Ceres is a world at conflict. Kingdoms fight for land. Guilds vye for power. Religious organizations fight for followers of their faith. Mages seek and cultivate places of power and seek rare high magic spells.

Most of the continent is cosmopolitan with a mix of different species. There are, however, enclaves dedicated to particular cultures. The most common species found in society are Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Orc. To a lesser degree are seen Half-Elves, Half-Orcs, Halflings, Gnomes, Drakakar (Dragonborn), and Shadowed (Tieflings). Rarer still are a wide variety of species that are seen as curiosities. The people of Ceres take it as given that there is more than dreamt of in their philosophies.

Religion is split into two types, old Druidic ways often tied to culture and tradition and the Sky God pantheon. The Sky Gods consist of Althea the Avenging Angel, Bellet the Nurturing Hierophant, Dartaran the Restless Wanderer, Karn the Bringer of New Life, Matar the Knight Errant, Ratakka the One Who Smiles, Sadaya the Eternal Lovers, Tallis the Tireless Justicar, Vatharn the Ruler of Heaven, Xir the Faceless Friend. The faiths are split by opposing religious organizations.

The Stalwart South
The Southern region of the continent is known for weathering hardships. From east to west it consists of Ocel, Aaliria, Calirien, and Qomas. It is bordered to the East by the Darkening Heartwood, to the North by the Maelstrom, to the West by the Jagged Coast, and the South by the ocean.

Ocel is a theocratic kingdom led by the Holy Monarch. All power stems from the military branch of the Temple of the Holy Sky, a dour strict version of the Church of the Sky Gods. Taxes and laws are oppressive enough outlying areas have begun becoming rebellious.

Aaliria is run by officials appointed by Ocel. The ousted royals live in exile.   Until a half century ago the inclined terrain of thick forests, streams, and waterfalls as well as many magical creatures had kept the population to mostly hunting and fishing outside the cities. Then a special ore was found in caves. Qomas tried to conquer the kingdom and the ruling family asked Ocel for help. The soldiers arrived and thwarted Qomas. Then they stayed and took over in the name of protecting Aaliria. Ocel has lain oppressive taxes and laws on the people of Aaliria. Ocel has, however, left them their faiths, primarily Sadaya’s Love which focuses on community and life.

Calirien is a land ruled by a council of the richest families. This works out for common folk as expected. There are peaceful relations with Qomas those some call it vassalage. The merchant give predatory support of the rebels in Aaliria. Sadaya’s Love dominates among the poor providing hope and community. Among the rich is the Kingdom of Heaven, a Sky Gods faith that focuses affluence and authority.

Qomas is a kingdom without a lack of resources, plentiful in its own right and rich enough to buy what it needs. And yet the people are dour and serious and even militant. Outsides joke their national last time is pessimism. They enjoy a strong relationship with Cailirien and at least cordial relations with most seafaring lands on the continent. Eshism is a disorganized faith focusing on the inevitability of death, equanimity, and the purification of corruption. The Church of the Source also has a strong following. It emphasizes prosperity in unity and sharing with those in need. It is currently dealing with internal corruption.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 18:13, Tue 12 Mar.