Description
[D]
Dwolbaûr
Founded many thousands of years ago, the great kingdom of the Dark Elves, Dwolbaûr is a marvel of ingenuity and a sight very few know about, and even fewer have witnessed. It reaches for many miles below the surface of Varnon, deep beneath ancient mountains and all the way to the edge of the sea. If there is one thing that could be said with certainty about this nation, it would be that it is immensely wealthy. Large and abundant veins of gold and silver, caverns of precious gems, and mountains of ores. Yet very little of it ever leaves the subterranean expanses, sitting forever in great vaults and built into the mighty cities themselves. Generally, the kingdom has professed neutrality in any cases where it has actually been contacted on the subject of wars. They feel no ties to the other elves, and their chief desire is perhaps to be left alone. Whether it will ever become more active in the lives of the races on the surface is a mystery, though for now it certainly does not seem to be a likely possibility.
[K]
Kreddok
Kreddok, formally the Kreddok Trade Order, is one of Khassus' richest and most powerful nations. Founded seven hundred sixty four years ago with the uniting of nine smaller powers, Kreddok experienced its first major economic expansion during the height of Rexia's power. Since the Empire's fall, this state's prosperity has only continued to bloom. Among the four major merchant states - the other three being Nàsk, Bola and Marlane - Kreddok is the second strongest, usurped only by Nàsk. Among the gigam, "trade" refers not only to the importing and exporting of goods, but more specifically means "tradesmen", and the gigam certainly are. Their society, and government by extension, is made up of great Castes devoted to specific fields. Carpentry, metallurgy, farming, cooking, alchemy, jeweling, masonry, war and law to name a few. Each Caste is divided into Guilds, which represent anything from opposing businesses to competing methodologies. The military itself is the Warrior Caste, with Guilds as the different branches: Army, Merchant Guard, Navy and Peacekeepers. Castes are governed by Grand Masters, and the greatest Grand Masters are elected as Exemplars to serve on the Exemplary Board. The youngest Caste is the Diplomatic Caste. Members are groomed to be impartial, study foreign law and culture, and are trained in political strategy. Masters are deployed as ambassadors, while novices and journeymen work as aids. With the high quality of their goods, Kreddok is a major exporter, rarely importing anything more than extra raw materials and things they either can not make or do not have access to. As Kreddok is landlocked, their only methods of shipping are through roads and rivers, which puts them at a disadvantage to states such as Nàsk who have easy access to major waterways and far flung ports. Nonetheless, Kreddok has managed to thrive.
[N]
Nàsk
Nàsk is a nation built upon the ruins of a dead empire. Once, the capital that is now Caleyet served as the seat of concentrated human resistance against the forces of Rexia. That city is gone, now. Sacked and burned by the elves during the course of the war. This new nation's name comes from the Great Lake upon whose shore it's been built. Of the states of Nyscus, Nàsk is the largest. Ruled by a Queen served by a council of Arbiters, this coastal kingdom controls not only the mouth of the river Anneissy- a very important trade route- but is also the de facto ruler of the port city Saridur and a number of other territories. All gained via their considerable martial, political and mercantile powers. Their capital stands as one of the grandest in the world, and is home to a huge natural harbor named Dragon's Mouth. The kingdom's sheer wealth is immense, and when coupled with the might of their navy, the strength of their army and the bearing of their leaders it is easy to see why Nàsk is known the world over. Many say that the kingdom is on the cusp of a new era, though the nature of this is a mystery. What is clear, however, is that they are consolidating their power in as many fields as they can reach. This has become a point of worry for many nearby nations.
Nexus
Not quite a nation, but a large webwork interconnected by strings of trade, competition and - most importantly - race. When the name Nexus is spoken, it refers to the extensive diaspora that the Brood have formed. The Nexus consists of strongholds: huge citadels surrounded by walled in urban areas, devoted to their gods, the Dragons, and the defense of their largely shunned species. Each stronghold is ruled by a Master, who earns their place by competing with and killing their predecessor in battle. Even though the Brood attest that they are a single body, as the name "Nexus" might suggest, each stronghold is ruled wholly independently of each other. Despite their aggressive tendencies, the Brood hold no ill will for other races. Nexus soldiers are popular mercenaries, and their trade routes are among the safest in the corners of the world they inhabit. Visitors are welcome, but closely watched: they are forewarned that even the slightest perceived threat or criminal action could very well result in their arrest or summary execution.
[R]
Rexia
Once one of the largest kingdoms in all of Varnon, the Empire of Rexia was founded nearly five thousand years ago by the high elf Rael'narr Rex'ial, and grew almost unchecked until about five hundred years ago, when it was defeated by the combined might of many human nations. At it's peak, Rexia covered nearly half of all of Varnon, but these days, it is far smaller. Now one of the smallest nations around, Rexia is ruled by Keia'thul Rex'ial, the great, great, great grandaughter of Rael'narr, and typically stays out of the politics of other nations, preferring instead to remain isolated. Travel in and out of Rexia is limited, and outsiders must wear an identifying badge. In addition, outsiders are not permitted within the capital walls except by order of the empress. Rexia is largely self-reliant, though they do trade with a few other nations, but militarily and economically, they are behind many nations. Most outsiders know Rexia for only one thing; the Pax Alma, an order of mage-knights known for both their martial and magical skill, though their numbers are few these days.
