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The World of Altaea
Altaea has entered a period of rennaisance, it is a time of exploration and experimentation inthe fledgling sciences. Magic exists but is very rare for the most part and overtly supernatural forces are largely unknown and thought of as myths by most people. In this time the opportunity is ripe for the brave and the daring to make their names. It is a time that shall become know in legend as the Age of Discovery.
Nations:
Ea:
A fractured continent of small countries typically ruled by a feudal autocracy, though there are some exceptions. Largely consisting of grassland. They are similar in many respects such as religion, most countries in Ea maintain Erusian as their official religion, though many still practice other smaller religions without persecution many local beliefs have died out. Commoners tend to live in thatch and timber Tudor cottages in townships and rural areas. The law is generally traditional and similar to the justice system as we understand it. There is a noticeable class system, with the farmers and manual labourers begin considered the 'lower' classes, the shop keepers, artisans, tradesmen and service providers being the 'middle' classes and the merchants, nobles and businessmen the 'upper' classes.
Vectis:
Capitol: Altair
A small island country that. An army that strikes fear into the hearts of its enemies and a happy people make this a model for the entire western world. It is known the world over for the quality of its swordsmen, said to be peerless the world over.
The much loved king Richard Winsgate II rules with a gentle hand, though he nears the end of his days. In his better days he was a mighty hero who rose to his place on the throne by virtue of his great deeds. He wishes only for his daughter's happiness and the well-being of his people. Due to the lack of a male successor his beloved daughter, the strong willed and mighty Arelia is next in line for the throne. A fearsome warrior like her father she is peerless amongst the knights of Vectis. She may appear stern and cold at first but she has a kind heart and an indomitable will.
A verdant land with hills and plains, lush forests and great lakes and rivers. Beyond the marsh filled midlands lies the barren and icy north with its great mountains filled with untold mysteries. its architecture is simple and robust, with large stone fortresses and extravagant palaces for its royal family and nobles. Its cities are comprised mainly of small brick houses and tight, narrow cobbled streets.
Vectis's military is second to none in terms of its greatness, though it is small in size. its knights are said to be the greatest in the world. During the recent war with Salis, Vectis was led to victory by the mercenary band known as the White Storm and their charismatic and powerful leader, Vergil Armster.
Vorst:
Capitol: Averna
A powerful militaristic nation and a staunch ally of Vectis. It is a prosperous realm and highly influential with a formal, structured society. It is famous for its tradesmen and craftsmen. Most palaces are decorated with items produced at great expense by the craftsmen of Vorst.
The old and wise king Sigurd Von Drago VI is a pragmatic and strong ruler who governs with a firm and fair hand and is known for his jovial and approachable nature. His son William is a charismatic and ambitious prince with a great strategic mind whilst his daughter Luca is kind and gentle, if somewhat naive and unsuited for life as a royal. In recent years, the King has been in ill health and his son has began taking more responsibility within the court, his nationalistic attitude and aggressive conquest of land making him popular with the nobility.
Vorst itself is a land of plentiful forests and mainly flatland with very few mountains and lakes. its architecture consists of great gothic edifices and large, expansive cities with wide streets and even the poor are afforded large living spaces.
The military of Vorst is second only to Vectis, and the quality of its lance men is well known throughout the world.
Ivalis:
Capitol: Midia
A very influential country known as a centre for culture in the world, famous for its artists and poets. It maintains a lassies faire legal system, preferring not to meddle in the lives of its subjects unless necessary. Formerly at war with Vectis, their bitter rivalry continues to this day, though the two are on friendly, if shaky terms.
Ivalis is ruled by the seductive and ruthless queen Isabelle Villemonte I, a powerful witch. Her only child, princess Amelia has been married off to the king of Atla to ensure a political alliance.
It is a land of extensive hills with few forests or lakes. its temperate climate makes it a great producer of valuable food produce not found anywhere else. Specifically wines. its architecture consists of baroque castles and palaces with incredible, rich decorations.
Ivalis is home to the largest and most powerful navy in the known world, with a fleet of mighty ships capable of single-handedly decimating that of any other country. Due to this piracy has been almost eradicated in the area around Ivalis.
Vado:
Capitol: Argo
The seat of power for the Erusian church, Vado is ruled over by a papacy, with the leader of the church, the Primarch, as their ruler. It is a proud country and hugely influential. Vado is also a renown centre of learning, specifically in philosophy and history. Its law is based on an absolute adherence to the word of God as interpreted in its holy texts.
