The World. A continent sheltered on all sides with an icy tundra to the North, a glittering ocean rolling away into the East, an arid desert to the South, and tall mountains to the West. For centuries, the inhabitants of the World thought little of what may lie beyond, they were content to spend their lives with the small tribes, and later kingdoms, that they were born into, trading and occasionally warring with their neighbors. It seemed likely that the World would continue in it's way for more centuries to come, if not for the actions of a young king, just inheriting his father's kingdom in the West. The young king had spent several years previous traveling the World, and carried inside of him new ideas that would have remained isolated, yet came together in him, the catalyst for the most momentous change in the World. Building an army that would rely upon the repeating crossbow, instead of sword and shield, the king dominated the battlefield, spreading the boundaries of his fledgling Empire across the West and South. And when he started to use the then unknown firecrystals, ignitable amber made from a volatile sap by a tree in the South as weapons, he soon took the entire World under the control of the Empire. And so it has been for the last 60 years. Under the guiding hand of the Emperor, the World has reached a golden age, with trade and knowledge flowing freely between the regions of the World. Though now an old man, the Emperor is still keen minded, and worries for the future of his creation. Though it isn't apparent to most, the Empire is viable to fall apart from vying regional interests, and the Emperor fears that it will collapse after his death. So the Emperor, remembering the unity held during the fledgling years of expansion across the World, believes that the best way to keep the Empire together is to expand. But where can you go once you control the known World? Go beyond the World, of course.
You will be taking the part of a member of the first Western Expedition, going past the Western Mountains and into uncharted territory. The journey will be hard, with numerous challenges, from deadly and predatory wildlife, harsh climates, and completely alien civilizations and even species. Your task will be to explore the World Beyond the World, find places for the Empire to expand, and then survive the return trip.
You will be taking the part of a member of the first Western Expedition, going past the Western Mountains and into uncharted territory. The journey will be hard, with numerous challenges, from deadly and predatory wildlife, harsh climates, and completely alien civilizations and even species. Your task will be to explore the World Beyond the World, find places for the Empire to expand, and then survive the return trip.
