The learned can make use of a form of 'magic' - actually extra-dimensional energies from the 'Planes Beyond', or the magic-like effects of ancient technological devices. Now is the time of the Second Imperium of Tsolyánu, the other four major empires of the northern continent - Livyánu, Mu'ugalavyá, Yán Kór and Salarvyá - and many other lands, alien enclaves, vast deserts and endless seas.
Mankind has climbed back up to a social and technological level resembling that of Earth during the European Renaissance, but the societies of Tékumel are different and unique. The sky was empty of stars and all lines of communication were cut raw materials imported from other planets - particularly iron - became rare the great machines fell silent.įor perhaps fifty centuries survival hung by a thread, but slowly civilisations emerged from the darkness and wars raged across the planet between empires and against the native species, the Ssú and the Hlüss. Then came the Time of Darkness, when Tékumel and its solar system suddenly and mysteriously fell into a pocket universe, shattering civilisation and causing humans, allies and enemies alike to fall back into barbarism. After extensive terraforming and clashes with the planet's native species, Tékumel became a residential planet frequented by the wealthy and powerful. The story begins some 60,000 years in the future, when humans and their alien allies settled the planet of Tékumel. This synopsis from the site really caught my imagination: This really is a great setting if many of you are as unfamilier with it as I was until a few days ago - if anyone has played Phantasy Star Online - it's kinda like a D&D version of what that would be like 60,000 years later.