The current ruler of Vado is Primarch Leopold VIII, an authoritarian and conservative member of the church. He has little interest in politics and spends most of his time writing and discussing theology.
The landscape of Vado consists mainly of flatlands, with mountainous regions in the north, dotted with dense forests. its architecture is comprised of simple yet elegant geometric shapes and its whitewashed cities are arranged in tiers, forming man made mountains.
The military forces of Vado are the largest in the western world and only slightly short of that held by Sarife. However it maintains only a small navy, leaving itself susceptible to attack by sea. They have rallied many other Ean nations under their banner to lead a holy crusade upon the Sarife, occupying several major cities along the coast of the Sarife. This war is primarily political in nature, seeking to gain more land, though it is led under the guise of a religious crusade, seeking to purge the ‘heretic’s from the world in God’s name. Both sides are currently engaging in a cease fire whilst treaties are arranged, both sides having been driven to exhaustion after years of warfare. As a result there is an uneasy peace at the moment with both sides ‘cooperating’ in a way that is amicable on the surface but contains much deep seated hostility.
Salis:
Capitol: Usea
An economic super power where many live in squalor, trying to scratch out a living on the barren soil whilst a powerful ruling class live a life of luxury, creating a stark class divide where the potential for rebellion is ripe. The land of Salis is famous primarily for its doctors and architects, as it is a centre of learning in the arts and sciences. The laws of Salis are harsh and draconian, dealing minor and obscure infractions with serious punishments. It is a feudal republic, split into a number of warring city states which are currently in an uneasy peace with one another due to a series of treaties. These city states are ruled over by the aristocracy. It is a land in which only the rich have the vote and the richest families share power between themselves. Magicians are viewed with suspicion and fear, as a result magic is strictly regulated within the land of Salis, and it is a foolish mage who casts a spell in anger within its borders. In recent times, Salis had maintainted a mighty army and armada, and under the leadership of the Emperor and military genius Francis Vernarde was poised to conquer all of Ea, had it not been for the might of Vectis’ military and the mercenary band the White Storm.
The current ruler of Salis is a man by the name of Maximillion Rotiart. Rotiart is a wily man, a former merchant and skilled duellist he has used his considerable wealth and power as well as his criminal connections to establish a vast power base. Machiavellian and power hungry he keeps the ruling families in line by playing them off against each other in a series of cunning plots. He is self interested and scheming, never passing up the opportunity to make a quick profit.
The capitol city of Salis is divided into segments by a great network of rivers and lakes, with buildings sitting atop the islands, connected by a cobweb of bridges and walkways. its is rich in resources, leading to land owners becoming very wealthy. its architecture is extremely decadent in appearance and complex in nature thanks to recent technological advances.
Salis maintains a highly skilled force of hired mercenaries as its military, they are highly paid and motivated as well as flawlessly equipped and funded. A vast armada of mercenary ships is also at Salis' beck and call, making it a force to be reckoned with. The recent war with Vectis led to the Salisian armada, which had previously been the world’s strongest, being decimated and the economy being plunged into debt. The former Emperor, a military genius by the name of Francis Vernarde was presumed killed in the final battle of the war, quickly leading to the surrender of his forces.
Atla:
Capitol: Lambria
An extremely prosperous country and neutral in all respects in regards to politics. It is renown for its merchant class, who travel the world over to amass goods and sell them on at low prices, they are masters of bargaining and it is said that a deal made with a merchant of Atla is a guarantee of quality.
The current ruler of Atla is king Allan le Samira XIII, a high elf known for his great compassion. He is a man of simple tastes, preferring a quiet life to one of excitement. He dearly cherishes his son and wife, the young queen Amelia Villemonte III, though she has been gravely ill since birth with an incurable disease. As a result she has led a sheltered life and is rather innocent and unused to the world. His teenaged son, Prince James le Samira I is the product of the king’s first marriage, and is distant from his father.
The land of Atla is covered in dense forest, with only a few patches of fields around the major settlements, it has a small population relative to its size and many settlements are high up in the central mountains. The lush and beautiful land, coupled with the thick forest areas makes it popular with forest elves, who often emigrate to the country to set up home in the treetops there. As the average citizen of Atla is wealthy its settlements are utopian, with even the lowliest of dwellings resembling exquisite palaces, natural features are integrated into the architecture, vines wrap around aqua ducts and bridges whilst waterfalls cascade over huge public gardens creating the impression of heaven on earth.
As a peace loving country Atla maintains only a small unofficial volunteer force as its military.
