Introduction: The World of Thalais

Briarwood Rune

Growing up in the world of Thalais, every child was regaled with ancient stories of heroic champions, dangerous beasts, dusty dungeons, and mythical dragons around bedsides and campfires alike. Some seem rooted in historical records while others too outlandish to believe. Thalais is a fantastically magical world, brimming with innovation and wondrous constructs. Fusing magic and machine is in its infancy, what new creations might lie ahead?

Your story begins in the bustling forest City of Briarwood, in the Davish province. While you may or may not have grown up here, you registered as a citizen to take part in the upcoming Mayoral elections after the passing of the beloved Mayor Rufen Dollos. While Briarwood began as an Elvan village, it has erupted into a multicultural trading centre. Rufen was proof of this, being a Dwarf himself, and holding office for over 22 years. Under his watch the City's exports grew; primarily wood products, textiles, medicines and of course berry mead of all flavors. Being a prosperous trade location, the City runs on Thalais common currency and nearly every local knows the common tongue.

The City is situated in a valley of the Chordal Mountains with the freshwater Glacial Falls spilling into Emerald Lake at the North end of the City. The water is thought to be the purest known water source, promoting rapid crop growth and having healing properties. Rumor has it that drinking a pint of pure Emerald water has been known to restore 1 health point! Emerald Lake splits into two rivers, the Bends, which cut through the City.

Along the West Bend, breweries have sprung up along the river that flows along the Western Housing District. The most popular public house is by far the Rose & Thistle located at the Market Square. The East Bend supports the Smithing and Crafting Districts, powering large water wheels that drive production. On the centre island between the two Bends, affectionately known as The Acorn, is the Market Square, City Hall, and a handful of temples for Thalais' many gods. Surrounding the City is the wall known as the Thicket, bravely guarded night and day by the Thornguard, who also keep the peace within the walls.

The Druid Enclave are currently preparing the ballots, as they are the group charged with preserving the history, accounting, and records of the City. The two leading candidates are Jasfen Dollos and the more controversial Vyksyl Valsung. Jasfen is a middle-aged half-dwarf with similar political policies as his late father Rufen but with greater ambition; expanding trade, pursuing revolutionary technology, ramping up export production, and creating a more prosperous City. His words have resonated well with the brewers, traders and craftsmen, as well as many of the mixed races of the multicultural City.

The pureblood Elf Vyksyl on the other hand, is a high ranking member of the Druid Enclave itself, which makes some question his motives as the Enclave has historically remained unbiased. His platform is based on strict Elvan tradition of self sustainability, preservation of the great barrier forest, and purity of the Emerald Lake and river systems.

It is true that the mead industry has taken it's toll on the West Bend system, and the East Bend's Crafting District waters have fared no better All the while the great barrier forests have been pushed farther and farther back from the defensive Thicket towers due to deforestation. The nature-minded and Elvan citizens have been demonstrating all over the City holding tree circle planting ceremonies chanting ancient Elvan hymns. Those favouring Jasfen have set up flash sales in the Crafting District drawing large crowds, and even larger lineups, all the while Criers rally Jasfen's cause.

You have been summoned to the Rose & Thistle at high noon on Oct 1st. You are required to bring your citizenship card with you.