Lore#

World knowledge, history, and important concepts.

Delerium#

A crystalline substance that fell with the meteor fifteen years ago. It glows with an octarine (iridescent purple-green-yellow) color and is extremely valuable — but also extremely dangerous.

Properties#

  • Mutations: Touching delerium with bare skin causes horrific mutations
  • Contamination: Wounds from delerium-tipped weapons cause contamination that spreads if not treated
  • Value: A small chip (~quarter pound) sells for 10gp; larger pieces are worth proportionally more

Safe Handling#

Per Armin Gainsbury’s guide:

  • Never touch with bare skin
  • Use insulated gloves and tongs
  • Store in reinforced glass vials (2gp small, 4gp medium)
  • Mine with picks or hammers

Special Uses#

  • Animus Capture: Delerium can capture the “animus” (soul) of a monster within 10 minutes of death, useful for crafting
  • Falling Flame Ritual: Rumored that Falling Flame adherents plunge delerium into their hearts at the crater

The Meteor#

Fifteen years ago, a meteor struck Drakkenheim, destroying most of the city and killing the royal family. The meteor brought delerium and the corrupting haze that now covers the city.

Effects#

  • Created the crater at the city center
  • Spread delerium throughout the ruins
  • Caused the purple haze (octarine glow) that covers the city
  • Mutated creatures and people
  • Killed or drove away most inhabitants

Ratlings#

Mutated rats that walk on two legs. They are intelligent enough to manufacture weapons and tactics.

Characteristics#

  • Walk on hind legs
  • Use delerium-tipped arrows and sling bullets
  • Already mutated by delerium, so it doesn’t affect them further
  • Keep prisoners alive (to eat later)
  • Congregate in sewers and ruined buildings

Known Location#

  • Rat’s Nest Tavern (NW of Drakkenheim, outside walls)

The Sacred Flame#

The dominant religion in the region. The meteor’s fall has split the faithful into factions with different interpretations.

Factions#

FactionBeliefLeader
Followers of the Falling FlameThe meteor is the Sacred Flame made realLucretia Matthias
Silver OrderThe meteor is an arcane abomination to destroyHigh Flamekeeper Ophelia Reed
TraditionalistsFocus on values, not cosmic phenomenaFlamekeeper Bella (local)

Holy Sites in Drakkenheim#

  • St. Vitruvio’s Cathedral
  • St. Selena’s Monastery (near the crater)
  • Chapel of St. Brenna

Key Prayer (Traditional)#

“Carry me to the flame. Let it judge my weary soul. If I burn, let others see. Sacred flame, make me whole.”

— Recited by Heda Zlathrak

The Haze#

A purple, octarine-glowing mist that covers Drakkenheim. Creatures mutated by delerium don’t seem to want to leave it, making Emberwood Village (just outside) relatively safe.

The Old Gods#

An older religious tradition focused on nature spirits and the gods of the land. Captain Ansem follows this tradition rather than the Sacred Flame.

Backward Quests