Suitania:
Capitol: Leace
The birthplace of western civilization, Suitania was once a monolithic superpower in the ancient world, dominating over half the known world. Nowadays its glory has faded and its people have fallen upon hard times. The worlds only true democratic republic, Suitania still maintains an empress, remnants of its days as an empire. There is unrest between those who follow the empress and those who wish to abolish the monarchy entirely.
The current ruler of Suitania is empress Ilya Lutania II, at only nine years old the youngest of four sisters, she is gifted with the powers of a seer. She is cheerful and somewhat bratty, though wise beyond her years and with a keen insight into the hearts and minds of others. Her elder sisters Elendria and Katalina are twins and both carefree due to their lives of luxury and freedom from responsibility. Cassandra, the middle child of the family is extremely intelligent and also a powerful mage, though her powers are mostly beyond her control.
The current elected official is Chancellor Demius Arius Katran, a senator at the parliament in Suitania. A quick witted and learned young man he is a charismatic leader The son of a powerful senator and a good friend of the Lutania family since childhood it seems politics runs on his blood. That said he is somewhat clumsy in personal matters with a number of peculiar quirks and and a quiet, soft spoken intensity to his mannerisms that others find unnerving.
Also of note is General Atarius Gyuot, the young head of Suitania's military and something of a power hungry despot. With a cunning and intelligent mind he is a brilliant strategist, he is feared by his troops and displays a maniacal personality with delusions of godhood. He waits for a chance to depose the empress and impose his own rule through force. He is a terrifying combatant said to have slain an elephant single handed.
Atla is largely grassland, with hilly and mountainous regions to the north, dotted with temples to the old Gods built atop and into the mountains themselves. The worlds tallest mountain resides in Atla. In the east a volcanic region sits and to the south a cluster of large islands sits. its Grecian architecture is elegant yet simple, the remnants of its earliest days.
Atla's military is a large conscripted force headed by elite trained career soldiers.
Valania:
Capitol: Voltas
A cluster of small independent countries that has gathered under the banner of Valania, the true Valania is the eastern-most country, a land that in the past acted as the first line of defence against the invaders of the Sarife empire. It is now under Sarife occupation. There is a sharp contrast between the standard of living of the rich and poor, leading to deep seated resentment in those who lived under the rule of the previous king. There is much crime and homelessness due to lenient laws, the Chuda gypsies in particular are allowed to roam free from punishment. It is famous for its mastery of horsemanship and the quality of its horsemanship in the military. Its cavalry are without compare among the world.
The current ruler of Valania is governer Richter Einz IV, a vassal of the former king who pledged his allegiance to the emperor of Sarife in exchange for becoming steward of Valania. He is a Chuda gypsy and a noble man in his own right, though he has a deep, abiding hatred of the Rydars who oppressed his people for so long and of whom the former king was descended.
The next in line to the throne of Valania, prince Lucius Le Crosse I is currently captive of the emperor of Sarife, as is his younger brother Rothion. Their elder sister, Maria is the wife of Richter Einz. Lucius harbours a deep hatred of those who betrayed his family and a burning desire to reassert himself as rightful king. He possesses a ruthless and calculating nature and an animal cunning.
The landscape is mainly flatlands that slowly segues into desert in the east as the land borders Sarife territory. its architecture is spindly and gothic, with sinister looking spires.
As a province under the protection of the Sarife empire, Valania is afforded the full extent of the empires military and acts as its front lines.
Kronezwall:
The cursed nation of Kronezwall, long since abandoned by any sane inhabitants, its ruins lay empty following a devastating attack by the feared Crimson Knight and his armies only three years ago. An air of death hangs over Kronezwall, and rumour has it that dark clouds have hung over the land since that day. Most of its inhabitants were slain and those that pass by its borders claim to have caught glimpses of unspeakable monstrosities within its lands. Some say that the Crimson Knight, who carved a swathe of carnage and destruction through Ea, now sits on the throne of Kronezwall’s capital city. Others claim he still wanders the world, laying waste to entire nations in his bloodlust.
Ignir:
An expansive and largely desolate land whose western most area is sparsely populated by tribes of north men who continue to cling to their traditions in the face of the new era. They have not converted to the Erusian religion and continue to practice their own polytheistic beliefs. Their laws are decided by the elders of the tribes. The rest of Ignir is largely unexplored and contains many odd and horrific creatures in addition to strange and ancient ruins of incredible size and design.
The tribes of Ignir are mostly autonomous, with no single ruler.
