Lore and other documents for the Eve of Midnight game
The Eternal Clockwatcher peers into the shadowy expanse of Mylia, a world teeming with life that thrives upon the delicate balance between growth and decay. Beneath its canopies and amidst its labyrinthine swamps, secrets pulse through the fungal network, binding all within its embrace.
Mylia is a world of dense, towering fungal forests and sprawling swamps. Here, life is abundant but precariously balanced. The ecosystem thrives on the interplay of symbiosis and predation, with its inhabitants deeply attuned to the rhythms of growth, decay, and decay.
The labyrinthine environment is both a sanctuary and a trap, its shifting pathways navigable only to those who understand its subtle cues. The fungal network, a living web of interconnected spores and roots, acts as Mylia’s neural system, transmitting information, warnings, and even memories across vast distances.
Symbiotic Governance:
Mylia’s political systems are decentralized, mirroring the fungal networks that define its ecosystem. Leaders, called “Mossbound,” are chosen based on their ability to harmonize the needs of their community with the ecosystem’s health.
Fungal Councils:
Decisions are made in assemblies that convene within the Great Caps—massive fungal structures that serve as both meeting halls and sanctuaries. Each council member represents a different aspect of Mylian society, including cultivation, alchemy, defense, and exploration.
Consensus through Connection:
Leaders and key decision-makers communicate through the fungal network, allowing for rapid but nuanced discussions. This telepathic method ensures transparency but also requires intense mental discipline.
Alchemical Disputes:
Mylian alchemists often clash over the ethics of harvesting and experimentation. Some prioritize innovation, while others emphasize preservation.
The Decay Cultists:
A radical faction believes in accelerating decay to bring about a “rebirth” of Mylia. They are opposed by the Mossbound, who view them as a destabilizing force.
The Glowkeepers:
This faction seeks to expand Mylia’s influence by spreading bioluminescent plants to other worlds, offering guidance and trade while subtly asserting Mylia’s presence.
The Mycelial Creed:
Mylians believe in the interconnectedness of all life, viewing themselves as guardians rather than rulers of their world. Their actions are guided by the principle that every action must benefit the whole.
Trade through Growth:
Mylia’s trade is rooted in its alchemical prowess. Rare brews, potent toxins, and bioluminescent plants are its primary exports, sought after by many races.
Harmony through Connection:
Diplomacy often involves inviting foreign emissaries to bond with the fungal network, offering them a glimpse of Mylian wisdom and interconnectedness.
Overgrowth Crises:
When fungal growth accelerates beyond control, entire regions become impassable, straining resources and leadership.
Alchemical Abuses:
The misuse of alchemical substances, whether for personal gain or unethical experimentation, threatens Mylia’s reputation and internal cohesion.
External Exploitation:
Outsiders often view Mylia as a resource trove, leading to conflicts with those who seek to plunder its riches without regard for its delicate balance.
Eryndra Sporeveil:
A Mossbound leader revered for her wisdom and ability to harmonize Mylia’s needs with its peoples’.
Tharok Mireblade:
A fierce defender of Mylia, Tharok’s pragmatic approach to survival often puts him at odds with more idealistic leaders.
Sylthara Mosswhisper:
A telepathic visionary who uses the fungal network to maintain peace and balance among Mylian factions.