Basic World Overview

Chasms cut across the landscape, breaking the surface into “land islands” of all sizes. They range from a scant few hundred feet across to hundreds of miles wide. No one knows how deep the chasms are. The floors (if they have floors) are shrouded by mist, and no one who has ventured into the mist has returned alive.

Only creatures with the power of flight can cross the chasms. Many animals evolved some sort of flight mechanism or adapted to live in the sky. Those that did not remain isolated and further adapted for their highly specific ecosystem.

The Wild Winds is the region that is currently being developed by Larn. The people of the world often live in humble dwellings made of timber or brick. The general technology level is that of the 1700′s of our world: steam, coal, iron, some steel. Pegasus feathers have also become a useful commodity due to their lightweight but sturdy properties.

After The Cataclysm, mankind tamed the pegasus so they could cross the chasms. Those who fly pegasi are called “pilots”. Pilots herd other creatures and carry goods/messages across the chasms. They are the center of trading between the “islands”. It’s considered a dangerous job. Most pilots are courageous, rough, wild, daring, and highly talented. They consist of both men and women.

Over the years, pilots and craftsmen have developed specific gear and specialized saddles with which to ride pegasi. Most saddles are narrow in front to rest between the pegasus’ wings with a high cantle in the back. The pilot’s knees rest on the base of the wings (they look like how a jockey sits on a racehorse). Heel slings strap around the heel of the boot to hold the foot in place. Most of the pilot's weight in flight rests on the strap, rather than on the wings. Pilots don’t often use bridles. They rely on voice and leg commands to steer their pegasus. As for the pegasi themselves, there are 3 main classes:The Broadwing Peagsus is the workhorse of the world, and most pilots ride these. They are common, hardy, easy to feed, and trainable.

The Longwing Pegasus is a coastal breed, not as common nor as tough as the broadwing. They are very good at long-haul flights and are desireable by messenger pilots.

The Shortwing Pegasus is the draft horse of the world, large and steady, but unable to fly for any meaningful distance. Shortwings are often used by traders, farmers, and tinkers to pull carts, caravans, and ploughs.