A hilly land with great mountain ranges and vast internal seas with an icy wasteland to the north Ignir is a cruel and unforgiving place, comparable to the northern most reaches of Vectis. Its people live mainly in wooden shacks and wattle and daub huts, though they have also constructed large stone halls for housing them during winter.
Due to the tribal nature of the north men there is no organised military so to speak. Anyone able to fight is given the means to do so, including women, children and the elderly.
The Unclaimed Lands:
A large ungoverned land within central Ea. It is sparsely populated with towns, villages and cities that are self governing. It is also home to the worlds only known halfling population as well as The Rift. It also houses the city of Ighgard to the north, a frontier city that borders Ignir, holding back the strange and untold creatures to the north. Ighgard maintains a vast wall between the coast and the mountains that cuts off Ignir from the rest of Ea.
Palse:
Capitol: Remas
Once the border of Sharn, Palse declared itself independent following the war 50 years ago. Tensions are running high and rumours are rife that a revolution is imminent.
Palse is ruled by prince William Shael. A young and inexperienced leader he has recently been thrust into power following the assassination of his parents.
Palse is a pacifist state, though it has a proud military tradition and many countries send their soldiers to its academies to learn strategy and tactics.
Arnia:
Capitol: Shiras
A rural country populated primarily by farmers. It is a peaceful country with few cities, with most of its area taken up by crop fields and forests.
It is ruled by a number of ministers and nobles in preparation for princess Arietta Francios‘ ascension to the throne as the only remaining member of the royal family.
Arnia has only a small, weak military force.
Sharn:
Capitol: Zeigsturhl
A mostly barren wasteland of blasted rock surrounding a harsh wilderness. Following the war 50 years ago Sharn was driven back and its borderlands declared independence. Recent rumours suggest that Sharn has begun mobilising troops.
Sharn’s leader is Kain Ardren the descendant of a proud line of warrior kings who claims ancestry linking him to the first king of Vectis. A young ruler, he is known for his fair and kind rule, earning him the moniker Kain the just. However in recent years those close to the king have reported that he has become ruthless and twisted following his acquisition of a certain artefact, earning him the new title of Kain the Nemesis.
Sharn’s military is a conscripted force of fiercely loyal and nationalistic fighters who, following Kain’s descent into darkness have become brutal and murderous, fighting with a berserker’s zeal and lust for violence. They employ cruel and barbarous weaponry and tactics that can only be described as monstrous, often murdering non combatants to draw out their enemies and using captives as front line troops. Most frightening of all is that their numbers appear without end, despite the small landmass of Sharn.
Demos:
Capitol: Granin
A wretched and barren land of dark stone and cavernous valleys and canyons that score the earth, leading deep into its bowels. It lies on the edge of the Unclaimed lands and Ignir, leading into the lost continent. Due to its inhospitable nature and terrain there are currently no settlers, though it is thought that long in the distant past, before even the great empire of Sarife had emerged, a great civilisation stood.
Kurusha:
Kurusha is a vast sand desert with few arable areas, its landmass is roughly equal to that of Ea. A gypsy tribe known as the Al Mayin are ruthlessly persecuted throughout the region, the Al Mayin are distinguished by their radiant golden skin and pupil less eyes. They are said to be carriers of mysterious powers and are thought to bring bad luck.
The Sarife empire:
Capitol: Orad
The home of Ahmenm, the only religion in the world to rival the Erusian church for size and the trading capitol of the world, acting as the gateway between the east and west. Formerly the Sarife empire stood in opposition to the Suitania empire before its collapse. It is famous for its horses, the highest quality breeds are bred from the wild runners on the plains. In a land where water is scarce and considered a commodity the capitol city, Orad is overflowing with vast public fountains and water features, a display of its wealth and power. Several of its coastal cities have been occupied by invading crusader forces from Ea, forcing an uneasy truce between Sarife and its enemies.
The current ruler of Sarife is king Anoush Arash Aryanpur I, a cruel and callous man much despised by his subjects.
His son, Prince Bahramesh Azad Aryanpur II is half Al Mayin, though due to his eyes not taking on the normal pupil less nature of the Al Mayin he is able to pass for a normal person. He is beloved by the people of Sarife who see him as a saviour, specifically the military, as he grew up as a mascot for the military forces, accompanying them from an early age. Some say he is the reincarnation of the first king of Sarife, king Bahramesh from whom he draws his name as the resemblance is uncanny. He is loved for his noble and honourable nature, though he is also known for his ruthlessness. He cares deeply for his people though he comes across as somewhat arrogant and selfish.
