History of the Realm

> *In the realm of Racedis, there is but one city. A sprawling magical metropolis, steeped in history and magic.*
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## Ancient History of Racedis Towers

At the dawn of civilization, the original towers, The First Towers, were part of a temple built in honor of a powerful god. Perhaps this god was still active when the Towers were built - perhaps this god's name was known. Now, they are known only as the Gray God, and all that is known of the Gray God is that they will return.

Members of the temple became known as the Revenant Host.

## Deep History

A town grows around the original temple, becoming a hub of trade and culture. The Revenant Host, taking the mantle of city defense, demand heavy tributes to prepare for The Return. These tributes, written deep into the laws of trade and society in Racedis Towers, still lie heavy on the citizens of the city.

Martial culture grows and matures, and small groups develop fighting traditions (both magical and non-magical).

Magic runs deep, woven into the foundations of the city and lingering in every spire and bridge spanning the city. Study of magic is widespread both high and low - spawing great heights of arcane accomplishment, but also a powerful substance called Ferum. Powerful effects... powerfully addictive.

## The Lost Age

A dark age. Even as the city grows, it decays. Ferum holds Racedis Towers in a vicegrip, destroying centuries of arcane learning and halting the study of magic altogether. Greed runs deep in the Revenant Host, who become city guards and police the blight. Centuries of learning and history are lost and the many districts of the city fracture into shards of civilization.

In this turmoil, the dark Arena is built. It is a hellish temple of blood and death, worshipped by desperate citizens under the Revanant Host's heel and mages addled by Ferum.

## Recent History

Racedis Towers barely manages to pull out of this plunge. Reform sweeps the institutions of the city, starting with the Revenant Host. They still await the Gray God, but their purpose is lost to time - will they join the Gray God and drive evil from the land? Will the Gray God be a terror that they must rise against to defend the city? The Revenant Host formally takes on the role of City Watch and oversees the lawful transition to elected leadership in all of the districts, simultaneously driving Ferum from the streets. Newly elected leaders come together to develop a replacement to fill the wound left by Ferum: a reformed Arena, where the city can find thrill and district pride to fill the void.

## Modern Day

The metropolis once again vibrates with culture and learning. The Revenant Host police the city, elected leaders called Luminaries govern the districts of Racedis Towers, and the lowly mages have begun to study the secrets of magic and rediscover ancient learning. The Arena is the hub supporting the spinning wheel of society.

But the shine has started to wear off. Corruption is starting to take root. The Republic is a little less fresh than before, and corrupt people are seeing ways to take advantage. The Arena sees it all: sweeping high society, the lower class throng, corruption, hope, conflict, glory... And you are a part of it!