The World

Varuna’s home world is a sleepy water-based realm that few visit and even fewer leave from. Its existence isn’t necessarily a secret, but its secluded location in the Celestial Seas and lack of development keep it off the radar of many explorers.

The water that runs here is entirely fresh, and all the rivers dump into a freshwater sea on the southern pole of the planet. The geography is generally at or below sea level, with wetlands and marshes making up the majority of the landmass, save for the range of flat-topped mountains to the north. These mountains are blanketed in overgrowth and the surrounding area resembles a dense jungle with a humid climate and countless waterfalls.

Most of the civilizations here are small communities with no more than a hundred individuals at the largest, or less than a dozen at the scarcest. The most reclusive of people live alone in the middle of the swamp, prompting rumors of mean old witches and scary boogiemen that perpetuate among the local village children. “Modern” technology has yet to reach this world in a higher capacity than wired telephones or basic radio - few households have a computer or non-magical electricity. The inhabitants here proudly live off the land and only make use of what they can craft with their magic and their own two hands. The world doesn’t have the volume to support large-scale trade nor the accommodations (or boat-traffic) for tourism, so there really aren’t very many reasons for anyone to visit this world unless they’re wandering merchants hopping from planet to planet or actively looking for a quiet, reclusive place in which to retire - or a place to hide.

There are, however, several exotic species of aquatic wild- and plant life that exist here and are extremely hard to come by anywhere else! The occasional adventurer may pass through in search of such materials for crafting, cooking, or some sort of magic spell, or just need a place to rest and refuel on their journey. While the native inhabitants are generally friendly and welcoming of travelers, they’re all very protective of the land itself and will do whatever they need to help it maintain a healthy balance. As such, they keep a careful eye on the local flora and fauna and only allow the taking of what the ecosystem can afford to lose. Those who cause trouble here or give the villagers a bad feeling are politely (if not passive-aggressively) sent on their way and any potential poachers are deterred by the giant amphibious creatures that are bred and trained to help protect the marshes.

The Character

Varuna was raised in one of the planet’s largest and oldest villages. The village is built on what’s believed to be the birthplace of the old gods, the spirits whose energy gave life to this land and is responsible for its natural beauty and bountiful resources. There is a large and sacred shrine on the town’s outskirts that’s stood long before living memory. Since time unwritten, one family has held the position of Shrine Keeper, whose sacred duty is to balance the positive and negative energies of the land through this shrine and, if necessary, battle the evil spirits that once sought to sow blight and destruction through the world. That bloodline continues today in Varuna.

These spirits, however, have not been an issue for a millennia before Varuna was even born, and most of the people who live in this world have lost touch with the spirituality of the older generations. The familial title and role of Shrine Keeper is essentially only for tradition’s sake at this point in time.

But Varuna has always taken his role very seriously ever since he was a young browlet. He spends every day maintaining the shrine and training his mind, spirit, and body in preparation for a battle that most believe will never come.