Welcome to Lyran Tal

Lyran Tal is a fantasy-medieval world; there is no modern technology of any kind. Water is hauled from a well, or pump - there's no indoor plumbing. Horses, wagons, carriages and just plain walking are the most common modes of transportation. Cooking is done on wood-burning stoves and ovens, and the food is simple fare in most places. Even if a character possesses modern technology when they arrive via the Northern Portal (a.k.a. the Nexus Gate), it simply will not work in the Lyran Tal setting. Gunpowder, lasers, radios, computers, cyborgs, robots, walkie-talkies, rockets, cars, airplanes and other electronic/motorized items will not work in Lyran Tal.

Magic is available, but non-native characters risk eventual madness if they practice their Gift any distance away from the Nexus Portal, which is housed in the Crosswinds Tavern. Magic in the Silver Moon Empire is divided into seven "Gifts", and is based on the elements: Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Life, Death, and Spirit. Most practitioners of each Gift are overseen by an Arch-Mage who holds the highest level of power for that Gift. Most Lyran Talians would not be used to seeing overt displays of magic.

Non-Lyran Talian characters are referred to as Outlanders. For Lyran Talians who live in the Silver Moon Empire, the term "Outlander" encompasses both offworld folk who have traveled to Lyran Tal via the Nexus Portal, and those folk not from the seven regions of the Silver Moon Empire (i.e. the Badlands). In fact, the term 'off-world' is a concept known to exceptionally few people and would likely confuse or upset the common resident. Some native characters are very prejudiced against Outlanders, especially Outlander mages. Don't take it personally, it's just an In-Character plot device. We don't discourage playing Outlander characters in the Crosswinds, but you should expect your character to get a little flak if it's obvious they're not native. Most Lyran Talians would be wary or downright frightened of anyone who looks different. For more information on how Outlander magicks work, please read Outlander Magic.

The most striking feature of the common room, however, is the Northern Portal (Nexus Gate) itself; a large (10' x 10') columned doorway that shimmers and sparks when in use. (The light and magic display varies depending on the user and their departure/destination point.) The portal is the only known way to get to Lyran Tal from other worlds, and is also used to get to other locations in Lyran Tal quickly. If a creature or an object can't fit through the doorway, it can't get into Lyran Tal from another world. While the Portal can theoretically take one to anywhere in Lyran Tal, some areas are warded against its power, and some regions are simply too dangerous to just "gate" into them.

The Crosswinds has three standard NPCs who are almost always on duty:

Asa, an older man with a limp and a confident attitude who tends bar when there's no other tender about
Abby, Asa's daughter, a young woman in her late teens who cooks and tolerates no malarkey in the kitchen
And Sera, the resident bouncer. Sera is Seleventi and mostly keeps to herself up in the rafters. More information about her can be found here: Who's Who.

You may see other folks actually playing these characters, but they are fair game if you want to have your character order a drink and no one seems to be playing the part of bartender. Want to know what's available fare in the tavern? Check out the Menu and the Drink List.

Lastly, please respect your fellow players and the illusion being created here. Cooperate. Dice rolling is not allowed in the Crosswinds chat room itself. "Godmoding" and "Powergaming" will likely get your character ignored. Don't use Out-of-Character chat in the room, keep it to IMs and e-mail. Be kind to our eyes and do not use red fonts or fonts that are very small.

For more detailed information on any of these subjects, click on the links in the text and at the top of the page! If you're in the chat room and a Host is on duty, they'll be happy to answer any questions you have, too.