Dziadek
Skarsvag, A.E. Mayer
There are as many names for the world as there are peoples within it, but the people of Rhynnesburg call it Dziadek, Grandfather.
Dziadek is old and weary, full of lost fables and forgotten peoples. It is whispered by the scholars—and shouted by mad prophets on street corners—that Dziadek is dying, and all will drown beneath the sea as grandfather's strength gives out.
The Academy
If magic is not our salvation, it will be our undoing.
Rhynnesburg stands on a rock shelf high above where the river Rhynne crashes into the sea. At the edge of that shelf stands the Academy, a trio of white towers stretching out of the rock like three great fingers. Clustered at the base of the towers is a maze of smaller facilities; libraries, dormitories, laboratories, kitchens.
Here the few proud scholars of magic reside, along with an army of servants and students to keep them fed and cared for. The scholars have seen the end approaching, and many now place their hope, or their blame, on the city's wizards.
Almost no one knows the source of the Scholar's green-hued magic. It comes from the One Below, a giant of the stars who washed up on these shores before Rhynnesburg was ever born. Through the ages, it has been kept barely alive, that raw power may be drawn from it.
The Clockwork Guild
Things must run smoothly.
Their great engine in the docks powers the drive-towers, which in turn power the monorails that connect the city's various districts.
With transportation came money, and with money came power and influence.
They are not keen to let this power go, and are in fact quite eager to secure further financial influence.
It is not uncommon for a conductor to look the other way as unmarked boxes are loaded onto their carts, or for radicals who push for progress to be found face down, floating in the docks.
The Regency
The people love a good circus, and should things go poorly, it's best to have someone else to blame. The throne suits both these ends.
The King, His Majesty Veros Benset the Third, is a bastard. Only three people know this; himself, his daughter, and the Master of the Clockwork guild. Should he try anything outside the guild's wishes, the information will become public, and a "true heir" will be found to take his position.
The king is also a bastard. He has no desire to part with the guild's favor, and enjoys the grand balls, strong drink, and young women his favor with the guild supplies.
His daughter, Patricia Benset, is driven to near madness by the plight of the common people her father so easily ignores. In pursuit of survival they work themselves to death. In pursuit of happiness they buy up toxic drugs. In pursuit of fellowship and purpose they form cults, and pray—perhaps justly—for the death of the powerful.
The Outside World
Rhynnesburg sits on a great, maw-shaped peninsula. Forested mountains seperate the peninsula from the continent beyond. Many misty valleys provide food, timber, and ores to the city.
North of the mountains is the nation of Ruul, where folk ride long-haired yaks, drink fermented milk, and have perfected the art of winter warfare. Rhynnesburg is at uneasy peace with Ruul currently, but all recall their bitter invasion attempt ten years prior. A few less recall Rhynnesburg's own invasion attempt into Ruul ten years prior to that.
Religions
As Dziadek dies, faith flickers bright in the common folk. Their bodies may be doomed, but they are quick to promise their souls away to whatever spiritual shore may be found.
The Three Sisters—Selene, Morogga, and Jomsa—are the primary goddesses worshipped in the land.
Selene
Goddess of the moon, lovers, and travelers. She reminds us to rest and rise in turn.
Every new moon is a holy day to worshippers of Selene, as they rest in the silence of their homes. On full moons, they gather in festival halls to celebrate with feasting and celebration.
In the doomsday madness of the city, many of these full moon celebrations have turned to drug-fueled, gluttonous orgies.
Selene turns her eyes away.
Morogga
Dreaming mother. Queen of Stars. She reminds us to live, for we will soon die.
She, it is said, was the first to dream of living beings. She breathed through the Veil into mortal realms, and life came forth. As the living die, their souls flee back through the Veil to rest in her arms once more.
Morogga's priesthood is often busy with the interpretation of dreamsign. The continual nightmares of the land falling into the sea disturb them. They do not see a way to interpret it other than literally.
Jomsa
Sun-bright sister. Joyful harvester.
Jomsa is little worshipped these days. Her face is seldom seen full-bright through the mists, and the harvests have grown thin and sickly.
Those who yet honor her have taken up the road of penitence. They believe the city's sins have driven her away, and only through upheaval will her face be seen again. They brand their forearms with sun-symbols, and take vows of poverty and simplicity. Some even go so far as to take vows of blood, to kill those responsible for leading the city astray.
The Drowned
All will fall into the sea. Is it not best, then, to give the hidden gods due honor?
The cult of the drowned is young but determined. They have seen the face of the deep, and heard the sea's promise.
For the price of a life, they will be reborn at their drowning as children of the abyss.
They hunt the night streets like packs of dogs, faithful only to one another and the voice from the deep.
The faithful are beginning to change.
Dziadek Shifts
The earth shakes.
The land will fall to the sea.