And we are back! Preparations took a bit longer than expected but we finally have everything we need to continue our voyage. I for one am quite excited. So- wait hold on wait wait wait we need to review the safety… and everyone is gone already. Well, without further ado.

Country: Theocracy of Ver

World: Hoclon

Origins of Ver

Cataclysmic events have a tendency to upset established order just a little bit. Enormous tsunamis and mass terra forming in particular has quite an impact on whoever was living there beforehand. Scattered and afraid, the people found themselves in what felt like an unfamiliar world. Homes were obliterated and governments collapsed. Those that could fled to the Midlands, but there were many who unfortunately couldn’t. Amidst the chaos, two groups united to offer guidance and order to those left behind, the followers of the Plant and Earth primordials.

Together the two groups basically conquered the entire region almost completely unopposed. There were others who wanted to claim the lands. Plenty of others. But having trained soldiers didn’t do you much good if you died to natural hazards. Well arguably they were unnatural hazards. The two faiths were able to recognize regions more heavily influenced by their primordials, which were relatively safe, and better utilize the lingering magic. It allowed them to create stable communities and they quickly attracted survivors to their banners. Technically the followers of the Water Faith were also around a lot. But they were having a bit of a schism between those who embraced their primordial’s new form and those who wanted to reverse it.

Once Ver was formally its own country, its people united towards a new goal: The return of the primordials. The two faiths believed that the Great Bog itself must hold secrets left behind by their primordials. Secrets that they were meant to recover. Once uncovered, these secrets would allow them to herald the return of the primordials of earth and plant. Followed of course by all the ‘lesser’ primordials. Their words not mine, I think all of them sound pretty swell. Well, except for the water primordial at the moment. Sounds like he wouldn’t be too interested in my sweets right now.

Ver is ruled by the two Primordial Heralds, the leaders of each the plant and earth primordial’s faiths. Originally they were called the Prophets of Earth and Plant. Their titles were changed to reflect their new goals. Instead of interpreting the will of the primordials they seek to herald their return.

Faith of the Plant Primordial

Knowledge of and skill in raising plants is at the heart of the Plant Faith. The greatest doctors, and poisoners, in the world are members of the Plant Faith. Even casual members of the faith pride themselves on keeping at least a small garden. I should really ask for some tips. My basil plants keep dying and I can’t figure out why!

Early requirements for the clergy are primarily centered on pure knowledge and ability to identify different plant life. As one advances though, successful cultivation of a range of plants is also required. There are many public garden spaces set up for the clergy of the Plant Faith to accommodate their studies. Senior members of the faith do need more specialized gardens to accommodate exotic plants. That’s one of the perks they get as they advance though. Private gardens and fancy tools made by the Earth Faith.

Faith of the Earth Primordial

The stability of the Earth Primordial’s temperament has always been reflected in her faithful. They have the most and largest settlements built around her creations. Probably because they tend to last a lot longer than what the other primordials create. Look, I’m just saying, a raging inferno can only burn for so long. I think at least. Anyway, pilgrimages to her greatest creations are really common. Even people outside of the Earth Faith have been known to travel for months to bask in their glory.

The religion itself is focused heavily on creation and resilience. Advancement through the clergy is tied closely to quality and lasting craftsmanship The clergy are expected to be skilled at least one form of creation. Craftsmanship, stone masonry and smithing were the most popular crafts, is historically what they meant, but the definition has expanded to things like dance and written works in more modern times. Acolytes are given tasks such as replacing broken tiles in the temple and are evaluated based on how well it holds up to wear and tear. As they advance, they are permitted to work on areas that receive more abuse from weather or use.

The Bog Men

The official statement from the Theocracy of Ver is that entities who have reached the final stage of Fetid Corruption and retain a sane state of mind, commonly referred to as ‘Bog Men’, do not exist. Any and all individuals who reach stage three of corruption lose their mind and will be subjected to execution. Do not attempt to engage them in combat. Only trained soldiers have a chance at surviving a conflict with such individuals. Those who claim to have seen ‘Bog Men’ should be reported to medical professionals for evaluation. It is possible their minds have been compromised by creatures of the Dread Bog. Affected individuals are not in their right mind and may be a danger to the community.

But Bog Men do in fact exist! At least so I’ve heard. I assure you my information came from a very trusted source. They said that they call people who’ve been corrupted the ‘Bog Shaped’ and they were the first Bog Men. Meanwhile their children who grow up in the Dread Bog are called the ‘Bog Born’. The Bog Shaped can be a little bit unstable so you really should be careful around them. But the Bog Born aren’t! They are just as sane as anyone else. I bet they have a really interesting culture. Obviously we don’t want to break any laws while in Ver. But if we are doing a little exploring and just happen to meet one, there’s no harm in a quick conversation right? And technically, we’d be following the order not to fight them. So really even the Heralds couldn’t complain. But uh… to be on the safe side maybe don’t mention this idea to them, okay?

Next up we will be delving into Ver itself to learn about how they’ve adapted to the Great Bog. From farming, to medicine, to exploration the people have learned how to make the best of a dangerous land. Until next time.

Onwards to adventure!

CozyPandaDragon