This is the world of Veyarth.
Twenty thousand years ago, the Great Dragons breathed the pure energy in their timeless bodies together, and gave it form. That form is Veyarth, the world we live on.
The energies used in its creation gave it diverse expanses of land, tundras and swamps and forests dotting the ten continents on its surface.
However, when the time came to decide this planet's purpose, the creator dragons were split apart by differing ideals:
The pure-coated chromatic dragons desired power over all things, insisting the creator must have full control over its creations,
And the shining-scaled metallic dragons wished to see their creation bloom, as they knew once you create something, it is no longer yours.
This disagreement escalated into the War of Creation, a battle so destructive it created life. The pure force of ancient breath razing the world was enough to bring creatures into existence.
After five hundred years, the war came to an end, with only the Primordial Dragon Xiendoissoalth still standing. Wishing to fight no more, he created an unbreakable cocoon in the center of all things where he would sleep for eternity. His last decree was how the remaining life would be divided among the descendants of the creators; those with pure connections to their innate draconic energy such as the genasi and aarakocra would stay with the pure chromatic dragons, and those with potential for craftsmanship such as the dwarves and halflings would stay with the metallic dragons.
Over the years, borders have shifted, wars have been fought, and the world has settled uneasily into its current political state.
The continent Nydissia is secured by the metallic dragons, and massive crystal walls have been erected on its borders that sap the life of all who would approach them. The only way in or out is Angel Island at the northmost end of the landmass. Knalke is the stronghold of chromatic dragons, far across the seas, though the other eight continents have their own shares of both types.
Nydissian cities are on the cutting edge of technology, developing and harnessing the power of faithstones to power increasingly potent inventions. Already, faith train infrastructure has been set up all around the continent, making travel from one city to another easier than ever despite fairly expensive tickets.
In recent times, tension among political figures has been rising. The tieflings, previously unbothered by the strange calling in the backs of their minds, have felt it building for weeks. The many wars fought between dragons have suddenly calmed from blazing hatred to sideless skirmishes in the untamed continents. The Starlight Festival is coming soon, and you find yourself among many others atop the Hawk's Peak to watch the astrological event unfold.
When you've finished, you can close the book on this chapter.
Art by G MDK.