G O D S T H E M S E L V E S
The Colossal Cities
Art by Nkabuto on Deviant Art
In the half-forgotten age of a mythic time, the people of Lemuria built great cities, temples and monuments. A Pantheon of Gods visited them often, bestowing gifts of literacy, architecture, writing and warfare. They became a proud, confident people with dreams of exploring the world and even conquering other peoples. While some gods looked on with amusement, some became jealous-even angry. This anger would lead to a great divide among the Pantheon and cause the first Immortal War. But those are just stories...
Immortal War
A devastating war eventually erupted between the gods. Mortals found themselves fighting alongside divine beings. The Gods conjured all manor of monstrous race to fight for this side or that-weapons of war were invented, destroyed, discarded, kept secret. As the conflict spun into chaos, and the chaos into apocalyptic proportion, the land was torn into three separate continents. The Gods eventually broke battle with a truce and departed the mortal realm with little regard to the fate of man. The monstrous races created in the war remained and hid themselves away in the wilds, beneath mountains or in ruins.
Colossal Cities
The cities are famous the world over for their high walls, and complex urban sprawl the likes of which have never been seen in the world. Lavish palaces and temples dominate the cityscape, while in the slums, the poor are crammed together in dingy apartments. Paved stone roads run broad avenues over primitive 'sewer' systems that dispose of filth into distant waters. The cities are supported by vast agrarian settlements in the surrounding lands. Distant trading outposts bring gold, spices, gems, and knowledge home.
Wilderness
The World is largely unknown. The trading fleets dare not venture further than coastal waterways or make for known ports. Monsters lurk in the deep. The same can be said for the interior continents-a near prehistoric level of jungle growth has enveloped the wilderness. Brave heroes venture forth into this unknown often-and return less so.
Mortal War
War still plagues mankind. Over minor disputes-land, honor. Foolish things. The weapons and tactics used by mankind are the same used during the Immortal War. Waves of phalanxes, supported by archers and increasingly surprising use of devastating cavalry charges are the order of the day. Infantrymen are generally conscripts, wielding spear and shield. Armor is rare and expensive, usually handed down from father to son. Infantrymen instead wear light tunics, sandals and a bronze helm. Armies are no larger than several thousand men, and war is waged in the spring, just before or after harvest.
The World
It is a late bronze/early iron age with heavy emphasis on Hellenistic cultures. You may also draw inspiration from Babylonian or Egyptian culture. IF you have any questions or comments, send me a [@mention].
Map by @Polybius