[S]
Svariz
The city-state of Svariz has been ruled over by the Zyakala family ever since Zakara Black Scale overthrew the previous Urari family over 600 years ago. While they were in complete control of the entirety of the Beastlands, as well as a good portion of foreign land, only a few decades ago, they've since been forced back to their origin, leaving them as just the wealthiest of the Naran city-states, owing their wealth to a combination of trade connections from Nàsk to what remains of the Rexian Empire and a generous series of gold mines. The current ruler is Hrdaya, daughter of Hrdeja, who has been proving herself to be every bit as powerful and cunning as those who came before. Since taking control from her mother nine years ago, she has been amassing an arsenal of thunderstones as well as building up her army, giving her neighbors cause for great amounts of worry. Within a matter of days she will launch an attack upon the disrespectful city of Hyezu, and plans to take it before their allies are able to come to their aid.
[T]
Thæthes
The first, and oldest, nation on Khassus is the inhospitable immolation known as Thæthes. The land is dotted with pools of lava, magma geysers and active volcanoes; the solid ground burns hot under your feet, the sky is blotted out by ash and the air is choked with toxic fumes. Everywhere there are gargantuan cities of metal, horrid furnaces and legions of lizardmen. Had the geirkin their way, all of Khassus would look as such. For countless millennia Thæthes has existed, outlasting a myriad of races and entire civilizations. Always watching. Always waiting. The geir, being forbidden from expanding by the gods, have held this place since their dawning, observing the younger, weaker species with vindictive eyes. Only a very few have tried to take their home from them. They met early ends for their trouble. There is no interest in trade, no need for diplomacy. No interest in any meaningful interaction with the world beyond. Thæthes is a lingering, lasting presence- ancient, terrible and nightmarishly powerful. It is said that the deepest levels of this place holds vaults of lodestones, denying the tenderfeet these potential weapons. Unable to contest the gods, or claim the planet as they desire, nobody knows Thæthes' current intentions. Their government, however, is no secret. The geir are ruled by an Overseer: sovereign of the army, the temple and the state who holds absolute authority over all matters. How this position is obtained is hidden from outsiders.
Dwolbaûr
Founded many thousands of years ago, the great kingdom of the Dark Elves, Dwolbaûr is a marvel of ingenuity and a sight very few know about, and even fewer have witnessed. It reaches for many miles below the surface of Varnon, deep beneath ancient mountains and all the way to the edge of the sea. If there is one thing that could be said with certainty about this nation, it would be that it is immensely wealthy. Large and abundant veins of gold and silver, caverns of precious gems, and mountains of ores. Yet very little of it ever leaves the subterranean expanses, sitting forever in great vaults and built into the mighty cities themselves. Generally, the kingdom has professed neutrality in any cases where it has actually been contacted on the subject of wars. They feel no ties to the other elves, and their chief desire is perhaps to be left alone. Whether it will ever become more active in the lives of the races on the surface is a mystery, though for now it certainly does not seem to be a likely possibility.
[K]
Kreddok
Kreddok, formally the Kreddok Trade Order, is one of Khassus' richest and most powerful nations. Founded seven hundred sixty four years ago with the uniting of nine smaller powers, Kreddok experienced its first major economic expansion during the height of Rexia's power. Since the Empire's fall, this state's prosperity has only continued to bloom. Among the four major merchant states - the other three being Nàsk, Bola and Marlane - Kreddok is the second strongest, usurped only by Nàsk. Among the gigam, "trade" refers not only to the importing and exporting of goods, but more specifically means "tradesmen", and the gigam certainly are. Their society, and government by extension, is made up of great Castes devoted to specific fields. Carpentry, metallurgy, farming, cooking, alchemy, jeweling, masonry, war and law to name a few. Each Caste is divided into Guilds, which represent anything from opposing businesses to competing methodologies. The military itself is the Warrior Caste, with Guilds as the different branches: Army, Merchant Guard, Navy and Peacekeepers. Castes are governed by Grand Masters, and the greatest Grand Masters are elected as Exemplars to serve on the Exemplary Board. The youngest Caste is the Diplomatic Caste. Members are groomed to be impartial, study foreign law and culture, and are trained in political strategy. Masters are deployed as ambassadors, while novices and journeymen work as aids. With the high quality of their goods, Kreddok is a major exporter, rarely importing anything more than extra raw materials and things they either can not make or do not have access to. As Kreddok is landlocked, their only methods of shipping are through roads and rivers, which puts them at a disadvantage to states such as Nàsk who have easy access to major waterways and far flung ports. Nonetheless, Kreddok has managed to thrive.