The king's daughter Princess Farah Lila Aryanpur I is a seer and half Al Mayin. She is blessed with miraculous powers and is kept disguised when she appears in public to prevent others from seeing her tell tale eyes. The official cover story is that she is seriously ill and must be covered with a veil at all times due to a skin condition.
Occupying the rocky deserts of Dumah in the north, Sarife is surrounded by sand dunes with a few oasis areas. A large central river springs from the main city of Orad and flows west to the sea. Architecture in Sarife is simple, with small, squat sand stone buildings and rectangular apartment buildings. The temples and palaces are more elaborate, with exquisite marble and ornate sandstone masonry.
Sarife possesses a tremendous military, the largest in the known world by some margin. They are highly trained and well equipped. It's archers are on par with those of Vectis. its military might also extends to a colossal navy rivalling that of Ivalis.
Kishar:
Capitol: Monpur
A rich and culturally diverse country that is shrouded in mystery. It maintains a strict caste system and independent religion native to the region. It is rather insular, with a highly structured society. It is famous for the quality of its metal work and weapons, it is said that the smiths of Kishar have devised a way to make their swords nearly unbreakable. its laws are severe, dictated by the religious texts.
The current ruler of Kishar is Sultan Shashee Dasari, a foolish but good natured man who is believed by many under his rule as being a simpleton. He maintains his throne primarily as a puppet of his vizier, who rules the land from behind the scenes.
His adopted son Hassim Dasari is a charming, loyal and brave young man who would sacrifice his life for his country or father without hesitation, though he is somewhat naive and easily manipulated. He does have a tendency towards stubbornness, however.
Kishar sits to the east of Kurusha and consists of barren sand dunes and a few oasis areas. its main water source is a river that springs from the mountains. its architecture is typical of Kurushan kingdoms, being rectangular sandstone buildings and extravagant palaces.
Kishar is defended by a dedicated caste of soldiers trained from birth. It employs only a small navy.
Abyssia:
Capitol: Ardjet
Amidst the scorching desert and ancient ruins of its long forgotten past the nation of Abyssia thrives, maintaining its power and wealth even in the new age. Thought to be the second oldest civilisation in the world its people worship their rulers as part of a pantheon of gods and their word is absolute. There is a large slave population and the priests of its native religion are considered higher than nobility. The law is harsh and follows the old maxim of an eye for an eye. It is famous for its architecture, with structures of incredible magnitude littering the landscape.
The current ruler of Abyssia is Pharaoh Akhom Awi I, a just man with an iron clad code of honour and a love of battle. Following countless generations of war and genocide amongst Abyssia and its neighbours he seeks to usher in a new era of peace through diplomacy, though these efforts have been met with opposition from the priestly caste. His son, the ambitious prince Khenti Awi II desires his chance to prove himself a worthy leader, and is being subtly influenced to usurp his father‘s throne by those who ish for a return to Abyssia‘s imperialistic agenda.
Situated in the midst of the sand dunes a great river runs through the land of Abyssia from a canon in the north. its architecture is fascinating and extremely impressive, from gigantic pyramids to honour the dead pharaohs to awe inspiring temples and royal palaces.
The army of Abyssia are famous for their charioteers and seige weaponry. Their navy is small, containing fast, manoeuvrable ships suited for battle in the great river.
Alatah:
The kingdom created by the mercenary king Azan. Extremely small it contains only one major city and a handful of small towns and villages. It is famous for the training of its mercenary soldiers and many other kingdoms send their troops to be trained there. Only twenty years old the city is one of the best defended in the world, thought to be impenetrable from the outside when its gates are closed. It is a haven for political refugees.
The ruler of Alatah is king Azan I, the liberated gladiator and slave who built his own kingdom from the ground up, a warrior of unparalleled skill he is a just and noble man who has done much to ease relations between foreign powers throughout the years.
Alatah sits on the north west coast of Kurusha, amidst dunes and desert plains in a large mountainous region known as hell’s mouth due to its harsh volcanic climate. The main city Akkada is supported by an underground reservoir. its architecture is utilitarian and sturdy, built to last and maintain unbreakable defences throughout.
its military is large and well trained, with sections ready to deploy to any corner of the globe.
Palas:
A small kingdom which has recently been occupied by the Sarife military. The royal family have been slain, with only the youngest son, Lain, remaining in exile with a few of his father’s loyal soldiers. He now travels, trying to gain support for his cause in the hope of reclaiming his homeland.
