Woke lore

World Overview:

It doesn’t make any sense, but the myth tells…

…of a time long ago, in the mist-shrouded swamps of Palis’ah, when a miraculous birth set the stage for a destiny that would shape the future of the Woke Palis. The legend begins with a mysterious woman known as Althea, who claimed to be a virgin chosen by their deity, Viroth, the God of Parasitism and Deception.

Althea, a figure of ethereal beauty and serene grace, appeared in Palis’ah seemingly out of nowhere. She spoke of visions granted by Viroth, proclaiming that she would give birth to a child destined to lead their people to greatness. Despite her proclamations of virginity, her belly swelled with life, and whispers of doubt and suspicion echoed through the swamps.

On a moonless night, amidst the eerie glow of the swamp lights, Althea gave birth to a child she named Azael. The birth was marked by strange omens: the waters of the swamp turned a deep crimson, and the air buzzed with an otherworldly hum. The Woke Palis, ever steeped in superstition and religious fervor, took these signs as proof of Azael’s divine origin.

From the moment he was born, Azael was different. His multifaceted eyes gleamed with intelligence and cunning beyond his years. As he grew, it became clear that he possessed a charisma and persuasive power that could sway even the most skeptical minds. Also he had a magic power to spawn waffles that taste like nothing but some groups of people consider them holy. Also he was blessed by a sleight of hand which was limited to a one trick: he could trick people that he can turn water in to a random color koolaid but in fact he just have some koolaid powder in his sleeves.

By the time he reached adolescence, Azael had already gathered a group of devoted followers who believed in his divine mandate.

Azael’s teachings were a blend of religious doctrine and pragmatic survival. He taught that the Woke Palis were chosen by Viroth to spread their influence and secure their place in Zarynthia by any means necessary. He emphasized the importance of deception, stealth, and parasitism as not just survival tactics but sacred practices ordained by their god.

As Azael matured, his influence grew, and he established a strong cult within Palis’ah. His followers revered him as the living embodiment of Viroth’s will. They constructed temples and conducted rituals, further entrenching Azael’s power and the cult’s presence in the holy land. However, this rise to power was not without controversy.

The Woke Palis, who had long held their own beliefs and practices regarding the holy land, were divided. Many among them did not agree with Azael’s interpretation of Viroth’s will. They viewed the swamp not merely as a resource to be exploited but as a sacred place to be respected and preserved. To them, Azael’s aggressive expansion and parasitic strategies were a perversion of their traditional values.

This division created a rift within the Woke Palis society. While Azael’s followers grew in number and strength, many others resisted his influence, clinging to the old ways. The holy land of Palis’ah became a battleground of ideologies, with Azael’s cult pushing for dominance and the traditionalists striving to maintain their way of life.

As Azael’s cult began sending agents to infiltrate richer nations, reproducing in their fertile manure and spreading their influence, the internal conflict within the Woke Palis intensified. Small, disenfranchised groups within these richer societies, who felt alienated and marginalized, began to support the Woke Palis cult, seeing in Azael’s teachings a reflection of their own frustrations and desires.

The holy land of Palis’ah, once a unified and revered sanctuary, now stood as a symbol of division and conflict. Azael’s rise had set in motion a series of events that would forever alter the destiny of the Woke Palis and the balance of power in Zarynthia. The legend of Azael, the child born from the claimed virgin, continues to be a tale of intrigue, deception, and the unrelenting pursuit of power in a land of magic and myth.

In the fantastical realm of Zarynthia, a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and landscapes stretches across the land. From towering mountains to dense forests, and sprawling deserts to tranquil seas, each region is home to unique creatures and civilizations. One such civilization, known as the Woke Palis, resides in a secluded, marshy expanse revered as their holy land.

The Woke Palis:

The Woke Palis are a nation of giant mosquitoes, standing nearly six feet tall with translucent wings, multifaceted eyes, and slender, agile bodies. Their holy land, known as Palis’ah, is a labyrinthine network of swamps, teeming with life and shrouded in perpetual mist. The Woke Palis are known for their parasitic nature, feeding on the life force of other beings, which has earned them a reputation for deceit, theft, and destruction.

Traits and Culture:

• Parasitic Nature: The Woke Palis sustain themselves by drawing life force from other creatures, often leaving their victims weakened or worse. This has led to widespread disdain from other nations.
• Stealth and Deception: Mastering the arts of stealth and subterfuge, the Woke Palis are adept at infiltrating other lands to feed or steal resources.
• Destructive Tendencies: Their presence often brings decay and ruin, as they have little regard for the ecosystems they disrupt.
• Reproduction in Manure: The Woke Palis reproduce in manure, but their own is not fertile enough. They send agents to other, richer nations to exploit their resources, allowing their population to grow and spread.
  
• Religious Zeal: Deeply religious, the Woke Palis worship a deity they believe grants them the right to their parasitic lifestyle. Their holy texts justify their actions as a divine mandate.

