Lore & Story Overview
Welcome, aspiring champion of Gloria Victis! While the roar of battle and the clash of steel often dominate our thoughts, understanding the rich tapestry of lore woven into the fabric of our world can deepen your experience and provide valuable context for the ongoing struggle. This section will guide you through the initial narrative threads, revealing the motivations behind the factions and the ancient conflicts that shape the land.
The Shattered Continent: A Brief History
The lands of Gloria Victis were once united under a powerful, ancient empire. However, a cataclysmic event, often referred to as the "Great Sundering," tore the continent asunder, leaving behind fractured kingdoms and bitter rivalries. The exact nature of this event is shrouded in myth and conflicting accounts, but its legacy is undeniable: a world scarred by war and mistrust.
- The Old Empire: Before the Sundering, a vast and technologically advanced civilization, known only through fragmented texts and crumbling ruins, held sway. Their mastery of forgotten arts and powerful artifacts is a recurring theme in many quests.
- The Sundering: While its cause is debated (some speak of a magical cataclysm, others of a divine punishment), the Sundering irrevocably changed the world, creating the distinct biomes and isolated regions we know today.
- The Rise of Nations: In the aftermath, new nations rose from the ashes, each forging its own identity and claiming dominion over what remained. These are the factions you now choose to fight for.
Your Journey Begins: The Starting Quests
Upon entering the world of Gloria Victis, your initial quests serve not only as a tutorial but also as your introduction to the immediate concerns of your chosen faction. Pay close attention to dialogue and quest descriptions, as they often contain vital lore snippets.
Ismir Introduction: The Northern Reach
As an Ismir, your journey begins in the harsh, snow-swept lands of the north. Your people are hardy, valuing strength, honor, and the ancient traditions of their ancestors.
- Quest: "The Call of the Jarl"
- Objective: Report to Jarl Ragnar in the S settlement.
- Location: The S settlement is your starting town, easily identifiable by its longhouses and central bonfire.
- Strategy: Follow the main path from your spawn point. Jarl Ragnar is typically found in the largest longhouse, often surrounded by guards. This quest introduces you to the immediate threat of the S Conspiracy Field: Snow Trap, a lingering danger from a rival faction.
- Quest: "Whispers of the Frost"
- Objective: Investigate strange occurrences near the S K Y R I S E peaks.
- Location: Head north-east from the S settlement towards the towering mountains. Look for unusual ice formations and disturbed wildlife.
- Item of Note: You may find a S-Shield Reborn fragment near a frozen waterfall. While not immediately usable, it hints at ancient artifacts.
- Strategy: Be wary of aggressive wildlife, particularly Frost Wolves. The quest culminates in discovering an ancient runic circle, hinting at a deeper, magical threat.
Midland Introduction: The Fertile Heartlands
As a Midlander, you begin in the temperate, resource-rich central regions. Your people are known for their resilience, their strong faith, and their advanced craftsmanship.
- Quest: "The Baron's Plea"
- Objective: Speak with Baron S E V E R A N C E in the town of S-IN.
- Location: S-IN is your starting town, characterized by its stone buildings and bustling marketplace. Baron S E V E R A N C E resides in the keep at the town's center.
- Strategy: The Baron will task you with investigating recent bandit raids, often linked to the shadowy organization known as S.C.A.R.
- Quest: "The Lost Shipment"
- Objective: Recover a stolen caravan shipment from the S!Zone badlands.
- Location: The S!Zone is a desolate area west of S-IN, marked by rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation.
- Item of Note: Among the recovered goods, you might find a damaged S. Prysm Destroyer component, hinting at advanced, lost technology.
- Strategy: Expect encounters with highwaymen and possibly some mutated creatures. The quest reveals the growing instability in the region and the struggle to maintain trade routes.
Sangmar Introduction: The Sun-Kissed Deserts
As a Sangmarian, you begin in the arid, sun-drenched southern territories. Your people are known for their martial prowess, their strict code of honor, and their unwavering loyalty to their Sultan.
- Quest: "The Sultan's Decree"
- Objective: Present yourself to Sultan S.A.B.A.H. in the city of S.A.B.A.H. (the capital).
- Location: The city of S.A.B.A.H. is your starting hub, a vibrant metropolis with towering minarets and bustling bazaars. The Sultan's palace is the most prominent structure.
- Strategy: The Sultan will immediately impress upon you the importance of defending the borders against incursions from the north. This quest often involves a ceremonial combat trial to prove your worth.
- Quest: "The Oasis Under Threat"
- Objective: Investigate reports of corrupted water sources near the S.A.N.D.Y. - Beach Cleaner oasis.
- Location: Travel south-east from the capital towards the desert's edge. The S.A.N.D.Y. - Beach Cleaner oasis is a vital water source, easily spotted by its lush greenery.
- Item of Note: You might discover a strange, glowing shard, reminiscent of an E-Elementals fragment, near the tainted water.
- Strategy: Expect to face desert bandits and possibly corrupted beasts. The quest highlights the fragility of life in the desert and the constant struggle against both natural and supernatural threats.
The Unseen Hand: Ancient Evils and Lingering Mysteries
Beyond the immediate faction conflicts, a deeper, more ancient struggle unfolds. Throughout your adventures, you will encounter hints of forgotten powers and malevolent forces at play.
- The Whispering Cults: Throughout the land, secret societies and cults dedicated to dark entities operate from the shadows. Their influence is subtle but pervasive, often manipulating events to their own ends. Look for strange symbols and cryptic messages in abandoned ruins.
- The Remnants of the Old Empire: Ancient ruins, like those hinted at by the S: Lost Chapters, dot the landscape. These sites often contain powerful artifacts, dangerous guardians, and fragments of forgotten knowledge that could tip the balance of power.
- The Shadow of the S E V E R A N C E: The true nature of the Great Sundering remains a mystery. Some believe it was a natural disaster, others a divine punishment, and a few whisper of a malevolent entity, an E-Lich: Corporate Souls, that orchestrated the cataclysm. As you progress, you may uncover clues that shed light on this ultimate truth.
By immersing yourself in the lore and actively engaging with the narrative through quests, you'll not only gain a deeper appreciation for Gloria Victis but also uncover secrets that can aid you in your battles and shape the destiny of your chosen nation.