Eskoria Wiki

**Eskoria Setting**

Welcome to Eskoria, a mid-low fantasy setting in a world shattered by catastrophe. Brace yourself for a gritty and unforgiving realm where survival is never assured, and the emphasis lies squarely on realism and immersive storytelling.

Within the pages of this document, you will find your initial steps into the immersive world of Eskoria, from the character creation process to your first foray into this harsh landscape.

The four pillars of civilization: the Trifelean Empire, the republic of Cor, the autocracy of Spar and the Diamante States

# Introduction

In a bygone era, the world was under the dominion of the race of giants. Towering between 10 to 15 meters in height, these giants possessed remarkable strength, intelligence, truly graced by the gods. Their unique fusion of technological innovation and magical prowess made them an unparalleled force to be reckoned with.

However, the course of history was forever altered by an apocalyptic event known as the Cataclysm. A monumental battle brought about the extinction of the giants, leaving their once-mighty civilization in ruins. In the wake of their fall, the smaller races prospered within the remnants of the giants' walled cities. These massive fortifications became the foundation upon which new nations were forged.

Today, the known world is divided into four prominent pillars of civilization, connected by mystical transportation portals that the giants had left behind. The Trifelean Empire, the United Diamante, the Autocracy of Spar, and the Republic of Cor. Each of these nations has thrived within the protective confines of the hundred-mile-long walls, shielding them from the perils of the untamed wilderness.

# Races

## Core Races

These races vary between nations. They represent the vast majority of the population shaping the cultural aspects of the nations. For Trifele they are:

* Human
* Orc
* Half-orc
* Goblin

## Common Races

These races are the core races of other nations, as such throughout the years migration of populations occurred between the nations. These races are common to see; however, they have long adapted to the traditions and culture of the nations they inhabit. These races for Trifele are:

* Elf
* Half-elf
* Dwarf
* Halfing
* Gnome
* Hobgoblin
* Bugbear

## Uncommon Races

There are races that are minorities in the world, and though in some countries can be more prevalent than others, they remain an uncommon sight for everyday citizens and make for memorable encounters separating from the crowds. These are:

* Giantborn (Dragonborn)
* Giantborn (Goliath)
* Dark elves
* Deep gnomes
* Grey dwarves

## Exotic Races

Finally, this category of races describes the most rare exotic races. Only a few people in all Eskoria are lucky enough to meet a member of these races during their lives, while many others only hear about them in stories. These races are:

* Tiefling (Deviltouched)
* Aasimar(Angeltouched)
* Genasi (Elementouched)
* Shadar’ kai
* To be expanded…

The following races have been reflavored to better fit with the setting. Please keep those in mind if you plan to play any of those:
The planetouched races (Tiefling, Aasimar, Genasi) retain more “humanlike” features. In addition they can be of any race.
Gnomes and Halflings are both called gnomelings in this setting. Individually, gnomes and halflings are considered gnomeling subraces.
The Giantborn race (Dragonborn) receives the biggest overhaul. Since giants are more centric to the theme of the setting than dragons, these races take on giant characteristics. In practice, this doesn't change anything but the flavor of the origin of the giant ancestry (damage resistance and giant’s might (old breath weapon)). Hit me up to share more information about this, if it is going to be your choice of the character. A variant of this race is the classic goliath (also called giantborn).

# Classes

* Bard Class (Lorekeepers): In Eskoria, bards are known as "lorekeepers." They draw upon cosmic or fate magic, which connects them to the past, present, and future, shaping their abilities.
* Artificer Class: In Eskoria, the artificer class has been adapted to suit the technological advancements of the world. Magic takes a back seat, and the focus shifts to inventions, particularly those harnessing the power of steam.

Mechanically, both classes play the same.

# Celestial Bodies

In Eskoria's night sky, three celestial bodies hold special significance:

* Sollun: A half-gold, half-silver moon that dictates the length of the calendar month and the duration of daylight.
* Tana: A blue shining star known for revealing secrets to those who seek it.
* Shiell: A purple orb in the sky associated with weather phenomena, often viewed as an omen of nature's mood.
* Grey Stark: A grayish veil in the sky which indicates the passing of seasons.

# Pantheon

In ages past, the gods were active participants in the affairs of mortals, directly intervening and shaping the course of history. While they are still revered and prayed to, their influence on the mortal realm has waned significantly since the Cataclysm. Mortals now grapple with the world's challenges and dangers on their own.

The pantheon of Eskoria consists of several deities, each with their own unique domains:

Chasmur, the Keeper of Names: He holds the true name of everything in existence, granting him power over all. His dominion over names is an ancient and formidable force.

Manur, the Lord of Winter: As the establisher of the natural order and the cycle of life and death, Manur's influence is felt in the changing seasons and the balance of life in the world.

Anael, the Keeper of Dragons: Anael radiates with the brilliance of a celestial warrior. Her presence is often invoked as the last radiant light seen before one enters the realm of death. She is depicted as a radiant warrior guiding souls to their final rest and inspiring valor in times of conflict.

Gladire, the Wanderer: Enforcing peace through his wake, Gladire wields the power to calm the wrath of storms, bringing tranquility to the world.

Nexas, the Lady of Secrets: She holds the knowledge of the world as her greatest treasure, guarding it closely and sharing it only with the worthy.

Rielah and Alatin, the Twin Fools: These mischievous and unpredictable deities walk the fine line between light and darkness, their motives and actions veiled in enigma.

# Languages

In Eskoria, languages are repositories of profound meaning and significant utility, placing them on equal footing of importance to feats. Common, derived from the ancient Giant tongue, serves as the primary language for diplomacy and trade across the lands. Every adventurer is expected to be proficient in Common.

The revamped language system emphasizes their importance and adds new challenges to language acquisition. During character creation, you receive language points equal to your Intelligence modifier, as well as 1 lp from any background or class feature. You start with proficiency in the language of your country of origin, which is provided for free. Learning another country's language not spoken in your homeland costs 2 language points (lp), while mastering an exotic language costs 4 lp.