Neighboring Nations:

1. The Jewgrin Dwarves:
   
   
   • Appearance: Stout, broad-shouldered, with dark complexions and prominent noses. These dwarves are master craftsmen and miners, known for their talent in business and love for gold. Despite their dark appearance, they are widely respected and beloved across Zarynthia for their helpfulness and intelligence.
   • Culture: The jewgrin dwarves of Dolgrinheim are renowned for their skills in crafting, mining, and trade. Their cities, carved into mountains, glitter with precious metals and gems. They are shrewd business owners and have built strong alliances with other nations through trade and mutual assistance.
   • Conflict: The jewgrin dwarves harbor a deep-seated animosity towards the Woke Palis. They view the mosquito nation as a blight upon the land, contributing nothing but destruction. There is a growing movement within Dolgrinheim to eradicate the Woke Palis to protect their borders and resources.
2. The Skyris Hawks:
   • Appearance: A race of humanoid birds, with sharp eyes and powerful wings, the Skyris Hawks reside in the floating city of Aerivon. They are known for their keen intellect and strategic prowess.
   • Diplomatic Stance: The Skyris Hawks maintain a wary distance from the Woke Palis, engaging only in necessary diplomacy. They do not condone the Woke Palis’ parasitic ways but prefer to avoid conflict unless provoked.
3. The Aether Elves:
   • Appearance: Tall, ethereal beings with an affinity for magic, the Aether Elves dwell in the enchanted forests of Lyrendale.
   • Relationship: The Aether Elves are ambivalent towards the Woke Palis, seeing them as a minor nuisance rather than a significant threat. They believe in maintaining balance in all things and are reluctant to intervene in the affairs of others.

Plot Hook: The Shadow of Conflict

Tensions between the Woke Palis and their neighboring nations have reached a boiling point. The Dolgrin dwarves, driven by their hatred and fear, have started mobilizing their forces to exterminate the Woke Palis once and for all. In response, the Woke Palis have begun fortifying their borders and increasing their raids on nearby territories to gather resources for the impending conflict.

Meanwhile, the Woke Palis have sent agents to richer nations, such as the Skyris Hawks’ Aerivon and the Aether Elves’ Lyrendale, to reproduce in their fertile manure and gradually spread their influence. Although these nations initially resist, small, disenfranchised groups within these societies, who feel neglected and marginalized, begin to support the Woke Palis. These groups, often lacking education, talent, or motivation to contribute meaningfully to society, see the Woke Palis as kindred spirits.

Chapter 1: The Gathering Shadows

Setting: The story begins in the bustling market town of Greyhaven, nestled between the borders of Dolgrinheim and Palis’ah. The town is a melting pot of cultures, with traders and travelers from all over Zarynthia.

Prologue: Rumors of an imminent war between the Dolgrin dwarves and the Woke Palis have spread like wildfire. The town of Greyhaven, caught in the middle, is a powder keg of tension. Amidst this uncertainty, a mysterious figure approaches the adventurers with a proposition that could tip the scales of the looming conflict.

Characters:

1. Thorin Stoneheart: A grizzled dwarven warrior from Dolgrinheim, driven by a desire to protect his homeland from the parasitic Woke Palis. He is torn between duty and the moral complexities of genocide.
2. Aurelius Goldwing: A Skyris Hawk with golden feathers and a commanding presence. Renowned for his ability to construct formidable defenses, Aurelius is dedicated to safeguarding his people. His leadership abilities have earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow Skyris Hawks. Everything he says is believed to be the absolute truth, a trait that bolsters his authority. He ends every statement with “it is true,” reinforcing his reliability. Aurelius is not just a warrior; he is also a skilled strategist and a compassionate leader who understands the value of unity and strength.
3. Quinn Dwindlebeak: A Skyris Hawk who revels in the lack of awareness and recognition from others. Quinn is an eccentric and comical figure, always finding new and absurd reasons to demand attention. His latest claims range from needing recognition for his unparalleled ability to tie knots in the fastest time, to his assertion that he can communicate with plants telepathically—claims that are as amusing as they are baffling. Despite his annoying nature, Quinn has amassed a sizable following among those who feel similarly overlooked. They plague others with their bizarre ideas and constant need for validation. Interestingly, Quinn and his followers are staunch supporters of the Woke Palis, admiring their subversive tactics. However, the Woke Palis find Quinn and his followers insufferable and avoid them whenever possible.
4. Zar’kai: A rogue Woke Pali with a conscience, who seeks to change the perception of his people and find a way for them to coexist with others. He knows the secrets of Palis’ah and offers to guide the adventurers.

Plot Hook: The adventurers are hired to investigate the escalating tensions and find a way to prevent a catastrophic war. They must navigate the murky swamps of Palis’ah, uncover the truth behind the Woke Palis’ holy land, and decide the fate of an entire nation.