The Stolen World, Overview and Codex

The Stolen World was a very typical place before the coming of the Star Whales. Civilizations rose and fell as is common for high fantasy setting. With magic being as powerful as an h-bomb, this leads to a rather predictable ebb and flow of societies.Then came the first of the Star Whales.

Migrating to the rich feeding grounds of the Stolen World, the whales come in three waves every thousand years. The First wave is the Star Spawn the whales feed upon, this causes a huge disruption of society(on the order of a very major war) The spawn are accompanied by the parasite they carry. Looking rather like a Face hugger(Alien), only about 3 inches long. These parasites cause a 'Barbarism disease', Leading to wide spread looting and rioting, as well as the destruction visited by the feeding spawn. About 5-10% destruction to the ecosystem.

The Second wave consists of the adult male Star Whales. They are the least effected by the parasite, So the destruction comes from the whales not the Barbarism Plague. The destruction rises to about 33-40 %

Exactly two years from the first wave, the ravenous, pregnant female whales make their grand entrance. Feeding both on magic and on the ecosystem only 3-5% will remain. They will eat 99.9 percent of the magic sources leaving the survivors with the Barbarism Plague, resulting in a complete barbaric society remaining.

THE FIRST STRUGGLE

When the Whales first struck the powerful Kuthrii Empire held sway over half the planet. With a very high level of magic they were able to keep the destruction to under 50%.During the 2nd the destruction was brought to under 25% During the third cycle a dynastic battle took place leaving the empire helpless. The 4th cycle resulted in the death of 99.9% of the gods and is responsible for the ongoing inability of humanity to cope with the whales. No records of this time exist.

THE ENDLESS CYCLES

Civilizations would rise and fall, how far along they got varied. There was a direct correlation between how much magic survived and how quickly the culture emerged from barbarism. Some cycles stayed in a barbaric state, others became aware of the Whales but failed to do anything about it.

THE 20th Cycle The Six Lands Culture (by Moonhunter)

The Six Lands rose very quickly in power. A small school of wizards developed in the country of Shal'Noval,the city of Shanala.

Progressing almost to the level of The Kuthrii, The College of Mages was able to keep the culture going by producing a toxin that had some effect on the invaders, repelling them. Once again infighting brought them down at the end of the 23rd cycle. This time there was one major difference. A part of the Collage managed to place a few 'lifeboats'(dungeons), giving future societies a chance.

THE PRESENT

It is the year 997 of the 25th cycle. A very few of the Six Lands 'lifeboats' have been discovered. Can the adventurers break the cycles once and for all? Technoligy typical of a very,very early renaissance.

A NOTE ON MAGIC

The Stolen World has a very high level of mana, coming from a variety of sources. The memorization necessary for a full understanding is relatively easy to re-discover The current cycle rediscovered magic fully in about the year 300, it is however flawed in that there are no standardized spells nor schools of magic. Also due to the suspicion the civilization has developed toward magic, only about a third of mages even take on apprentices.

A vague realization of the cycles has emerged, erroneously leading to the conclusion that magic is responsable. Fear hatred and mistrust of Mages is more the norm in cities and villages. Luckily for most mages, fear is the overwhelming emotion.

Despite all the challenges, the knowledge to recreate The Six Lands Toxin is present. But will the mistreated mages be up for the task ?

A NOTE ON THE ECOLOGY

Lions,elephants,rhinos cats, dogs and horses are just a few of the causalities of the war. Pigs and rats have become common household pets.Oxen are the primary work animal. Bats and rats flourish ,evolving into many ecological niches. The whales have taken their toll on the 'monsters of the land. Only 10 types still exist(each with plenty of regional and cultural diversity.)

THE BARBARISM PLAGUE

It's all a little too convenient isn't it? Is there an unseen hand at work, or is it like DNA, a perfect storm?