of UC jurisdiction. These forces work together to destroy the UC and what it stands for--however, due to often conflicting interests and methods, the Brotherhood (and it's various darker factions normally related to street violence and the Black Markets) and these other affiliate groups have made slow progress. The Brotherhood sees a potential ally in the Dragonborn Empire, and potentially the Haburaman empire. Although the Gray Tiefling Empire may eventually pose a threat to the Broterhood and Kalina or even Sentia itself, the Brotherhood is willing to take the risks to both establish contact and avoid the ire of both the Gray Tieflings to learn more about this dangerous enemy. Although the Gray Tiefling Empire is a dark threat from the past, Englightened Tieflings and some of the Changelings from this society are appearing every where--making the idea of a true "Tieflin Nation" more and more appeasing to the common people.

Dragonborn Republic

The Dragonborn Republic (sometimes called the Dragonborn Empire), is a growing political power in Kalina. They reside in Citadel Ikron, their new homeland after the Dragonborn people returned to Kalina in mass after being held in Planar captivity. They appeared roughly 200 years ago in the volcanic Mt. Ikron, and from here, the remnants of the Dragonborn empire reestablished itself as a Republic and rebuilt to greater power. The "Children of the Republic" embracedboth the traditions of their ancient past, and the opportunities of this golden future. The Dragonborn now stand as a very powerful member of Kalina's political landscape, but as of yet has not establisheditself as an affiliate of the UC, nor does it have any plans to in the future.

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