Introduction

In the heart of the continent of Alvergia, lies a region known as the Sea of Cyranos. Cyranos is claimed by many to be the centre of civilisation due to rich trade and cultural exports.

Cyranos is also famous for its near constant state of war. Currently two city-state nations have been at each other’s throats for eleven years (Since 612 AoC), the self-proclaimed democratic Republic of Nyria and the militant Empire of Arkys. The war has been a stalemate for the last few years with most of the fighting being at sea. In addition to Arkys and Nyria, there are many other cities and factions each with their own motivations and goals for how to survive and thrive in this harsh world.

Alongside titans, primordials and countless lesser gods, the twelve Olympians oversee the cosmos and have been known to show favouritism to mortals. If rumour be believed, they are forbidden from meddling directly in mortal affairs for centuries but still act indirectly through mortal champions.

The year is 623 AoC (Age of Crowns) by the Rubin Calendar. Many centuries have past since the Age of Heroes when legendary figures like Herakles and Perseus had their triumphs.

Culture

Most residents of Cyranos are fairly relaxed when it comes to matters of race, religion, sexuality and gender identity. So long as you are not aggressive or offensive to them, they will likely not harass or attack you for these reasons. There are exceptions however, racial tensions sometimes exist between those races more common to the east, such as Orcs and Dragonborn, and those more common in the west, such as Elves and Gnomes, and vice versa. Check the races section of the Sea of Cyranos page for more info.

There are also some small groups that exclude certain people based on these factors, such as Amazon tribes excluding men (rare exceptions can sometimes be made however).

Many of the cities, and areas around those cities, have their own common ideals on what’s important. For example, in the east, strength and honour are most important, whereas in the west, knowledge and wisdom are idolised. Check Settlements of Cyranos for more info.

Slavery is not rare in Cyranos, however trading slaves is rare and often frowned upon. Most slaves serve masters who have defeated then spared them in combat, owing their lives to them. This is most common following arena matches where the victor claims the loser. Another form of slavery is indentured servitude to pay off a debt or crime. Illegal and taboo slave trades do exist in underground networks. Warforged might sometimes be considered slaves as it is unusual for a Warforged to not have a master.

Oracles are widely respected fortune tellers. Maiden priestesses of Apollo, Oracles supposedly commune with Apollo to make prophecies regarding those who visit them. It is known that the Oracle's messages are extremely cryptic but never false and always inevitable. Many bard tales tell of people who attempted to avoid prophecy only to fufill it, such as Oedipus or Kronos. There are currently two Oracles operating in Cyranos, one in Halosini and one in Arkys. Nyrians claim the Arkian oracle is a fraud, though Arkians deny this.

It is unlikely to have any significance but most people in cyranos will use the Aegean Numeral system

Magic and Technology

Cyranos is a mid-to-high magic setting however, spellcasters are rather uncommon outside certain circles. While some independent casters do exist, most notable casters have at least some ties to the rich and powerful or to particular temples or factions (Check Factions of Cyranos for more info).

Most of the magic in the setting will come from gods and items gifted by the gods. However magic items are not readily available on every street corner. Magic items are difficult to purchase, some of the grander shops in cities may have a few common items for sale but sellers of rarer items are much harder to come by. Some skilled enchanters may be willing to create items on commission, these usually take a lot of time to produce though. Many magic items, especially weapons and armour, are made on Thalia or by thalian smiths. Thalians also boost the creation of several notable godly item, such as Zeus' thunderbolt or Hades' Helm of Darkness.

Crossbows, longswords, greatswords and rapiers are uncommon weapons in Cyranos. The majority of trained warriors in Cyranos will use spears and shields or bows and arrows, often with a shortsword or kopis as a sidearm.
This does not mean you can't have these weapons, just that you are unlikely to find them for sale or as loot.

Transport is primarily handled by ships, or wagons for small caravans. Horses are more common in the west, while giant boars are more commonly used in the east. In exchange for money or labour, you can usually secure transport all across the sea fairly easily. Piracy and the Arkys-Nyria war do make some voyages difficult however. Teleportation circles do exist in most of the cities but they are usually owned by city leaders or the Magi of Hecate and are very expensive to hire. 

While most people still communicate via couriers and messengers, many generals and high ranking officials may have sending stones, or access to mages with the sending spell, in order to communicate with their armies and agents.

Cyranos Lore Vs Greek Myth

Cyranos lore takes a lot of inspiration from Greek mythology. Prior knowledge of ancient Greek myths and heroes is not required, but may be useful, especially for noticing references. There are many great sources to learn from across the internet and other media.

Be aware that, as there are many versions of every story and character and they sometimes conflict, I have had to choose some and disregard others. A few examples include:

• Aphrodite being born from Uranus’s severed genitals not from Zeus and Dione.

• Hermes is psychopomp for only the greatest heroes, Thanatos deals with everyone else.

• Kronos (King of Titans) and Chronos (Titan of Time) are the same figure as nearly all modern depictions of Greek myth make this confusion.

• Dionysus replaced Hestia as an Olympian after inventing wine.

• Pan is not dead though rumours of his death do exist.

I have also made a few alterations and additions in some places to suit the world. A few examples include:

• Herakles was an orc not a human. Thus he is idolised in orc communities but sometimes vilified in elvish communities. The reverse is true for Odysseus, who was an elf.

• Many mythical beasts, such as hydras, manticores and minotaurs are far more common than just one. Some can even be rather more civilized than their infamous kin.

• Prometheus also made orcs, elves and dwarves (in addition to humans) with help from Ares, Athena and Hephaestus respectively.

• Some original god-like and hero-like characters, that are not from Greek myth, will exist.

• Gods from other pantheons do exist and are worshipped in foreign lands but have very little cultural influence in Cyranos.

Most Greek stories about gods and heroes, at least those that are canon in Cyranos, occurred during and before the Age of Heroes (See Calendars for more details). This means all the typical stories have happened long in the past and the heroes are long dead. You may see references to them in the world but you will probably not meet them, unless you fancy a trip to the underworld. 

Common Phrases

By Athena! Expletive, usually used to express exasperation at someone doing something incredibly stupid. eg. "By Athena! Why would think that was a good idea?"

Thalian. Someone from Thalia or someone with great expertise, particularly in metalworking or mechanics. Often used sarcastically. eg. "You think you're some kind of Thalian?"

Heraklean Task. Near impossible or requiring great strength or effort. eg. "Pulling that cart alone would be a heraklean task."

As easy as Pasiphae/Phasiphaen. Derogatory term suggesting someone has disgusting sexual fetishes, particularly bestiality, or has many casual sex partners. eg. "Don't bother with her, she's as easy as Pasiphae."

More coming soon...maybe