The land of Palas was formerly a pacifist nation, maintaining a medium sized military that, due to the country’s peaceful stance has not seen use in over five generations.
Askara:
Capitol: Krakea
Hundreds of tribes exist dotted around the harsh landscape of the southern most tip of the continent. its borders are nebulous, ever changing as the tribes move and conflicts come and go. its people are famous for producing shamans.
The largest and most established of the tribes is headed by the great shaman Kamaria Jwahir Afra, a woman who even at the age of 100 maintains a youthful appearance and is said to be immortal. She carries the wisdom of the ages and the knowledge of the spirit world, though she often imparts it in cryptic remarks and riddles.
The southern regions of Kurusha are enshrouded in thick jungles and wide plains of savannah with rocky desert plains. The tribes do not have a specific style of architecture, though they generally employ simple mud huts and tents.
They have no military as such and tend to employ whatever able bodied forces they can muster when needed.
The Land of the Dead (The Dead Dunes):
Long ago the land of the dead was part of Abyssia’s empire. However after the revolt of its chief priests to the god of the dead and the void, Ishtar, the land fell. The priests found a way to become immortal by embracing a living death, becoming the lich kings of the east. Now it is a desolate and uninhabited land, those who set foot there never return. Most regard the idea of liches and the like as superstition and myth, few know the truth. The lich kings retain command over a mighty kingdom of the dead amongst the ruined pyramids and temples. They frequently kidnap villagers from the surrounding area to act as sacrifices to Ishtar.
The greatest of the Lich Kings, and de facto leader, Vahl, the King of the Dead (or, the Skull King as some have called him). Vahl is quite possibly the most fearsome sorcerer on the face of the world. It is said that all who gaze upon him are transfixed in terror and that his power is on par with that of the Gods. He appears as a skeleton swathed in tattered black burial shroud and bearing the golden finery and crown of a king. His dark aura is such that everything he touches decays, immediately turning to dust. In fact, anything within several feet of his body withers and dies as though aging rapidly.
Ashura:
Nijhon:
Capitol: Amahabara
An isolated nation that clings to its traditions and highly structured social hierarchy and values. After numerous conflicts with its neighbours spanning centuries Nijhon has recently closed its doors to outsiders and turned its gaze inwards. Nijhon is splintered into several islands governed by the enigmatic holy emperor, a being believed to be descended from the gods themselves. It is prosperous, with good living standards for all and is famous for its highly extensive and developed martial arts systems.
The previous holy emperor, Kensuke Minamoto, was a gentle yet strong ruler demeanour. His recent death from illness has led to the shogun, Hisoka Yamamoto to take control of the nation until his son can take his place.
The emperor’s young son, Kotaro, is impetuous and immature. He is a good person but often acts without thinking, coming to be known as an impulsive and irrational troublemaker. Kotaro is currently being raised with his sisters by a close personal friend of Kensuke’s.
The eldest of the emperor’s children, Konoka is a strong willed and independent girl with a level head and strong moral sense. Despite being the eldest of Kensuke’s children, as a daughter, Konoka is expected to enter into a political marriage, most likely to the Shogun’s own son. Because of this she feels conflicted about doing what is best for her people and pursuing her own desires and dreams of seeing the world.
The youngest of the family, Sayo is a typical girl of her age with no particular aspirations.
The geography of Nijhon is awkward, with a large mountainous region along the centre and large amounts of forests and jungles there is little arable land. its architecture consists of elegantly styled pagodas and spacious houses. These buildings are generally constructed of the usual paper and wood, a resource found in abundance on the island nation.
The military of Nijhon is small but highly trained, with many capable swordsmen. They are led by a ruling class of samurai, highly trained warriors who embrace warfare in its entirety.
Sheng:
Capitol: Horai
In contrast to Nijhon, Sheng has taken to the forefront of international politics, its huge population making it an economic and military power to be feared. Ruled over by selected ministers from the 108 families who are in turn presided over by an absolute monarch. It is famous for its healing arts and medicines.
The current ruler of Sheng is Supreme Emperor Tian Chao Fu of the Fu dynasty. Chao is a wily and charismatic man with a way with people and a strong military background that has earnt him a fearsome reputation after his part in the successful overthrow of the previous Long dynasty.
Also of note is the spiritual leader of the Samistaran faith Jie Long, a young boy of great wisdom and integrity who has governed his people as a spiritual leader. He is believed to be the current physical incarnation of the Samistaran deity Samis and thus holds tremendous sway with the followers of the faith. He is currently held political prisoner by Tian Chao Fu.
