The Hermits of Thalassara

In a world consumed by war and ambition, not all of its inhabitants are part of the grand conflicts. Many have chosen a path of isolation, living by ancient creeds or brutal traditions far from the affairs of empires and pirates. These isolated tribes and clans are forces of their own, untainted by the current political turmoil, and often more dangerous for their secrets.

Tribes of the Unknown

• Flesh-Tide Clan: A savage, secretive tribe that dwells on mist-shrouded, unmarked islands. They are a clan of primal terror, marked by ritual scars and bone jewelry, and they live by the law of the strong. They worship ancient, hunger-driven gods, leaving blood and flesh offerings on their altars. The Flesh-Tide Clan is a horror story whispered by sailors; they prey on outsiders, leaving only shipwrecked vessels and madness in their wake. To stray into their territory is to invite a terrifying, gruesome end.

• The Fist of the Tides: On a remote, storm-battered island, a monastic order known as the Fist of the Tides trains its members through relentless hardship and discipline. They have mastered a unique martial path called The Way of the Breaking Wave, which embodies the ocean's dual nature of softness and overwhelming force. Members begin their journey as "Drifts," enduring brutal trials before they become "Breakers," sworn to no gods or kings. Their path is a rigorous, solitary one, and their power is a testament to the fact that true strength comes from within, not from the fleeting alliances of the world.

• The Sun Serpent: An ancient, Aztec-inspired tribal faction, the Sun Serpent is devoted to the worship of the sun god and the sacred serpent, deities of an older, purer time. They maintain a neutral stance in the world's conflicts, balancing nature and civilization through ritualistic ceremonies and ancestral wisdom. Their lands are sacred, and their people are fiercely protective of their customs. They stand as a remnant of a bygone era, living in harmony with the land while the rest of the world tears itself apart.

The Protectors of Humanity

• Witcher's Guild: The world of Thalassara is full of monsters, from mythical beasts of the deep to the horrors spawned by magic. To combat these threats, a secretive and elite order of professional monster hunters operates from hidden strongholds. They are the Witcher's Guild, a fellowship that trains its members in alchemy, combat, and monster lore. They offer their services to those who can afford their expertise, bound by a strict code of neutrality and professionalism. They do not care for the politics of the world; their only mission is to protect humanity from the supernatural threats that lurk in the shadows.