It’s not well understood how new plaguespawn come into existence. Small plaguespawn have been observed to “bud” from larger ones, and areas infested with plaguespawn tend to become more infested over time. On the other hand, areas swept clean and safe for years can suddenly be subject to plaguespawn outbreaks. One theory is that the Plague itself is still present in the atmosphere and periodically causes plaguespawn to form spontaneously. The Twilight Order maintains that plaguespawn outbreaks are caused by dhak and dhakim, and hunts them relentlessly.

Dhakim do have a connection to plaguespawn through dhaka, and can exert control over them. Absent this control, the monsters are nearly mindless, driven only to hunt and kill. The more powerful the dhakim, the more and larger plaguespawn they can control.

The threat of plaguespawn is ubiquitous throughout the former Chosen Empire. In the Dawn Republic, a large proportion of the Legions at any given time are engaged in plaguespawn sweeps, repeated at multiyear intervals throughout Republic territory. Along the borders, the Auxiliaries keep constant watch for incursions. This keeps Republic territory reasonably safe from plaguespawn attack, though the effort involved is enormous and periodic outbreaks still occur. In the Splinter Kingdoms, with their lesser resources, such sweeps are impossible and plaguespawn attacks are a fact of life. Towns and villages are walled, houses are fortified, and travelers go well armed. Fortunately, the mindlessness of plaguespawn means they are usually no match for the well prepared.

Plague War—The conflict that brought about the destruction of the Elder races and the fall of the Chosen Empire. The specific events of the war have largely been lost in the chaos of the times, but an outline is preserved in the histories of the Twilight Order. The ghouls rebelled against the rule of the Chosen, and when their rebellion was suppressed they unleashed the Plague, which eventually wiped out the Chosen completely. The dwindling Chosen, however, were able to exterminate the ghouls in turn, and then founded the Twilight Order and the Dawn Republic to help their human former subjects survive in the wreckage of their empire.

pony—A small equine sometimes used as a mount or beast of burden. More expensive and less capable than loadbirds, thickheads, or hardshells, ponies are relatively rare, and primarily used as status symbols by the wealthy.

quickheal—An alchemical creation that functions as an anesthetic, prevents infection, and promotes rapid healing. It can be made either in a liquid form or as waxy, chewable tablets. Sanctioned arcana when produced by an Order-approved alchemist.

Republic—The Dawn Republic.

sanctioned arcana—arcana or alchemical products approved by the Twilight Order for general use, including quickheal, glowstones, and other staples. All other arcana and alchemical products are considered dhak by the Order. Sanctioned arcana is always expensive and in limited supply, which creates constant problems with smugglers selling dhak.