With mountains to the north and west and seas to the south and east, Sheng is a rather remote region. Filled with plains and flatlands as well as numerous jungles and forests the easiest path to the outside world is by the western desert. Architecture is more flamboyant and decadent than that of Nijhon, with gold decorations and colourful embellishments. its cities are packed with narrow streets and cramped living areas.
Sheng employs an extremely large military force, though they are poorly equipped. its famous warrior monks also lend their skills to the government in times of need. However, due to the civil war that led to the fall of the Long dynasty only a small remnant still exist, those who betrayed the Long dynasty entered the service of the new emperor as his most loyal bodyguards while the few who survived the betrayal and remain loyal to the Long dynasty have fled into hiding, many escaping to far flung lands.
Sato:
Sato is a land in turmoil. its fractured people are engaged in a centuries old civil war and relations with Nijhon and Sheng are troubled at best. The three factions territories are constantly shifting and its people have become desperate, suffering in squalor.
The leader of the traditional Han dynasty, Lord Jin Han, is a man of simple tastes. A great strategist and loved by the military. He is wise and loves his country, being extremely patriotic to the point of xenophobia.
The leader of the reformist Sung dynasty, Lord Hwang Kyun, is a great politician, honourable and intelligent man beloved by the common man.
The leader of the third faction, the Sun clan, Lord Seung Kim Sun, is an enigmatic and mysterious man who has never been seen in public.
The landscape of Sato is hilly with lots of rivers and lakes, cut off from the world by a circle of mountains at its perimeter. its architecture is simple with mighty fortresses protecting the major cities and ramshackle housing for those outside who must suffer the conflict as armies clash over their small towns.
its military is small and weak, split between the warring factions. its spearmen are legendary.
Juon:
A small tribe of nomadic raiders, the Juon live a life of barbarism and hardship, living off the land and whatever they can salvage from the towns they raid. They frequently make attacks on the merchants who pass through their lands between Sheng and the outside world and have lately begun attacking settlements.
They are lead by Yan Wang, vilified by propaganda he is viewed as a cruel and vicious murderer where in reality he is actually a peace loving family man. He prefers to use fear to coerce his enemies into surrender and retreat, though he will not run from a fight if he deems it necessary to the survival of his people. Due to an upbringing in the Sheng noble families he was well aquainted with Jie Long’s father and surprisingly intelligent.
The people of the Juon tribe live in the western desert of Sheng and the mountains and southern plains of Sato, roaming as they wish. They have a great many hiding places and temporary settlements within these areas, allowing them to escape raids at a moments notice.
They have no military as such, anyone who can fight does so to contribute to the welfare of the tribe as a whole.
Amaketsu:
A grouping of small islands that lays between Sheng and Nijhon. Renown for being a lawless and violent region, Amaketsu has been known as the birthplace of martial arts in Nijhon, as the arts pass from the continent to mainland Nijhon through the islands, gradually evolving as they do so. A former penal colony, some of the outlying islands are still used for this purpose to this day. The islands are important primarily because they act as a trading post between Sheng and Nijhon as well as nations from other parts of the world. The territory is officially a part of Nijhon, though the extent of trade between the two nations and other countries has led to a distinctive mixture of cultures that gives Amaketsu a unique identity. Life on the Amaketsu islands is harsh, with many struggling to eke out a living on the meagre offerings of the land and sea. The streets of its main port, Ha Hsing, which lies on the largest island, are rife with crime and a thriving black market keeps the criminal underworld alive.
Xiian monks still live in the mountains of the Wudao region, their secretive practices kept hidden by the remote location.
Anea:
The cursed continent of Anea is a place of myth, thought by many not to exist. It is separated by impassable wild and stormy seas.
Arc:
Capitol: Anza
The dark kingdom of Arc. It is home to monstrous creatures and fearsome barbarians who pride themselves on being invincible in combat. So far Arc has made no aggressive moves and all attempts at diplomacy have failed. All outsiders are either killed or enslaved. its only law is survival of the fittest and the poor are enslaved by the strong, farming a meagre harvest from the barren land.
The current ‘ruler’ of Arc is the terrible Lord Raoh. Nothing else is known at this time other than he is a fighter beyond compare who fought his way up to the top, killing all in his path. He aims to unite the disparate factions of barbarian tribes under his banner through sheer force of might. If he succeeds it may well be the greatest military force the world has ever seen.
