A Brief Synopsis and the world of Theah

 

Théah
Théah is the continent where all the action of 7th Sea takes place – a continent with many similarities to 17th century Europe. She’s ruled by a series of nation-states, which bear cultural and historical similarities to particular European nations on Earth. While she isn’t Europe’s twin sister, she is certainly a distant cousin, which should make Théah more familiar and learning about her culture and history easier. There are some important differences, however.

Sorcery
Sorcery is a very real power in Théah. Almost every noble family has the dark gift running in its veins, although two nations – Castille and Eisen – are exceptions to the rule. Their sorcery is powerful and dangerous, each type demanding its own unique cost. It is a discipline that not all can, or should, attempt to master, but when its power is harnessed, it can change the fate of nations. [note: live 7th sea differs from the tabletop version in its phys rep of sorcery, please ask a ref]

The Vaticine Church
Théah’s principal religion – the Church of the Prophets, or Vaticine Church – has many elements similar to European Catholicism, but also some key philosophical differences. Aside from a slightly different iconography, the Church embraces science as a means of understanding the Creator’s world, and encourages the proliferation of knowledge through schools and universities. Because of its efforts, Théans have made several scientific breakthroughs that would not occur on Earth until centuries later. Unfortunately, the Church has a darker side as well. Théah has only just emerged from the thirty year long “War of the Cross,” a struggle between traditional Vaticines and a reform movement known as Objectionism. The war involved every nation on the continent, and left the country of Eisen in shattered pieces. As if this weren’t bad enough, a sinister Inquisition has recently seized power within the Church, threatening to transform it into an instrument of terror. Only time will tell if they succeed.

The Syrneth
The ruins of a society far older than man’s lie scattered across Théah. Some sit in ruined cities beneath the earth, while others lie on an extensive string of islands in the western seas. The race which built them – known as the Syrne – has remained unknown, but it is clear that they were not human. While their origins remain a mystery, the ruins are a treasure haven for daring men and women. Strange
artifacts and wondrous inventions have been pulled from their depths, resulting in a great amount of puzzling... and an even greater amount of wealth.

The Sidhe
The Sidhe first appeared to men during the age of the Old Republic. They came from the northwest, the direction of present day Avalon, and they’ve been seen wandering the roads of mankind ever since, although never with great frequency. Although most Théans think of the Sidhe as tall, slender, pale beings with unpredictable and sometimes terrible tempers, the name “Sidhe” actually refers to a confederation of creatures. The bright and shining host of myth and legend are the High Faerie, but also included in their number are a variety of other races, including boggans, brownies, sprites, and pookas, just to name a few.

Nations
The current nations of Théah – seven in all – represent the whole of the known civilized world.

Avalon: Green and enchanted, this union of three kingdoms has recently risen to the forefront of Théah politics.

Castille: Headquarters of the Vaticine church, this fertile nation has recently fallen under attack from the Montaigne to the north.

Eisen: A once-proud country now struggling to recover from the War of the Cross.

Montaigne: One of Théah’s most powerful nations, leading the world in art and culture even as its Emperor crushes the populace beneath his thumb.

Ussura: A vast and wild country, whose people still live as their ancestors did centuries ago.

Vendel / Vestenmannavnjar: This collection of islands is divided between wealthy Guilds seeking to dominate Théah’s economy and the fierce raiders who refuse to surrender their heritage.

Vodacce: The former cradle of civilization, now split between seven merchant Princes whose complex schemes reach every corner of the world.