[N]
Nàsk
Nàsk is a nation built upon the ruins of a dead empire. Once, the capital that is now Caleyet served as the seat of concentrated human resistance against the forces of Rexia. That city is gone, now. Sacked and burned by the elves during the course of the war. This new nation's name comes from the Great Lake upon whose shore it's been built. Of the states of Nyscus, Nàsk is the largest. Ruled by a Queen served by a council of Arbiters, this coastal kingdom controls not only the mouth of the river Anneissy- a very important trade route- but is also the de facto ruler of the port city Saridur and a number of other territories. All gained via their considerable martial, political and mercantile powers. Their capital stands as one of the grandest in the world, and is home to a huge natural harbor named Dragon's Mouth. The kingdom's sheer wealth is immense, and when coupled with the might of their navy, the strength of their army and the bearing of their leaders it is easy to see why Nàsk is known the world over. Many say that the kingdom is on the cusp of a new era, though the nature of this is a mystery. What is clear, however, is that they are consolidating their power in as many fields as they can reach. This has become a point of worry for many nearby nations.
Nexus
Not quite a nation, but a large webwork interconnected by strings of trade, competition and - most importantly - race. When the name Nexus is spoken, it refers to the extensive diaspora that the Brood have formed. The Nexus consists of strongholds: huge citadels surrounded by walled in urban areas, devoted to their gods, the Dragons, and the defense of their largely shunned species. Each stronghold is ruled by a Master, who earns their place by competing with and killing their predecessor in battle. Even though the Brood attest that they are a single body, as the name "Nexus" might suggest, each stronghold is ruled wholly independently of each other. Despite their aggressive tendencies, the Brood hold no ill will for other races. Nexus soldiers are popular mercenaries, and their trade routes are among the safest in the corners of the world they inhabit. Visitors are welcome, but closely watched: they are forewarned that even the slightest perceived threat or criminal action could very well result in their arrest or summary execution.
[R]
Rexia
Once one of the largest kingdoms in all of Varnon, the Empire of Rexia was founded nearly five thousand years ago by the high elf Rael'narr Rex'ial, and grew almost unchecked until about five hundred years ago, when it was defeated by the combined might of many human nations. At it's peak, Rexia covered nearly half of all of Varnon, but these days, it is far smaller. Now one of the smallest nations around, Rexia is ruled by Keia'thul Rex'ial, the great, great, great grandaughter of Rael'narr, and typically stays out of the politics of other nations, preferring instead to remain isolated. Travel in and out of Rexia is limited, and outsiders must wear an identifying badge. In addition, outsiders are not permitted within the capital walls except by order of the empress. Rexia is largely self-reliant, though they do trade with a few other nations, but militarily and economically, they are behind many nations. Most outsiders know Rexia for only one thing; the Pax Alma, an order of mage-knights known for both their martial and magical skill, though their numbers are few these days.
[S]
Svariz
The city-state of Svariz has been ruled over by the Zyakala family ever since Zakara Black Scale overthrew the previous Urari family over 600 years ago. While they were in complete control of the entirety of the Beastlands, as well as a good portion of foreign land, only a few decades ago, they've since been forced back to their origin, leaving them as just the wealthiest of the Naran city-states, owing their wealth to a combination of trade connections from Nàsk to what remains of the Rexian Empire and a generous series of gold mines. The current ruler is Hrdaya, daughter of Hrdeja, who has been proving herself to be every bit as powerful and cunning as those who came before. Since taking control from her mother nine years ago, she has been amassing an arsenal of thunderstones as well as building up her army, giving her neighbors cause for great amounts of worry. Within a matter of days she will launch an attack upon the disrespectful city of Hyezu, and plans to take it before their allies are able to come to their aid.
[T]
Thæthes
The first, and oldest, nation on Khassus is the inhospitable immolation known as Thæthes. The land is dotted with pools of lava, magma geysers and active volcanoes; the solid ground burns hot under your feet, the sky is blotted out by ash and the air is choked with toxic fumes. Everywhere there are gargantuan cities of metal, horrid furnaces and legions of lizardmen. Had the geirkin their way, all of Khassus would look as such. For countless millennia Thæthes has existed, outlasting a myriad of races and entire civilizations. Always watching. Always waiting. The geir, being forbidden from expanding by the gods, have held this place since their dawning, observing the younger, weaker species with vindictive eyes. Only a very few have tried to take their home from them. They met early ends for their trouble. There is no interest in trade, no need for diplomacy. No interest in any meaningful interaction with the world beyond. Thæthes is a lingering, lasting presence- ancient, terrible and nightmarishly powerful. It is said that the deepest levels of this place holds vaults of lodestones, denying the tenderfeet these potential weapons. Unable to contest the gods, or claim the planet as they desire, nobody knows Thæthes' current intentions. Their government, however, is no secret. The geir are ruled by an Overseer: sovereign of the army, the temple and the state who holds absolute authority over all matters. How this position is obtained is hidden from outsiders.