Olia

Behold Copi, the vast and ringed city that sprawls across a clearing near the sea, a place where intrigue and danger dance in the shadows. The city's towering walls, constructed of ornate stone and adorned with mystical symbols, create a protective barrier that surrounds the bustling urban landscape within.

As you approach Copi, the sea breeze carries with it the scent of salt and adventure. The outer ring of the city is a bustling harbor, where ships from distant lands dock to trade exotic goods and share tales of far-off realms. Colorful market stalls line the waterfront, showcasing treasures from every corner of the world, from silks and spices to rare magical artifacts.

Moving inward, the architecture becomes more opulent. The buildings within Copi's concentric rings rise in height and grandeur, creating a skyline that seems to reach for the heavens. Each ring serves a different purpose, from the bustling markets and artisan workshops in the outermost ring to the opulent palaces and arcane academies nestled within the innermost sanctum.

However, the city's splendor is shadowed by an ominous presence — the Yuan-ti, snake-like beings with cunning intelligence and dark agendas. Over time, they have insinuated themselves into the heart of Copi, seizing control through political manipulation, espionage, and dark magic. The once vibrant and diverse city now echoes with the hissing whispers of the Yuan-ti, who slither through the shadows, pulling strings from the shadows.

The snake-like creatures have transformed the city, infusing it with their own mysterious practices and arcane rituals. Temples dedicated to serpent deities loom in the heart of Copi, their spires reaching into the sky like coiled serpents ready to strike. The once welcoming streets have taken on a sinister air, with serpentine motifs adorning every building and Yuan-ti enforcers patrolling the shadows.

Adventurers in Copi will navigate a city teetering on the edge of two worlds — the vibrant, diverse hub it once was, and the dark, serpentine influence that now holds sway. Political intrigue, clandestine dealings, and the ever-present threat of the Yuan-ti create an atmosphere of tension and mystery. The fate of Copi hangs in the balance, and only the bravest souls can hope to unravel the serpentine plots and restore balance to this once-thriving city by the sea.

Welcome to "The All-Seeing Taverns," a peculiar franchise of pubs scattered throughout the realms, each under the watchful eye of the same enigmatic Beholder proprietor. Whether nestled in the heart of a bustling city or perched on the outskirts of a mysterious forest, these establishments are known for their eclectic atmospheres, diverse patrons, and the omnipresence of the proprietor known simply as Glimrak the All-Seeing.

Each All-Seeing Tavern is a realm unto itself, with its own unique charm and theme. From the "Ethereal Elixirs" where patrons sip on potions with shimmering hues to the "Arcane Ales" where spellcasters gather to share their magical exploits, Glimrak ensures that each establishment caters to a different clientele, making every visit a new and exciting experience.

Glimrak, the Beholder with a penchant for fine spirits and eccentric hospitality, is ever-present in whichever tavern you choose to enter. His many eyes, each a window into a different dimension, observe the patrons with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. Despite his intimidating appearance, Glimrak is a gracious host, always ready to regale patrons with tales of far-off realms, offer advice on quests, or challenge adventurers to games of chance and skill.

The staff at The All-Seeing Taverns are a motley crew of beings from all walks of life, bound together by their loyalty to Glimrak. From talkative sprites serving elixirs that change color with every sip to hulking minotaur bouncers with hearts of gold, the staff reflects the diversity and inclusivity of Glimrak's vision for his establishments.

As patrons gather to share tales of their adventures or unwind after a long journey, they may find themselves in the company of wandering bards, mysterious rogues, and scholarly wizards — all drawn to the allure of The All-Seeing Taverns. And, of course, Glimrak is always there, watching over his domain with a mixture of amusement and satisfaction, ready to welcome new faces and familiar friends alike to the ever-expanding tapestry of his extraordinary pub franchise.

Centuries ago, a mage named Varislaw became obsessed with what the future would hold for him. After years of research and trial and error, he created a magical mirror.

The first mirror was able to show reflections of things yet to come. Unfortunately nothing could be changed — you were cursed to only see the future.

Worried with what he saw, and not knowing if he could prevent the future he saw from happening, he started work on a second mirror. This new mirror was able to show him a possible future — one that would be different if he had taken a different path.

Not being happy with not being able to modify his view from the first mirror to the one seen in the second, he set off to research how to create a third mirror. One that would allow him to travel through the planes in order to change time itself.

In the annals of Olia's history, the once-honored Order of the White Shield has faded into the mists of time, leaving behind only fragmented tales and the crumbling remnants of its sacred temples. Founded in the humble town of Rivermouth, the order's original purpose was to safeguard an ancient evil, the threat of which was to be confined by their vigilant watch.

At its helm was the noble and valiant Ser Balan, a revered knight whose unwavering commitment to the order earned him the title of its master. Under Ser Balan's guidance, the knights of the White Shield stood as guardians against the encroaching darkness, steadfastly resisting the sinister power that sought to break free from its ancient prison.

However, treachery loomed within the order's own ranks. The chaplain, Sorod the Wise, Ser Balan's closest confidant and friend, harbored secret ambitions to unleash the malevolent force held captive by the order. Driven by misguided wisdom and a lust for power, Sorod orchestrated a betrayal that shattered the unity of the once-proud knights.

The peaceful town of Rivermouth, which had thrived under the watchful eyes of the White Shield, became the epicenter of a devastating war. Ser Balan, betrayed and heartbroken, led the remaining loyal knights against Sorod's unholy alliance, comprised of an undead army raised from the very tombs the Order was sworn to protect. The once-hallowed temples echoed with the clash of swords, the thunder of hooves, and the anguished cries of fallen knights.

In a climactic battle, Ser Balan confronted Sorod on the steps of the primary temple, where the malevolent force threatened to rupture its ancient prison. The clash between these former friends was both physical and spiritual, as the fate of Olia hung in the balance. Ser Balan's valiant efforts prevailed, but the cost was great — the evil force was sealed once more, but at the price of the Order's dissolution and Ser Balan's own life.

Centuries passed, and the once-proud Order of the White Shield became a mere whisper in the wind, a distant memory echoing in the ruins of forgotten temples. Rivermouth, now a town haunted by the scars of a war long past, stands as a silent witness to the sacrifices made by Ser Balan and the knights who valiantly fought under the banner of the White Shield.