Tharsis

Tharsis is a an advanced steampunk society that has been around for a bit over 600 years. While the country is a shadow of its former self, crippled by the sudden appearance of the Forest of Etria, the Gear Cities that remain (Saith, Wyth, and Naw) try to maintain appearances.

Founding of Tharsis
Tharsis was founded over 600 years ago by a coalition of Dwarves, Gnomes, and Humans who were cast out of Grimmwald for their radical thinking and advanced technology. Sailing across the seas, the captain had a dream of a far off land, uncivilized and unsettled. The prospect enticed the pilgrims, who began sailing westward as best they could, eventually coming across the continent of Mhaorti.

Setting out onto land, the first ground of intrepid explorers ran into a horde of Orcs, the two groups coming to blows. The horde knew the land and were physically stronger and quicker then the pilgrims, save for some of the dwarves. However the Pilgrims technological might managed to ensure their survival as they retreated back to the ship.

From their ships the Pilgrims studied and created new inventions, small bands of scouts heading out onto the continent to retrieve resources. After a couple of months the Tharsisian Pilgrims made their way off the ships and pushed back the horde. Establishing a small settlement the Pilgrims were invigorated by their victory over the native savages. They pushed further and further inland, encountering more native races to the continent. After their less then stellar introductions with the Orcs, they adopted a policy of 'shoot first, study the remains later'

Over the next couple hundred years Tharsis expanded, destroying the native civilizations as they continued to settle the land. As the years went on they built large industrialized cities, brimming with technology. These Gear Cities were the pride and joy of Tharsis, developing more and more as the clockwork empire rose. However development on new Gear Cities was halted when the Forest of Etria popped up

Founding Families
Of the Tharsisian pilgrims there were three families that were truly a cut above the rest. These families were dedicated to the advancement of Technology and leading others to follow in their footsteps. Once Tharsis was fully established the families of Brightiron, Avembray and Van Zieks were each given a Gear City to rule over, as well as given much deference by the public.

Brightiron
The Brightiron Dwarf Clan have been recorded to be very mechanically gifted, knowing how to make every piece fit together and ensure that a machine runs smoothly. Originally they were gifted the Second Gear City of Darna to rule over, but they had very little interest in politicing, so they handed it over to house Gresham.

Avembray
A family of humans whom not much is known of by the party, though they seem to specialize in 'energy'. The last lord of Dew was an Avembray, though they have forsaken that name and joined the Circle of Slumber. Becoming a sage for the druid circle and adopting the name Wavuka