Arc is a desolate wasteland of dark stone, volcanic regions and mountains Great dunes of black sand lay to the midlands and an fields of ice to the north. The denizens of these lands fall into two categories, nomadic barbarian hordes and their prey, the aforementioned subsistence farmers who provide for them in return for ’protection’. Luckily for the outside world these tribes of killers are more focussed on squabbling over land and fighting each other to consider the possibility of lands beyond the shores of Arc.
To the south endless rainforests and jungles sprawl amongst the ruins of the old world, remnants of a civilisation far in advance of our own. Upon these ruins are built sinister cities with sharp, vicious looking spires. The living conditions in these cities range from terrible for the lower classes to lavish for those strong enough to elevate themselves to higher positions. However this ancient civilisation is now waning, its glory years long past. Its rulers live in decadent excess, grown fat from years of prosperity and its military has grown weak from centuries of peace.
its military consists of a vast force of highly trained fighters legendary for their fearsome nature. It is outnumbers even the mighty Sarife and Sheng forces combined.
Tyrun:
A small continent in the southern seas, Tyrun is splintered into numerous smaller territories and kingdoms. Hundreds of islands large and small encircle a large central landmass. Monarchs and governments struggle for dominance and there is little peace as alliances and treaties are forged and broken daily.
Free nations:
In addition to the established kingdoms of Altaea there exist numerous smaller ‘free nations’, countries under the rule of a species rather than a traditional government. They consist of only a single city, typically either isolated or walled to separate itself from the outside world. Outsiders of other species are often viewed with suspicion and distrust if not hatred.
The High Elves Republic:
A giant and remote landmass in the middle of the Vestran ocean. The highly secretive high elves have withdrawn from the outside world to this land, maintaining their seclusion amid the icy expanses shrouded in permanent mist. No outsider has seen the inside of the republic. The High Elves’ Republic is the pinnacle of their culture, a huge internal city contained within a gigantic tower that shoots up into the clouds above. its many tiers are lit by a network of solara crystals which work as solar batteries, storing daylight to be released later. its elegant, organic architecture is grown naturally from crystal formations.
Bastion:
Home of the dark elves. A complete reverse of the High Elves republic, the Bastion exists as a subterranean cave network, stretching out for miles in every direction. It is lit by a network of mirrors and solara crystals which redirect natural light from the surface to where it is needed. It is located on the border beneath the countries of Vorst and Ivalis.
Elfheim:
Home of the wood elves, Elfheim exists on an island in the middle of the vast southern ocean. A paradise island where the people live in complete harmony with nature its cities are nestled amongst the treetops and the trees themselves twist and contort to form the buildings.
Midgard:
The dwarves city carved into the living stone of the mountains of Ignir. Far from the rough hewn walls of Bastion’s caverns Midgard is mined with the utmost precision and care, its insides resembling the interior of a great castle.
Meridian:
The human free city nestled on the western coast of Vectis. A walled city with winding, narrow streets. its high rooftops, and great towers stand as a monument to the achievements of the human race.
Yonaguni:
The submerged city of the nymphs, it resides beneath the lake of tears in Vectis. It is a breathtaking sculpture of coloured glass that creates shimmering lights visible from the surface.
Other places of interest:
The Rift:
Located within the large no mans land area of Ea, the rift is a huge split, like a wound in the earth that leads down to uncharted depths. It may even lead to the centre of the world itself. Within its upper reaches there are networks of caves where vile and monstrous creatures live. Some, like the dark elves and the goblins, have taken root there, building cities deep in the complex cave systems, but even more monstrous beasts lay deeper.
Northwall:
A large free city on the border between the Unclaimed Lands of Ea and the unknown wilderness of Ignir. Spanning the gap between two mountains it blocks the main pass between the two lands, making it a popular trading post and waypoint for adventurers and explorers hoping to travel to the uncharted lands of Ignir.
Northwall encompasses a large eastern port that acts as the main trade route between Ashura and Ea by way of Salvador’s pass. Originally founded by the famous buccaneer Captain Arngrim Salvador, it is ruled by a council of elected officials from each of the guilds.
Lienover:
The free city of Lienover lays within the Unclaimed Lands and is known as the city of thieves, though that is something of a misnomer as it is haven to criminals of any kind. A largely lawless place with a vast seedy underbelly it is governed by the merchant Lance Mercione, a powerful crime boss known as the king of the underworld. its police force is corrupt and its citizens largely apathetic to the plights of others.
