Introduction to Esterwatch

Esterwatch is a Steampunk-Fantasy setting I’ve had swimming around in my head for a while. So I’ve decided to have some fun and post some information about it on my blog here. And to make it fun for everyone, I’ll even write up some stuff to make it compatible with Green Ronin’s Fantasy AGE ruleset.

This post is just a broad overview/introduction to the setting.

The Golden Empire began in the Oasis kingdom of Rasask. It spread throughout the Great Desert, bringing many peoples together; from the barbarian Wildermen from the Southern forests, to the hardy Vulcanites of the volcanic regions of the West, to the ingenious and inventive Northerners who populate the mountains to the North.

When the Empire began, a fort was built on the Turazna River, on the Easternmost point of the Empire’s territory. This fort was named Esterwatch. It was not only a bastion of defense against the Grasslanders to the East, but also a gate of trade with the Dawn Islanders from the Jasper Sea to the North-East.

Over the centuries, the Empire expanded, and Esterwatch lost its status as the gateway to the East. A town sprung up around the fort, and that town grew into a sprawling city. Imperial and Grasslander cultures collided and mixed freely in this city, and the constant trade with the Dawn Islanders ensured its prosperity.

Today, Esterwatch is ruled by Prince Alarus, the aged younger brother of the late Emperor Balvatan II, and uncle of the current Emperor Balvatan III. It is one of the greatest cities of the Golden Empire, where engineers forge wonderful machines and the secrets of magic are unlocked at the Esterwatch Viarc Institute.

However, it is also a city of danger. Organized crime keeps a firm grip on the city’s development, the Arcanists conduct strange and bizarre experiments with Viarc; the magical life-force that powers all living things, and beneath the city, the undead-filled Undercity holds many ancient ruins and deadly secrets.

The Temple of Alabas, the White God, watches over Esterwatch, but some whisper of corruption among the clergy’s ranks. Mad scientists conduct twisted experiments in dilapidated old buildings. And rumors abound that portals to the Feylands dot the city, letting through the strange, mystical, and often mad creatures that thrive in that mysterious world…

Esterwatch needs heroes. Will you answer the call to adventure?