The Godfall is not well understood. The events that led to the cataclysm, and even its true nature are shrouded in mystery. Perhaps those in the best position to know are the Clerics of the Order of Aristei, the last surviving god, but they are not known for their openness.

Before the Godfall, Aristei was the goddess of retribution, and relatively low in the hierarchy of the pantheon. She is known colloquially as the “Hanging Judge”, and depictions of her would often have her holding a noose or wearing an executioners hood. Since the collapse of society, her Clerics have become the dominant force in human affairs. It is no longer permitted to speak her name, or to represent her directly in artwork.

High ranking Clerics are assigned the title of Justiciar, and the High Justiciar is considered the embodiment of Aristei’s will and is the de facto ruler of all surviving human settlements. On a practical level, the worship of Aristei is unavoidable unless one has access to spiritual protection through other, heretical means. The Order also maintains a near-monopoly on the power of resurrection, which grants them tremendous political sway.

From their congregation, they demand a heavy toll in blood and gold. But the Clerics of Aristei, the Hanging Judge, represent the sole remaining power standing between humanity and extinction.