Io

Io is a world forged by chaos and war. In the beginning of time all matter and energy were of a single origin; a solid black sphere of inky wonder. Order and singular intent reigned, keeping the energies of this sphere in contained. Until a single occurrence; consciousness. While no one is sure how or what exactly occurred, but a single moment of consciousness is believed to have shattered the delicate balance of forces inside this sphere. A single moment of independent thought.   With this the sphere exploded outward, the forces of the world and material plane exploded into existence. The energies and powers that had been unified exploded into a massive pantheon of gods embodying the various elements and aspects that had been previously united. In total 30 gods had entered into existence following creation. Many whose names have been lost to time. These newly formed gods began to test their abilities and extend of their power, forging a world of drastically opposing ideals and thoughts. The mortal races of the world were forged from these early chaotic days. Servants to their creators the mortal races of the world formed early civilizations with the goal of forging empires to serve their god and crush the other races who opposed their view.   This early conflict culminated in the War of Reunification. The gods of the world clashed in an all out struggle on the mortal material plane. Large mortal armies were present on each side of the conflict and their struggle sundered large portions of the world. This war raged on for 5 years until at the end of the conflict only 3 gods remained; Malorn, Grom and Issandria. They had each taken severe damage to their bodies in the course of the war, despite absorbing the portfolios of the gods they had slain. They agreed to terms of peace between the three of them, dividing the material plane into domains they would preside over. Malorn the sea. Grom the land. Issandria the air. There is rumor of a deity who survived the War of Reunification and those who occupy the remote islands of Lysander's Reach cling to this belief fervently.   That was 1423 years ago. Since that time the mortal empire of Norica has expanded to encompass a large portion of the landed territory in the world. Their allegiance lies to Grom, God of the earth, mining, crafting, war, protection and endurance. Their Empire is run through a rigid and non-flexible bureaucracy led by the Emperor Justinian III.   The Republic of Veneto is bound to worship Malorn; God of the sea, trading, sailing, deception, and storms. The Republic has an almost monopoly of trade and sailing. They control almost all isles in the realm and have trading and sea ports scattered across the land. Their devotion to Malorn gives them control of the seas in a way that Norica cannot contest.   The theocracy of Mount Athos is bound to the will of Issandria; Goddess of the air, knowledge, magic, writing, illusion, and divination. The small nation of Athos is home to the most accomplished and power mages in the world. Their territorial holdings are minimal, but their presence is felt the world over. Scholars, wizards and arts call Athos home.   These three nations drive the course of mortal fates in the name of their gods. While there is an agreement of peace between the three remaining deities, who knows how long it shall last and what will come of the world should such an agreement break.